Toxic Algae
Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.
There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has changed. Most of the algae is a species of diatom – slimy but harmless. The close-up below shows a rock that is mostly covered by the diatom species – it’s yellowy/green and bumpy in appearance. You can also see a couple of patches of Phormidium or toxic algae. In the other picture you can clearly see small patches of toxic algae (the dark brown/black patches) amongst large patches of diatom growth.
It’s safe to use the river, but please remain cautious if you are taking your dog down there and make sure they don’t eat anything suspicious (even a small amount of toxic algae can be lethal if they eat it).
On the western side of the region, there is a water quality warning in place for Porirua Harbour at the Rowing Club. The latest sample recorded high bacterial counts which means the site is currently unsafe for swimming. This may have been due to recent rain in the area – rainfall flushes contaminants from land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for at least two days after rainfall, even if a site generally has good water quality.
Don't forget to keep up-to-date with the latest water quality warnings by visiting our interactive water quality map at bit.ly...
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.9% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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