Flyover confirms planting benefits for Te Hoiere/Pelorus catchments

An aerial survey of Te Hoiere/Pelorus catchments after heavy rain in February has confirmed the benefits of planting and fencing.

Council Freshwater Scientist Peter Hamill and Te Hoiere Catchment Coordinator Aubrey Tai saw that the riparian protection of waterways, big or small, reduces risks of erosion and sediment loss.

“We noticed localised erosion along waterways with little or no protection while those that were fenced with established plantings mostly experienced minor damage. Even small restoration efforts had significant benefits, especially at the head of valleys,” Mr Hamill said.

Council Rivers and Drainage Engineering Manager Geoff Dick was also on board observing how river systems cope with flooding and identifying areas vulnerable to damage.

There were five rain events in Te Hoiere/Pelorus in early February.

Hydrologist Val Wadsworth said the 756mm recorded for the Tunakino is by far the highest February total in 40 years of rainfall measurement and five times the monthly average of 150mm. At the Rai Falls 527.5mm fell - four and a half times the monthly average of 118mm.