It is an opportunity for the community to learn about ongoing initiatives to restore the lakes by organizations and landowners in the O tu wharekai working group.
Some of the activity is easy to identify, such as the water quality monitoring stations floating in the lakes, and signs to improve visitor behavior in the area. But work is also being done in more remote areas, such as stream surveys, farm assessments, and assessments of mahinga kai/traditional sources of cultural health.
The event, on Saturday, February 25 at the lakeside on Mount Darchiac Drive from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is an opportunity for people to ask questions and talk to those directly involved in the projects.
Organized jointly by the O tu wharekai Working Group and the Ashburton Water Zone Committee, it includes displays, children’s activities and a wiener.
There will also be information on the significance of O tu wharekai to Nga i Tahu Wha nui – not only within their oral history, but also because it is both an important seasonal mahinga kai area and an important travel route between the settlements on the east coast of Te Waipounamu/South Island and those on Te Tai Poutini/West Coast.
Central South Island Fish & Game is planning a live fish show to showcase some of the species that live in the lakes, and our scientists will demonstrate the instruments used to measure the clarity and color of water. They will also share recent data on lake health.
While the adults are chatting, the kids can get started with bug hunting, an interactive water drain model and the very popular game ‘Tuna and Drains’.
Other displays will focus on biodiversity, conservation, aquatic pests, municipal requirements, visitor behavior in the area and much more!
The goal is to share information in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
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