Work to improve Lake Hood water quality ‘looking good’
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The first project to improve water flow into a popular Canterbury recreational lake is “looking good so far”.
A new channel to divert water from the existing Ashburton River intake channel to the Lake Hood extension has been completed, as the council works towards improving water quality.
Lake Hood, a made-made lake south of Ashburton, has been plagued by algal blooms in recent years.
Ashburton Ditrsict Council infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said a drone was sent up on Sunday and Monday to see how it was working.
“We had some water coming in from the river with some sediment in it so it was really useful to see how it was working.
“Initially, it looks like it’s doing slightly better than we expected.
“It is getting water down to the northwestern canals.
“So far it is looking good.”
The council is attempting to tackle the water quality issues after taking over the management of the lake earlier this year.
The council budgeted $250,000 for water quality improvements in the 2024-25 financial year and the new channel was the first project.
No extra water is being taken from the river.
It is water from the existing water-take consent being split between the new channel and the canal into the original lake at the northern-end beach.
The idea behind the secondary inlet is to help flush the canals on the western side of the lake, McCann said.
Now that it is up and running, it will be monitored to ensure the water is ending up where they want it, he said.
The new channel aims to improve water quality at Lake Hood, with the council committed to investing in long-term solutions, he said.
The council also wants to make improvements at the river intake and is continuing discussions with Environment Canterbury about river water.
The Lake Extension Trust Limited had previously managed the lake and surrounds for the council but since July 1.
Ashburton Contracting Limited has been managing the lake on a five-year contract.
A weed harvester was purchased for around $180,000 earlier this year and Ashburton Contracting Limited staff have been trained to drive it and are expected to start using it in October.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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