In term 3 of 2022, Whitebait Connection Coordinator Ray delivered a programme to Mangonui School. This programme was funded by Foundation North. As part of programme delivery the students went on a field trip to the Otanenui stream at the Taumarumaru Reserve for their stream investigation.
Here are the results of the investigation:
- Habitat Assessment: The students noticed that there was a good amount of shade over the stream and a good root system from native plants and trees holding the banks together.
- Temperature: 12-14 degrees celsius
- Conductivity: 130-150
- Clarity: 70-80cm
- pH: 7.5
- Macroinvertebrates: snail, shrimp, tail gill stonefly, woody-cased caddisfly, dragonfly larvae
- Fish: 3 banded kokopu were caught in the traps over night and one tuna was observed in a rock pool
Conclusions:
- Otanenui Stream is a taonga for the local community because of its historical significance being an old pa site so we should keep it in pristine condition.
- There were a good amount of sensitive macroinvertebrates and the presence of Banded kōkopu in the stream indicates good stream health. The test results were good overall indicating good water quality
Issues Observed:
- Having roads and housing nearby poses the threat of hazardous substances entering the stream and affecting all life within the stream.
- Being an easily accessible walking track there is the potential for litter to end up in the stream and then eventually making its way to the sea.
Action Projects
After the field investigation the students took action by creating videos with the aim of creating awareness of the issues their local freshwater ecosystems face