Success story

Piakoiti and Piakonui Stream Action Plan Advice

As a newly formed catchment group, they were concerned about the stability of the streambanks and overall water quality of Piakoti and Piakonui streams. Piakoti and Piakonui Catchment Group were also aware of existing monitoring data – owned by Lincoln Agritech and Waikato Regional Council – but this was not in an accessible or useful form for the group. The group requested A2E’s support in providing an initial review of existing catchment data, to form a basis for next steps improving freshwater outcomes.

Through A2E’s guidance, Roland Stenger (Lincoln Agritech) and Denise Knop (AgFirst) provided the catchment group with support. Roland’s role involved a review of the existing groundwater and surface water monitoring data, carrying out a site walkover to identify potential actions for freshwater quality improvement. Denise’s role (as farm advisor) was to support the design of on-farm actions and facilitate a workshop with Roland to present their findings and recommendations.

Astra Lee, catchment group representative was complimentary of A2E’s support.

“The farm walkover was a great day, and the initiative is something everyone sees as having a positive and practical influence among catchment groups.”

“Thank you to everyone for putting the first part of the process together, both behind the scenes and for those who came to the walkover in person.”

By the conclusion of this case, Roland and Denise’s presentation provided expert guidance for the catchment group, identifying how they could access and review catchment data, and inform their action plan for improving freshwater quality in the catchment.