It is always a nice time of year to be around the Tongariro River in spring. After what has been a mostly dry winter, in the last six weeks we have seen the river flow rate over 100 cubic meters per second (m3/Sec) on three occasions. The largest was at the start of September when the river briefly saw a peak 274m3/Sec. Following this decent flush, reports were quick to come through of outstanding fishing on the lower reaches, with excellent conditioned fish in high numbers.
The increased rainfall has had a noticeable effect on the lake level also. The years low level was 14th Aug at 356.046 meters above sea level (MASL), and subsequently has risen to 356.856 MASL today. This 80cm increase has been sharp and dramatic. Mercury Energy control the lake level between allowed minimum and maximum levels of 355.75 and 357.25 MASL. As alluded to in previous blogs, there is reason for debate around the lake levels and the Tongariro River flows and the sediment build up in the Tongariro. Between Genesis Energy on the river, and Mercury Energy on the lake- there is tension around how much of the necessary flushing the river for sediment clearing, is actually taking place.
Springtime also offers a good opportunity to observe how the river environment is faring. On the Tongariro the build up of willows continues with the spring flush. The two photos below were taken from the SH1 bridge and are good examples of willow infestation on both the left and right banks.
Willows are obviously an issue on the Tongariro River. The impact on the ecology are numerous as they transform both riparian and aquatic habitats.
So whose responsibility is it to monitor and control this type of infestation?
The answer is that it depends on what part of the river and whether or not the willow infestation creates issues around flood protection. Flood protection on the Tongariro is obviously primarily based on the protection of property and lives. This is the responsibility of the Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and its Annual Works Plan. The Annual Works Plan has been covered in previous blogs and is an ongoing focus for the Advocates For the Tongariro River (AFTR). It is, as they say, a work in progress- with the pun most definitely intended.
For more information on this, please refer : https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/08/adovcates-24-4/
The second responsibility at some level, falls on the Department of Conservation (DOC), as manager of the fishery. This is all about angler opportunity and is about the identification of places where access to the river enhances the angler experience. DOC have to pick and choose their battles so to speak. Where they do work on tracks and the cutting back of willows, it is very much appreciated. The true left bank of the Judges Pool is a very good example of DOC intervention, executed well.
Wilding Pines have been a focus for the AFTR since 2005. Our initial pilot program started with a $5000 grant from the Waikato Catchment Ecological Trust. Since then, the AFTR has secured funding to the tune of $70,000 and treated 7,000 odd trees on the DOC Estate. The AFTR also carry out ongoing treatment on re-growth and juvenile trees. This issue remains front and center for the AFTR the local DOC team.
Below is a photo from the pilot program in 2005, with William Kemp contracting to AFTR for the program execution after training from DOC.
The photo below was taken from the SH1 bridge and views to the cliff above on the true right bank.
DOC are taking the lead in this instance as the area has been a focus for attention over the last 12 months or so, and is part of the DOC Estate. The AFTR have a standing offer of funding to help supplement the DOC available funds when required. This type of partnership works well, especially for special interest issues like wilding pines.
Below is evidence of the work that has been previously, and the ongoing care and attention that is required on this issue.
At the AFTR, John Toogood has been the able lead on this issue over many years.
This work has been funded by AFTR memberships, donations and specific funding requests from various Trusts when required. If you would like to contribute to this ongoing project, please contact [email protected] . D
The below is from the AFTR Secretary, Eric Wilson.
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When we get our daughters dog, which seems to happen with increasing regularity, I take the 5km
walk from my home in Taupahi Road down to the State Highway 1 bridge, then the Tongariro River
Trail to the Major Jones bridge and home on the left side of the river.
I thank DoC for the upgrade of the river trail from the SH1 bridge to the lookout at the top of the zig zag. Excellent track renovation has been done.
Today I observed that the maintenance team have felled a number of the wilding pines at the Northern end of the TRT. A few more could come down after wading through the Blackberry as has been done.
I am well aware that dealing to wilding pines is like the proverbial Red Rag to a bull, but truth is that nation wide it is a significant problem, costing the country millions of dollars a year.
It was rewarding for our committee to have a visit from retiring Waitaki MP, Jacqui Deane, before the last election to ask how we managed. Jacqui was writing the policy for the National Party before retiring.”
And finally, a little fun from Gary Brown of the AFTR- Trout Caviar recipe
Put row in basin of warm water & remove eggs from skein. With your fingers-(you’ll never get all the eggs off the skein membrane)
Tip eggs into a colander & drain off water
Prepare a brine mixture of half cup sea salt in 2 cups cold water
Put eggs in brine solution for exactly 3 minutes-then drain off water in colander & tip eggs onto paper towel to get as dry as possible- you now have trout row caviar
Once prepared I tip some vodka or gin on the caviar (not essential)& again dry on paper towel
Only use glass or china containers etc- not metal
Pack caviar in glass jars- l now have plenty in the freezer
Evidence of success from Carl Bergstrom- AFTR Chair
