Hello,
The Council is doing a survey on the use of waterways in the greater Wellington region and as we use them, it would be great if we can fill it in.
Heres is what i was sent:
Rivers of high recreation and amenity value - survey
Whether you kayak the rapids of the Otaki River, or sit in your car enjoying the view of Lake Wairarapa, we want to know which waterways are important to you.
We are collecting information on the rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands in the Wellington region and what recreational and amenity value they have. We want to know who uses the rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands and for what purposes. And we want to understand how much the characteristics of the river, stream, lake or wetland affect people’s decisions to visit them to fish, swim and otherwise enjoy.
We plan to develop polices for managing high value rivers, stream, lakes and wetlands so that they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. These policies will be proposed in the regional policy statement for the Wellington region next year. If you would like to be kept informed of how we use the information from this survey, please tick the relevant box on the back page of Part A of the survey.
We realise that filling in surveys takes time, but the information in this survey will help us to develop policy for rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands that is based on the value the region’s community places on the water body.
The survey is composed of two parts - theh first asking general questions, the second on specific waterways.
Hannah and I have (well actauly all Hannah!), but if you have anything to add, that would be fantastic. This is what we have so far:
What water conditions (e.g. water quality, depth, flow, accessibility, etc) best suit your activity or use of the stream, river, lake or wetland?
Streams and rivers make better tramping travel in low flow, but are better for tubing and rafting (and are often more scenic!) in normal to high-normal flow. Because we get immersed in the water (and use it for drinking!), water quality is very important.
Have you learned anything about the environment around the streams, rivers, lakes or wetland areas through the organisation/activity you are involved in?
If yes, what are you more aware of now than you were before?
Trampers are very aware of water quality, also the amount of sediment and gravel in rivers (because it affects how straightforward the stream or river is for tramping), notice how many fish there are in the waterways, and how much algae (particularly if it makes the river slippery).
Those trampers with an interest in ecology and geology (not unusual, particularly at the University, where members are often students in natural sciences) probably notice more than others (for e.g. the Arts students).
Are there any other comments you would like to make (e.g. any rivers, streams, lakes or wetland areas you would like to visit/recreate in but can’t, or areas you think should be protected etc.)?
The second part is what I desperatly need help with! we need to fill out a survey for each waterway we use. As I am not at all familiar with the individual waterways yet, it would be great if you are familiar with one or two if you could fill out a survey on it.
Here are the questions:
Part B. Information about each stream, river, lake or wetland
Please fill out a separate sheet for each stream, river, lake or wetland used by your organisation
Name and location of the river, stream, lake or wetland used by your organisation
Do members of your organisation use the entire stream, river, lake or wetland?
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Yes |
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No (please describe the area you use) |
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How many people from your organisation use this stream, river, lake or wetland in any year?
(X relevant box)
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Less than 5 |
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5-10 |
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10-20 |
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20-50 |
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Over 50 |
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How often is the stream, river, lake or wetland used by members of your organisation (X the box(es) that apply)?
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Year round |
Summer |
Autumn |
Winter |
Spring |
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Daily |
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Daily |
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Daily |
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Daily |
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Daily |
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Weekends |
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Weekends |
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Weekends |
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Weekends |
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Weekends |
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2 or 3 days a week |
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2 or 3 days a week |
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2 or 3 days a week |
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2 or 3 days a week |
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2 or 3 days a week |
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Once a week |
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Once a week |
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Once a week |
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Once a week |
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Once a week |
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Monthly |
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Monthly |
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Monthly |
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Monthly |
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Monthly |
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Occasionally |
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Occasionally |
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Occasionally |
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Occasionally |
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Occasionally |
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Is this area used mainly by people who live locally?
If the river, stream, lake or wetland is used by people outside the local area, do they go there often?
What concerns do you and/or members of your organisation have for the management of this stream, river, lake or wetland?
In your opinion, what makes this stream, river, lake or wetland suitable for your activity?
Please X as many as you like.
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Good water quality |
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Secluded area |
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High water flows |
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Presence of trout |
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Low water flows |
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Presence of native fish |
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Deep water |
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Presence of trees and other plants |
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Shallow water |
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Presence of native plants and bush |
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Attractive scenery |
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Presence of birds |
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Close to public transport |
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Presence of native birds |
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Good public access |
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Feeling of natural environment |
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Good vehicle access |
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Good views |
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Popular area |
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Open space |
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Good vehicle security |
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Challenging environment |
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Good walking tracks |
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Not too challenging environment |
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Close to home |
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Good water cress |
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Safe area for kids |
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Picnic facilities |
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Toilet facilities |
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Other (please state) |
Is there anything that makes this river, stream, lake or wetland unsuitable for your activity (not necessarily all the time)?
Please X as many as you like.
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Poor water quality |
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Over developed |
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High water flow |
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Absence of trout |
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Low water flow |
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Absence of native fish |
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Deep water |
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Absence of trees and other plants |
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Shallow water |
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Absence of native plants and bush |
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Poor scenery |
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Absence of birds |
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Far from public transport |
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Absence of native birds |
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Poor public access |
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Feeling of natural environment |
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Poor vehicle access |
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Poor views |
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Popular area |
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Lack of open space |
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Poor vehicle security |
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Too much open space |
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Poor walking tracks |
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Challenging environment |
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Too far from home |
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Not too challenging environment |
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Not safe for kids |
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Lack of cleaning facilities for fishing equipment (e.g. to prevent Didymo spread) |
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Too much rubbish and litter |
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Lack of toilet facilities |
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Other (please state) |
If you can, please describe any other kinds of recreation you have noticed in this area.
If you have any other comments please make them here (e.g. any changes to the river, stream, lake or wetland - good or bad since you first visited it)
So if you could help put that would be fabulous! Send me an e-mail and I will send you a copy of the form to fill out.
Hope you all are enjoying the summer and swimming in those rivers!
Thanks!! :)
Terra