Kaituna River Re-Diversion Project:The proposal for the project will be presented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Project Manager Pim de Monchy.
Tauranga’s first Café Scientifique for 2014 will take place on Monday 10 February, with the focus on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Kaituna River Re-Diversion and Wetland Creation project.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Project Manager Pim de Monchy will present the proposal for re-diversion, and the associated assessment of environmental effects.
Since 1956 almost all the Kaituna River’s freshwater has been diverted out to sea at Te Tumu to protect the low-lying farmland from flooding and improve drainage. Unfortunately, the diversion had significant ecological effects on the Ongatoro/Maketū Estuary, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council intends to re-divert almost a quarter of the Kaituna River’s flow back into the estuary.
Restoring the mauri
The extra water is predicted to improve the estuary’s health and will restore some of the mauri of the area by allowing salt marsh and other wetlands to return. It will also create more suitable conditions for a range of shellfish and fish species and may reduce the rate at which sand fills in the estuary.
The Regional Council project team will take any feedback provided by Café Scientifique attendees and include it as part of the pre-consent consultation process.
Café Scientifique is a forum for discussing science issues, where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. The Café Scientifique series is organised by Julia and Warren Banks and supported by the University of Waikato. It aims to promote public engagement and make science accessible.
The next Café will take place on Monday 10 February, 6.30pm for 7.00pm start at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, 90 Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point, Tauranga. Entry is $5.00 and refreshments are provided. For more information please visit: www.waikato.ac.nz/go/cafescientifique or email [email protected]