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Taharoa Domain, Kai Iwi Lakes: Staff focus on education and monitoring lake conditions over summer. CR: Pahulu Aloua
- December 01, 2023
Further education and monitoring efforts to roll out for Taharoa Domain visitors
Education and monitoring will be the main focus to stop freshwater gold clams from establishing in Kaipara District’s Taharoa Domain and Kai Iwi Lakes.
At the November council meeting elected members considered a recommendation from the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee to temporarily close the boat ramp at Lake Taharoa. Motorised boats and jet skis are considered by Northland Regional Council to be the highest risk for gold clam transferring to the lakes.
After lengthy discussion, elected members noted the information provided by Northland Regional Council on the risk posed by gold clam and the current lake conditions, and agreed that KDC staff alongside Te Roroa and Northland Regional Council will continue education and monitoring efforts over summer, but that the boat ramp would remain open.
Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson said elected members sought a balance between the impact of closing the boat ramp and the risk to the lake.
“There are many tools in the toolbox to reduce the risk of the invasive clam getting into Taharoa Domain. At this time elected members have agreed education and monitoring remains the right way to go at this stage. We will keep monitoring the situation for any changes and change our approach if we need to.”
“We know that MPI is actively working on a response and we will be looking to them for support to help protect the wider Northland region.”
Hayley Worthington, Kaipara District Council General Manager for Customer Experience confirmed staff, alongside Te Roroa and Northland Regional Council, would continue to support regional monitoring and education efforts for visitors and campers as per the Biosecurity NZ national response and the regional council’s Clean, Check, Dry summer advocacy programme.
View the Council Meeting discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (3:15:58 minutes in).
About golden clam (information taken from Northland Regional Council report presented to council):
The freshwater gold clam was found in the Waikato River in May 2023 and poses a great threat to freshwater lakes and rivers in Northland. The clam has spread 100km down the Waikato River, between Lake Maraetai, near Mangakino and Hamilton City. A single clam can produce 400 juveniles a day under favourable conditions, with greater than 70,000 juveniles being produced per annum. Gold clam has been classified as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
To move or spread gold clam or water that may contain it is an offence under the Act.
Find out what you can do to help prevent gold clam: Freshwater gold clam - Pest control hub - Northland Regional Council (nrc.govt.nz)
- August 02, 2024
Two of Northland’s most iconic campgrounds at Kai Iwi Lakes could be under new management in 2025 if Kaipara District Council’s Request for Expressions of Interest bears fruit.
Read more- June 04, 2024
Taharoa Domain campgrounds may be under new management this summer after Kaipara District Council Elected Members agreed to seek Expressions of Interest for its operation.
Read moreOnline map shows latest slip repair details
- March 28, 2024
A new online mapping tool developed by Northland’s three district councils shows the latest repair plans for the remaining slips still affecting district roads following severe weather events that hit the region during 2022-23.
Read moreJanuary roading report
- February 29, 2024
January saw our teams commence routine spraying rounds, pavement repairs are full steam ahead and preseals and reseals are underway across the district.
Read moreSH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure - detour routes in place
- February 26, 2024
State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills is now closed for crucial recovery works. Detour routes through the Kaipara district are open and operating.
Read moreIt's Northland Time - campaign to promote Northland
- February 22, 2024
A nationwide campaign to promote Northland during the Brynderwyn Hills closure is just kicking off and will run throughout the period of the closure.
Read more- December 15, 2023
New facilities are on the cards for Pine Beach campground at Taharoa Domain.
Read more- December 14, 2023
It’s the busiest time of the year for Taharoa Domain – Kai Iwi Lakes, and we need you to help us look after this beautiful gem.
Read moreFunding approval for Kaipara tourism facilities
- September 26, 2023
Upgrading the Taharoa Domain day visitor toilet facilities, improving drainage in Mangawhai Community Park, and completing the award-winning Baylys Beach boardwalk are all on the cards for Kaipara District Council’s (KDC) work programme thanks to a cash injection from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).
Read more- September 22, 2023
With daylight savings upon us and sunny hours on the up across Te Tai Tokerau, visitors are also on the increase at Kai Iwi Lakes, Taharoa Domain.
Read moreKaipara's July roading report
- August 24, 2023
The rainy weather persisted through July, resulting in 949 new pothole reports. To tackle the pothole issue, we introduced an additional pothole truck to speed up repairs.
Read moreKaipara roading updates - Feb extreme weather events
- May 04, 2023
February’s extreme weather events have impacted roads across Kaipara. Our roading network has suffered significant long-lasting damage, and many issues will not be a simple fix.
Read moreCouncil agrees to maintain existing waste strategy in changing environment
- April 05, 2023
Council has pressed pause on any changes to Kaipara’s waste and recycling services while a new waste strategy from central Government is assessed.
Read moreMental health support is available
- February 22, 2023
After February's extreme weather events, you or someone you know, may be feeling upset, exhausted, overwhelmed or uncertain. You don’t have to manage this on your own, there are free resources available to support you during this time.
Read moreCyclone Gabrielle - Council Services
- February 16, 2023
A number of our staff have been diverted to emergency services relating to Cyclone Gabrielle. Council services will continue but some with limited capacity so please be patient. We will continue to keep you updated.
Read moreRoad conditions Friday 3 February 2023
- January 31, 2023
This article with be updated as information on Kaipara's roading network is available.
Read moreNew officers to raise awareness of sustainable freedom camping
- January 17, 2023
Kaipara communities will soon see officers regularly patrolling freedom camping hot spots, offering education and increasing awareness of proposed new national freedom camping rules.
Read more- December 15, 2022
Summer is here and so are all our visitors. It’s the busiest time of the year for the Taharoa Domain, and we need you to help us look after this beautiful gem.
Read moreLooking after Kaipara this summer
- December 14, 2022
Kaipara’s population is expected to explode during the summer break, with people enjoying the district’s beaches, lakes, and vibrant communities.
Read more- December 13, 2022
Security improvements at Taharoa Domain are now complete, enhancing the safety of campers, day trippers and Domain staff.
Read moreCouncil services during Christmas and New Year break
- December 05, 2022
Summer holidays are fast approaching! During this time critical Council services continue, with some changes due to staff availability.
Read moreHave your say on proposed speed changes for Pouto Peninsula and West Coast roads
- October 28, 2022
Consultation is now open on a proposal for new speed limits in Kaipara’s Poutō Peninsula and West Coast catchment areas. You now have until Monday 5 December to give your feedback.
Read more- September 30, 2022
You can soon give your feedback on proposed speed limits changes to Poutō Peninsula and West Coast roads.
Read more- September 21, 2022
A chainsaw course for Dargaville High School students saw wattle and other pest plants removed from Old Mt Wesley cemetery.
Read more- September 02, 2022
A new fees structure for Taharoa Domain was confirmed at Kaipara’s August Council Meeting.
Read more- May 24, 2021
The fungal disease Myrtle Rust has been discovered within the boundaries of the Taharoa Domain.
Read more- May 19, 2021
The Kaipara Kai Hub team have been in the news a lot recently with all their peanut trial mahi!
Read moreLake Taharoa clean up discovers lost treasures and rubbish
- April 15, 2021
A friendly reminder to take only photos and leave only footprints at the Taharoa Domain when exploring the wonderful jewel of Kaipara.
Read more