In the News, 2007

Date	News item	Source
29 Dec 2007	School's in for the summer as fishers snap up bonanza The snapper fishing around the upper North Island has been brilliant, with loads of school fish up to 4kg easy to catch at dawn and dusk... At Taupo, catch rates are high but the fish small and mostly spent. The size of trout being caught in the Tongariro fishery this year is down by around 4cm in length and 350g in weight but it's hoped the change is part of a natural cycle rather than a permanent decline...	NZ Herald
29 Dec 2007	Mother's water safety warning Rotoma mother Dawn Carter has a simple message for people taking to the waterways this summer - "respect the water". The Rotoma woman's family are still trying to come to terms with the death of Jason Carter, 22, who drowned while swimming at Lake Rotoma on December 22, 2002. So far this year 101 people have drowned in New Zealand... ...Jason, who is affectionately known as Jake, his twin brother Peter and their four siblings were not strangers to the water growing up on the shores of Lake Rotoma. "He loved the lake. He loved hunting, fishing, boating and swimming...	Daily Post, Rotorua
28 dec 2007	Editorial: Waikato now back on course There is much to commend in the agreement in principle for the settlement of Tainui's claims over the Waikato River which was published just before Christmas. Negotiated through the sometimes-controversial Office of Treaty Settlements, it is a well-balanced document which not only vindicates the tribe's claims arising from the past, but provides a workable prescription for the river's future...	NZ Herald
28 Dec 2007	Cause of Urewera hut fire unclear - police Police are playing down reports that two Japanese men died in a hut in Te Urewera National Park on Boxing Day as the result of an LPG bottle exploding. Detective Sergeant John Wilson of Rotorua CIB told Radio New Zealand scene examinations had been carried out yesterday and investigators would be "putting our heads together today to come up with some conclusions...	NZPA
28 Dec 2007	Parties agree more needs to be done to stop didymo Hunting and Fishing agrees more needs to be done to stop the spread of didymo. The Government's in the firing line for what the Federation of Freshwater Anglers believes are very inadequate biosecurity measures. Hunting and Fishing New Zealand spokesman Mike Davis wants more Biosecurity officials stationed at airports and ferry terminals. He says we have the best trout fishing in the world and thousands of anglers from overseas come each year to take advantage of it. Mr Davis says anglers tend to be blamed for the spread of didymo, and it's time all fresh water users are targeted.	TVNZ
28 Dec 2007	Rock snot hitches a ride on fishing gear Serious fly fishermen may remember 2007 as the year that the invasive species known as "rock snot" turned into a national problem. For at a least decade, nasty carpets of this algae have been fouling up pristine fishing streams in the western United States. Then, last summer, it turned up in fishing streams in several eastern states. .. Dresher says he has no doubt that this is how the rock snot blooms got spread around the country. He also suspects that sloppy fishermen helped carry rock snot diatoms to streams on the south island of New Zealand....	NPR, USA (National Publc Radio)
28 Dec 2007	Fishing guide and wealthy client die in bush blaze One of two men who died when fire engulfed their camping hut in the Urewera National Park was an expert trout guide who survived the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan. The men, found at the Pakiaka Hut late on Boxing Day, are both believed to be Japanese. One is thought to be Meadowbank resident Toshiya Babe, a fishing guide who emigrated to New Zealand to make a new life for himself in 1996, after the deadly Japanese quake that killed more than 5000 people and injured more than 26,000. The other victim is understood to be a wealthy client whom Mr Babe had taken by helicopter to the national park to catch trophy-sized trout...	NZ Herald
28 Dec 2007	Do more to stop didymo: anglers Anglers are calling for tougher measures, including ring-fencing of the world-class Taupo-Tongariro fishery, to stop the invasive algae didymo spreading from the South Island. "A clear Government policy that effectively ring-fences the North Island to protect the valuable freshwater resource is needed as soon as possible," Federation of Freshwater Anglers president Ian Rodger said yesterday....	Oamaru Mail
27 Dec 2007	Police investigate after bodies found in burnt DoC hut The helicopter pilot who found two bodies at a hut destroyed by fire in Te Urewera National Park says he believes they were Asian men on a fishing trip. The Lakelands Helicopters pilot, who did not wish to be named, had been sent to Parahaki Hut on the Waiau River for a scheduled pick-up of two fishermen when he found the hut burnt to the ground about 6pm yesterday...	NZ Herald
27 Dec 2007	Stronger measures essential to stop didymo The 'NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers (Inc)' are very concerned at what they consider very 'inadequate Biosecurity' measures both at international ports of entry and at domestic airports and ferry terminals (Cook Strait). Controls are needed to minimise the movement of DIDYMO through New Zealand - AND to stop other potentially damaging pest incursions that are waiting to cross our borders...	Opinion: NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers
27 Dec 2007	DoC runs out of new sites for campers Kaitoke beach on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Kenny Rodger No camps planned despite concerns for family-focused Kiwi tradition. The Department of Conservation says it has no specific sites chosen for new camp grounds in the coming year or the year after....	NZ Herald
24 Dec 2007	Alternatives to damming public rivers needed by Ian Rodger, President NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers New Zealand needs urgently to find alternatives to corporate power companies damming public rivers. The reality is New Zealand has a finite number of rivers and particularly free flowing unmodified ones. To continue exploiting free flowing rivers for private profit is incompatible with New Zealand's clean green image, so eagerly espoused by governments. It is simply hypocritical...	NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers: Press Release
24 Dec 2007	Summer didymo warning The weather may be perfect for boating on the lakes this summer but recent didymo scares mean Bay of Plenty lake users can’t afford to get complacent about cleaning and drying their gear Environment Bay of Plenty pest plant officer Richard Mallinson urges all water users to check, clean and dry any gear between waterways every single time. “This is not just a message for people in the South Island or from overseas,” says Richard Mallinson. “We don’t think didymo is in the North Island yet – but it could be – and we can’t take any chances.”	Environment Bay of Plenty: Press Release
22 Dec 2007	Didymo all-clear no reason to ease off, says council Taranaki's waterways have been given the official all-clear for didymo - but the Taranaki Regional Council says this is no cause for complacency. A total of 13 waterways around the region were tested for the organism by Biosecurity New Zealand, as part of a nationwide survey, and all proved negative for didymo. All North Island waterways tested were found to be clear...	Taranaki Daily News
21 Dec 2007	Kiwi’s urged to enjoy new DOC highlights this summer Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick is encouraging New Zealanders to get out and about to take advantage of the many new conservation highlights that are open for their first summer season. “... There are 1521 scenic reserves across the country, and 430 recreation reserves... We have also opened the largest conservation park in decades this year. The Hakatere conservation park in the Ashburton Lakes area covers 68,000 hectares of high country, mountains, lakes, streams and tussock... As well as its stunning natural beauty, this park offers kiwi families almost endless recreation, from water skiing, sailing, trout fishing and tramping..."	New Zealand Government: Press Release
20 Dec 2007	Rain means Molesworth road can now open The Department of Conservation says it now intends to open the Acheron Road through Molesworth Station to the public next week after considerable rainfall this week eased the fire risk in the area. DOC South Marlborough Area Manager Dave Hayes said although the road was now expected to open as scheduled on 28 December it might only be for a few weeks if the fire risk became high again. “Based on fire risk data and the long range weather forecast we expect we can keep the Acheron Road open until at least the middle of January. But we can’t be certain what the weather will do and how it will affect the fire risk. If the fire risk gets high again it is likely we would need to close the road... To check if the road is open, phone +64 3 572 9100	Department of Conservation: Press Release
20 Dec 2007	Fire danger extreme in ‘Great Southern Lands’ Extreme fire danger has prompted the Department of Conservation to place a total fire ban over conservation lands in the Great Southern Lands of Ashburton Lakes and Mackenzie Basin. The ban takes affect from Saturday 22 December until further notice on all public conservation lands... "These areas are well-used by people fishing, walking and mountain-biking; if a fire took off down a valley, it could pose a threat to life and property,”...	Department of Conservation: Press Release
20 Dec 2007	Canterbury DOC on didymo patrol this summer With a hot dry summer on the way, holidaymakers flocking to Canterbury rivers and lakes are likely to run into DOC didymo rangers. The didymo rangers will be patrolling waterways this summer to remind people to Check, Clean, Dry at all times to help prevent the spread of didymo. Didymo rangers like Leslie Jensen will be handing out spray bottles and providing advice on how to decontaminate gear properly for didymo...	Department of Conservation: Press Release
19 Dec 2007	From humble beginnings, BOW program takes flight Becoming an Outdoors-Woman got its start following a 1990 conference at UW-Stevens Point titled: "Breaking Down the Barriers to Participation of Women in Angling and Hunting" whichg examined why more women weren't participating in outdoor sports. People brainstormed the barriers, and came up with a list of 21 barriers, from a lack of clothing and equipment, to a perceived image that hunters are slobs," said Peggy Farrell, director of the International and Wisconsin BOW programs. "When it was all distilled out, many of the barriers related to a lack of educational opportunities. The question was, 'If we create an opportunity, would anyone want to do it?' " Farrell said... The program began in Wisconsin, and soon other states wanted to offer it. By 1993 four states offered BOW workshops and now it is offered in more than 40 states and five Canadian provinces, along with the New Zealand Department of Fish and Game...	The Capital Times, USA
17 Dec 2007	Solomon warns of didymo spread The Central Plains Water (CPW) scheme will increase the risk of didymo infection in the Waimakariri and Selwyn rivers, says Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon. The presence of didymo was confirmed in the upper Rangitata and Rakaia rivers on Tuesday after being found in the Rangitata Diversion Race last week. Solomon said the discoveries should send a warning to the CPW Trust that its planned development could lead to infection of further rivers, such as the Waimakariri and Selwyn.	The Press
17 Dec 2007	Waikato River's health key to accord A commitment to the Waikato River's health is the cornerstone of a Treaty of Waitangi accord between the Crown and Waikato-Tainui, Treaty Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen says. A milestone toward settlement of the Waikato River claim had been reached with the signing yesterday of an agreement in principle, at a special meeting of the tribal Parliament for Waikato-Tainui, Te Kauhanganui o Waikato, he said. Dr Cullen, for the Crown, and Waikato-Tainui negotiators Tukoroirangi Morgan and Lady Raiha Mahuta signed the agreement...	NZPA
17 Dec 2007	Becoming an outdoors woman In spring-fed waters and peaceful pine forests, Pam Marshall went fly-fishing but found paradise. "Fly-fishing is like being in heaven," says the 55-year-old Salem resident. "It's about the closest thing to God on Earth I think there is."... ... Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) teaches introductory hunting and shooting skills, fishing and other outdoor activities in a supportive and nonthreatening atmosphere. Started in 1991 at the University of Wisconsin, BOW now serves more than 20,000 women yearly. Weekend-long BOW workshops are held in 42 U.S. states and several provinces of Canada, and in New Zealand. For more information, see the New Zealand Fish & Game website.	Mail Tribune, Oregon, USA
17 Dec 2007	Spread warning not didymo This is what Marlborough's rivers could look like if just one person was to transfer a tiny cell of didymo into the water from an infected river, he explains. Mr Howard is one of two didymo educators heading up-river this summer to educate fishers, boaties, kayakers, swimmers, walkers, hunters - and anyone else he can find - on the "check, clean, dry" message to avoid further spread of the algae...	Marlborough Express
16 Dec 2007	Acland welcomes new walking access agency Walking Access Advisory Board Chair John Acland today welcomed the establishment of a new walking access agency as an important step forward in improving public access. “The Walking Access Advisory Board supports the establishment of this new Crown entity and the transfer of the provisions in the New Zealand Walkways Act 1990 to it”, Mr Acland said. “This new agency will help provide free, certain, enduring and practical access to New Zealand’s great outdoors. It will build on the excellent work of the Land Access Ministerial Reference Group and the Walking Access Consultation Panel. “It has taken some time to get to this point, but the consultations have given people from one end of New Zealand to the other the opportunity to contribute to the outcome. “I would like to personally thank the many people who attended the consultation meetings and made submissions. It is great that we are going forward with this concept which will benefit all New Zealanders.”	Walking Access Advisory Board
14 Dec 2007	Molesworth road not opening due to fire danger The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station will not open to the public as scheduled on 28 December due to the high fire risk in the area. The road will remain closed until further notice.... To check if the road is open, phone +64 3 572 9100.	Department of Conservation: Press Release
14 Dec 2007	Local man breaks New Zealand record Napa fly-fisherman Tim Jenkins recently caught a record-breaking rainbow trout while sight fishing in the Fiordland National Park in South New Zealand. He and his wife, Linda, were there to celebrate their 50th birthdays. On Thanksgiving day, accompanied by a local guide, Tim caught a 14-1/2 lb wild trout, measuring 34 inches in length... (Note: We assume this is meant to read 14.5 kg)	Napa Valley Register, USA
12 Dec 2007	South Island see didymo as more of a threat South Islanders see didymo as more of a threat than North Islanders, new research has found. The research was conducted by Neilson Research Group on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Biosecurity New Zealand. It involved interviews with 1500 freshwater users who entered multiple waterways more than four times a year. The research found that North Islanders (65 per cent) perceived didymo as less of a serious threat to their region than those living in the South Island (85 per cent)...	NZPA
11 Dec 2007	Didymo confirmed in upper Rangitata River and Rakaia River The invasive alga didymo has been detected at two sites upstream of the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) intake on the Rangitata River. The river was sampled after live didymo was confirmed in the RDR last week. The RDR runs between the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers. Samples were taken just above the RDR intake, in the Rangitata Gorge, and at Coal Creek. The RDR intake and Rangitata Gorge samples tested positive for didymo. The Coal Creek sample was negative. Samples were also taken from the Rakaia and Ashburton Rivers at their respective State Highway One bridges. The Rakaia River sample tested positive for didymo, while the Ashburton River sample tested negative.	Biosecurity New Zealand: Press Release
11 Dec 2007	New Zealand private fishing lodge for sale Montrose Estate is a private alpine valley of 643 acres, situated at the base of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, along 2 kilometres of glacial fed Rakaia River frontage. An exclusive retreat, abundant with unspoilt native forest, natural spring creeks and waterfalls, well established salmon and trout farm, breathtaking panoramic views - and completely accessible, with Christchurch International Airport only one hour’s drive away...	Taylored Concepts: Press Release
10 Dec 2007	Didymo draws reactions Rakaia River users must focus on keeping didymo out of salmon spawning grounds in the waterway’s upper reaches, say conservationists and those who live on the banks of the famous salmon fishing river. Didymo has been found in the Rangitata Diversion Race, which discharges into the Rakaia. Water samples taken this week were expected to confirm its presence. Rakaia River Holiday Park owner Robyn Jackson said the push was now to keep didymo from spreading into spawning grounds. If didymo became established there, it could seriously harm the salmon fishery. Regular floods in the main channels of the river should prevent large biomasses forming, but side streams could become clogged. “We are worried about the next couple of years,” Mrs Jackson said. Holiday park staff are constantly stressing the importance of didymo precautions to anglers and other river users, and would continue to do so...	Ashburton Guardian
8 Dec 2007	Good time to join salmon anglers' club The South Canterbury Salmon Anglers are holding a mystery weight salmon competition that's open to everyone. Just weigh your salmon (must be caught in the Opihi, Rangitata, or Orari rivers) at Bairds Motordrome (Temuka) or Bill Whipp (at Rangitata south side reserve), and be in to win. The competition runs from December 1 to January 31, 2008, and is divided into two classes. These are: Junior anglers (15 years and under), and senior anglers aged over 15 years. For South Canterbury Salmon Anglers Association members the entry fee is waived, and non members pay just $2 per fish weighed. With a number of salmon caught in November, and much good work being done at the McKinnons Creek salmon hatchery, it's probably a good time to look at joining the Salmon Anglers Club and supporting the important work they are doing for salmon anglers. Adult membership is just $25, and family membership is only $30. Junior membership (under 18 years) is $10.	The Timaru Herald
7 Dec 2007	Didymo found in Canty irrigation system The invasive algae didymo has been found in the Rangitata Diversion Race, the irrigation lifeblood of Mid-Canterbury. Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) Management Ltd manager John Young said didymo was now a fact of life, and irrigators would have to manage it. He said Waitaki irrigators had not found didymo to be a major problem. Young said the firm knew didymo would arrive. "It was just a question of when."...	The Press
7 Dec 2007	Didymo set to spread by irrigation network Didymo has been found in the Rangitata Diversion Race and will soon spread to the Rakaia, Ashburton and Hinds rivers. Biosecurity New Zealand said yesterday there was no point in shutting down the RDR as the algae could already be in the other rivers. The RDR takes Rangitata River water for power generation, stock water and irrigation, and discharges into the Ashburton, Rakaia and Hinds rivers....	The Timaru Herald
6 Dec 2007	Irrigation changes proposed to stop didymo Fish and Game New Zealand is calling for changes to irrigation practices in the South Island to stop the spread of the invasive algae didymo. MAF has confirmed didymo has been found in the Rangitata Diversion Race which discharges water into the Ashburton, Hinds and Rakaia Rivers. Fish and Game Environment Officer, Jason Holland, says those rivers were previously considered free of didymo, but as a result of Rangitata Diversion Race discharges it is virtually assured that didymo will now infect these rivers as well...	National Busines Review
6 Dec 2007	F&G calls for extra angler vigilance to slow didymo spread Salmon and trout anglers have been asked to be extra vigilant after the invasive algae didymo was yesterday confirmed in the Rangitata Diversion Race. Fish & Game New Zealand announced today. The Rangitata Diversion Race discharges water into the Ashburton, Hinds and Rakaia Rivers. “These rivers were previously considered free of didymo” said Fish & Game Environment Officer Jason Holland, “but as a result of RDR discharges, it is virtually assured that didymo will now infect these rivers too.” Fish & Game also expressed disappointment at MAF’s ongoing willingness to grant permits to irrigation companies to transport didymo...	Fish & Game: Press Release
5 Dec 2007	Didymo found in Rangitata Diversion Race The invasive algae didymo has been confirmed in the Rangitata Diversion Race, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand announced today. The algae was discovered by local Fish and Game representatives when carrying out routine work. A sample was taken and sent for testing, and later confirmed positive by microscopic identification...	MAF Press Release
4 Dec 2007	Invasive snails shut down Utah hatchery For the second time in less than a month, the state has shut down one of its 10 fish production hatcheries. The Loa Hatchery in south-central Utah and more than 100,000 trout have been placed under a temporary quarantine after the discovery of New Zealand mud snails in the concrete channels the fish are kept in while they grow, Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) officials announced Monday...	The Salt Lake Tribune, USA
4 Dec 2007	First acoustic fish fence installed New Zealand's first acoustic fish fence, designed to stop salmon smolt being lost in irrigation water, was installed and tested yesterday. At a cost of around $1 million the Rangitata Diversion Race Management Limited has installed the 58m bubble and sound system designed to discourage salmon and divert them into a bypass back to the Rangitata River...	The Timaru Herald
3 Dec 2007	"Check, Clean, Dry" campaign re-inforced The success of last summer's "Check, Clean, Dry" campaign can be attributed to the hard work and co-ordinated activity of the programme's contributing agencies, Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton said today. New research, conducted by The Nielsen Company, indicates increasing numbers of New Zealand fresh waterway users are checking, cleaning and drying their equipment to slow the spread of didymo and any other aquatic pests...	New Zealand Government: Press Release:
1 Dec 2007	Great lakes to love in New Zealand There is no shortage of fresh water in the Land of the Long White Cloud, as Shaun Hollis found when he explored more than 30 lakes across New Zealand in three weeks. WEEK 1: After touchdown in Auckland, the odyssey begins at Lake Rotorua, where the steam wafting up from the parklands nearby provides a surreal backdrop as you set off by road to discover the magic of beautiful NZ....	Adelaide Now
30 Nov 2007	New Zealand's fresh water in good shape Rural Report for Friday Federated Farmers says two new reports on water quality show that New Zealand's fresh water is in good shape. President Charlie Pedersen says one of the reports on lake water quality found that approximately 60 percent of New Zealand lakes are still likely to have excellent or very good water quality. The lakes include Wanaka, Te Anau, Tekapo, Rotoma, and Brunner. Mr Pedersen says water quality has improved substantially from 30 years ago when towns and farmers used waterways as dumping grounds. He says New Zealand farmers are doing their bit to improve water quality by fencing off waterways, riparian planting, nutrient budgeting, and adopting new farming techniques and technology. Mr Pederson says farmers are determined that they will further reduce their environmental impact, to ensure that quality overall is heading in the right direction.	Newstalk ZB
28 Nov 2007	Fishing guru and former teacher dies A Taranaki fishing guru is now fishing the celestial rivers and oceans. Noel Jack Baty died in New Plymouth on Monday, aged 91... Fishing was Mr Baty's passion from an early age.Growing up during the Depression, he would go fishing or hunting to provide food for his mother and four sisters. He enjoyed trout and boat fishing as well as surfcasting, representing New Zealand in the 1962 World Surfcasting Championships. For more than 40 years, he wrote fishing columns for The Daily News, The Taranaki Herald, NZ Rod & Rifle and the NZ Fishing News, among others. He also hosted a popular radio show and in 1993 published a book, Hooked On Fishing....	Taranaki Daily News
27 Nov 2007	Upper rivers at Taupo open to fishing on 1st December Summer trout fishing in the upper reaches of most rivers flowing into Lake Taupo starts again on the 1st December. These sections are closed over the winter months to allow trout to spawn undisturbed. Counts of fish over recent weeks by Department of Conservation staff indicate there are still plenty of trout in these stretches and anglers can expect some good action. However many of the fish have been there for quite some time over the spawning period and are no longer in the best of condition...	DOC: Pres Release
27 Nov 2007	The Summit must deliver: Fish & Game calls for collaborative leadership structure Fish & Game New Zealand compliments the Government for hosting the Primary Industries Summit in Christchurch Wednesday and Thursday 28/29 November. “Our primary industries are fundamental to New Zealand’s future, but poor practices and unmanaged growth in production from a finite natural resource base of land and water will collapse the production base our environmental capital”, said Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive of Fish & Game New Zealand. “The real challenge of the Summit will be to produce outcomes that will restore and maintain New Zealand’s clean and green brand, and make agriculture responsible for its adverse environmental effects...	Fish & Game: Press release
26 Nov 2007	Niwa's dead didymo gaffe Dead algae cells were brought north on research vial lids from a Christchurch laboratory, reports Warwick Rasmussen. The Government agency responsible for keeping the country's waterways clean was yesterday confirmed as the source of dead cells of the invasive algae didymo it said was found in North Island waterways last month...	Waikato Times
25 Nov 2007	Dead didymo discovery angers anglers The discovery that didymo cells were transported to the North Island by a Crown Research Institute has angered fishers. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is investigating why one of its own labs was the source of dead cells found last month in some North Island rivers. Brett Cameron, a guide with Central Plateau Fishing, says accident or not, such situations should not be happening...	Radio New Zealand
24 Nov 2007	Fast-spreading didymo cloaking parts of river Larger areas of the Takaka River are now covered by a carpet of the highly invasive alga didymo, which was discovered in the river last December. Golden Bay Department of Conservation community relations manager Greg Napp, who examined the known didymo sites on the river this week, said its spread had been "amazing". "In the shallow reaches near Lyndsey's Bridge, there's now a continuous film of didymo from bank to bank," he said. At Blue Hole, a popular picnic spot near Upper Takaka, the pest was now well established on the rocks...	The Nelson Mail
24 Nov 2007	Algae outbreak prompts lake warning A major health warning has been issued after the discovery of the cyanobacter algae in the popular Lake Rotokare, near Eltham. Taranaki's medical officer of health Dr Richard Hoskins issued the warning after routine sampling by the Taranaki Regional Council found high levels of the algae in the water...	Taranaki Daily News
24 Nov 2007	Oops - Niwa's slip sent didymo north A blunder by a Government scientific agency was responsible for traces of an invasive pest found in central North Island rivers. Niwa, which is responsible for protecting New Zealand's waterways, accidentally introduced dead didymo cells by using contaminated lids on water-sampling containers...	NZ Herald
24 Nov 2007	Tainted samples sparked NI didymo alert A didymo scare in the North Island was almost certainly caused by contaminated containers, Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton says. At the end of October, dead didymo cells were found at four rivers on the central plateau raising fears that the algae, widespread throughout the South Island, had crossed Cook Strait. MAF and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) investigate and Mr Anderton said today contamination of water sampling containers was almost certainly the source of the dead didymo cells...	NZPA
23 Nov 2007	Storage containers cause of dead didymo spread "Contamination of water sampling containers was almost certainly the source of the dead didymo cells found in four central North Island rivers in late October," Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton announced today....	New Zealadn Government: Press Release
23 Nov 2007	Rotorua iconic attraction celebrates 75 years One of New Zealand’s iconic tourist attractions ... Rainbow Springs Nature Park will mark the celebrations with a week long programme of events and special offers kicking off with their annual Locals Day on Sunday 2nd December... with talks, displays and demonstrations on the Fairy Lawn by DOC, EBOP, Eastern Fish & Game and the Anglers Club...	Rainbow Springs: Press release
23 Nov 2007	Federated Farmers’ Statements ‘Unreal’ Fish & Game New Zealand cannot understand how Federated Farmers can anticipate endless growth in production from a finite natural resource base of land and water. “Comments such as, ‘the federation cannot accept capping agriculture’, and ‘farmers cannot continue farming unless productivity gains are available’ made by Federate Farmers President Charlie Pedersen yesterday demonstrate a complete lack of reality,” said Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive of Fish & Game New Zealand...	Fish & Game Council: Press Release
21 Nov 2007	RMA rules on water quality may hurt farming - FFNZ Federated Farmers last night revved up its long-running political campaign against the Resource Management Act, arguing that constraints on farming may put the nation's economy at risk... The rural lobby group launched a "six pack of solutions" booklet which will be sent to every MP... "We will vigorously fight any attempt to slow down New Zealand agriculture...Farmers are fearful of being caught in the position of having to reduce stock numbers as the only way of reducing nutrient loadings," Mr Pedersen said. Farms in the fragile Taupo catchment have been given a maximum discharge "allowance" – the average from 2001 to 2005 – as an upper limit, and around the Rotorua lakes there was also a cap on nutrient discharge, the average nutrient loss from 2001 to 2004. And in the Manawatu-Wanganui the regional council had proposed making farming a consented activity with restrictions on nutrient discharge. The plan might increase trout numbers in the Manawatu/Wanganui region, but he questioned whether the public would want to trade off farm viability for better recreational opportunities. "There must be a trade off between environmental goals and economic progress," Mr Pedersen said...	NZPA
20 Nov 2007	Fishy film festival for SA's shores ... Rise - The Annual Fly Fishing Film Festival, which has enjoyed a successful tour of Australia and New Zealand, has arrived on South Africa's shores. Australian filmmaker Nick Reygaert, the event co-ordinator, explains: "There is a lot of fly fishermen out there - you just don't see them because they are away in some hidden valley or isolated beach hunting the ultimate prize."... "the second film is about saltwater fly fishing in New Zealand and has some incredible footage of large yellowtail smashing surface flies."...	tonight.co.nz, South Africa
17 Nov 2007	Young salmon released into lakes Fish stocks in Lakes Opuha and Benmore have been boosted by 100,000 salmon fry this week thanks to the generosity of Sanford Ltd. The seafood company have given the 5 gm fry to Central South Island Fish as they were surplus to requirements...	The Timaru Herald
16 Nov 2007	Protection of lakesides a betrayal say farmers Farmers have accused the Government of being "grossly unfair" after moves to protect some of the country's most precious lakeside land from development. But conservationists have welcomed the new protections provided to 65 picturesque properties in the South Island high country....	NZ Herald
15 Nov 2007	Genesis Energy launches Hello Tomorrow Programme Genesis Energy today announced the launch of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and outlined a number of key initiatives as part of its commitment to operating its business in a socially responsible manner.... “We’re also working on an Ecology programme which will provide an umbrella entity for our existing environmental and ecological programmes such as the Blue Duck Trust, the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust and the Tongariro National Trout Centre. We’re planning to extend these initiatives...”	Genesis Energy: Press Release
15 Nov 2007	Everlands, a new exclusive members club, offers unlimited access to world's finest estates Everlands... a global Club for those who share a passion for travel and the outdoors and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from partaking in nature. Members have unlimited access to 45 of the most stunning, iconic places of natural beauty on Earth, and Everlands' mission is to conserve these extraordinary destinations...properties that are part of the first acquisition phase include ...Lake Rotoroa Lodge in New Zealand... Note from Lake Rotoroa Lodge Lake Rotoroa Lodge will continue to be open to all guests as well as to members of Everlands, and to operate in the same way as it has done for many years.	EarthTimes.org, New York
14 Nov 2006	BoP river closed after dog poisoned An eastern Bay of Plenty river has been closed to the public after a dog swimming in the water died from suspected poisoning. Toi Te Ora Public Health has issued a health warning advising against using the lower Rangitaiki River for recreational use. The river – popularly used for whitebaiting, boating, and fishing – is suspected of being contaminated by toxins from blue-green algae found growing downstream of Te Teko... For more information... See the Bay of Plenty District Health Board website for more details and updates.	NZPA
14 Nov 2007	River study to measure health A ground-breaking study on the health of the Mataura River catchment is under way this week with researchers collecting samples of natural species, water and sediments from the 240km catchment. Southland tangata whenua in partnership with Landcare Research are undertaking a two-and-a-half-year project to gather new information on the river system. A team consisting of iwi, Landcare Research, Department of Conservation and HortResearch representatives has set up a temporary laboratory in part of the old Mataura papermill site to take and store samples...	The Southland Times
13 Nov 2007	Award-winning farmers on effluent charges The award-winning managers of New Zealand's largest dairy herd are facing three charges of illegally discharging dairy effluent.... Fish and Game chief executive Bryce Johnson said if the dairy industry was serious about addressing dirty dairying it would have to withdraw the award.	The Dominion Post
10 Nov 2007	Student gives the drop on invasive algae St John's College year 12 technology student Kyle van de Pas, 17, has come up with a dispensing device called Didy-Go, a possible remedy for an environmental concern which is particularly relevant right now the spread of the invasive algae didymo which has clogged South Island waterways...	Waikato Times
10 Nov 2007	Banking on the river The Waikato River. It runs through the heart of the city, yet many people hardly glimpse it, let alone use it on a regular basis. But what's to be done? "Why do we turn our back on the river?'' "Why don't we make more of the river?'' You hear it all the time in Hamilton... Your opinion What do you think needs to be done with the Waikato River? The Waikato Times wants your opinion..	Waikato Times
7 Nov 2007	The fight against didymo continues The news that our rivers - so far - are free of the didymo algae is a wonderful present for the region as summer approaches. But it's important that our guard doesn't slip and the exotically nicknamed "rock snot" doesn't slip in under the radar while everyone is celebrating...	Manawatu Standard
6 Nov 2007	Didymo river scare ends The Central North Island didymo scare has ended. Testing of six sites - two on the Tongariro River, at Rangipo and Waipakihi and on the Whakapapa, Mangatepopo and Whanganui Rivers - has found no evidence of live didymo..	The Rotorua Post
6 Nov 2007	Further tests show no live didymo Further testing of central North Island rivers has so far not shown any signs of live didymo cells, giving local freshwater fishing stalwarts new hope that rivers in this district are safe for now. Results of repeat testing showed dead cells at two sites on the Tongariro River only — at Rangipo and Waipakihi...	The Gisborne Herald
6 Nov 2007	NI rivers get didymo clearance - with a big 'but' River users can breath easy, there is no live didymo in the North Island - yet. Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton yesterday confirmed there was no evidence of live didymo in river samples from the central North Island...	Manawatu Standard
6 Nov 2007	Didymo tests clear North Island rivers Taupo anglers and tourism operators are breathing a sigh of relief after four central North Island rivers were cleared of a potential didymo contamination. Dead cells of the invasive algae had been found in samples taken from the Tongariro, Whakapapa, Mangatepopo and Whanganui rivers, but the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed yesterday that no living cells had shown up after microscope and dna testing...	The Dominion Post
5 Nov 2007	Experts believe Lake Ellesmere coming back from the dead A lake that was declared dead two years ago may be coming back to life. Years of neglect and intensive farming had made Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury almost uninhabitable for wild life...	TV3 News
5 Nov 2007	All the fun of the fair! - British Fly Fair 2007 This past Saturday and Sunday saw an influx of gamefishers to the Trentham Gardens Estate near Stoke-on-Trent for the 2007 British Fly Fair International. With fly-tiers, retailers, destinations and visitors from several countries attending, this truly was an international event. I counted New Zealand, Alaska, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and several others for example...	Fish and Fly, UK
5 Nov 2007 6:02pm	Tests rule out any live didymo cells Tests have confirmed there is no evidence of live cells of the invasive alga didymo in central North Island rivers. Dead cells from the alga were found at four rivers on the central plateau last week. Didymo was first identified in Southland in October 2004 - the first time it had been found in the Southern Hemisphere.	Radio New Zealand
5 Nov 2007	Celebration marks success of Opuha Dam Over 300 people celebrated the Opuha Dam at a black-tie ball at the SBS Events centre on Saturday night... Irrigation New Zealand chief executive, Terry Heiler, said the Opuha was a blueprint for future irrigation across New Zealand, a point echoed by Fish and Game's Jay Graybill. "It is one of the few examples in my 15 years with Fish and Game where a dam company, or irrigation company, have come forward and said `we think we can give something back'," he said...	The Timaru Herald
5 Nov 2007 5:00AM	Analysts find new dead didymo traces Testing has found more dead didymo cells in samples collected at two sites on the Tongariro River. Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton says every effort is being made through scientific analysis to establish whether the discovery confirms the presence of didymo in the Central North Island.
5 Nov 2007	Worried staff wait for rock snot results Test results from further samples taken from four rivers in the Central North Island found to have dead didymo cells are expected late today. New Zealand Fish and Game regional manager Steve Smith said they had been closely monitoring the rivers involved over the weekend.	The Daily Post, Rotoroa
3 Nov 2007	MAF Biosecurity closely examining North Island didymo cells Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton confirmed today that every effort was being made through scientific analysis to establish whether the discovery this week of what appeared to be dead didymo cells in surveillance samples collected from six sites on the Tongariro, Whakapapa, Mangatepopo and Whanganui Rivers in the Central North Island confirm the presence of didymo. Further samples were collected from these rivers and the results showed dead cells at two sites on the Tongariro River only – at Rangipo and Waipakihi. Further testing was conducted both upstream and downstream of these sites. Two negative results, where no dead cells were present, have been received from the Rangipo site. Negative results were also received from the upstream and downstream test samples from Waipakihi. Further DNA sampling has been conducted at the six original sites, the results from these tests are due by Monday. The DNA analysis method is able to detect didymo at very low levels. Genesis Energy has voluntarily shut down power generation at the Tokaanu Power Station, as operating the station requires the diversion of water between river systems. We are working with Genesis Energy to assess the risk of re initiating power generation on the Western and Eastern diversions (see map). Power generation will resume on the Western diversion if DNA tests on this system are negative. However, because of a different risk profile, the Eastern diversion will be subject to additional testing before decisions about resumption can be made. The Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board has restricted road access to the Tongariro River and surrounding area, including the Waiouru Army exercise area. The Trust Board has explained the situation to the Army, who have agreed not to use this exercise area. The high number of sites at which dead didymo was found is unusual. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is investigating whether this might have been the result of cross-contamination during the initial field sampling. "It's important to remember that it is live cells that need to be present before a waterway can be confirmed as being infected with didymo," Jim Anderton said. "But that doesn't mean that we can relax because the samples have produced only dead cells. We need to find out where they came from and how they got there." MAFBNZ is working in partnership with Central North Island agencies, including the Department of Conservation, Fish & Game, Genesis Energy, Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, and the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association. "The public are being asked to avoid using these rivers until the results have come in. And I want to take this opportunity to remind all river users all round New Zealand to check, clean, and dry all of their equipment between waterways," Jim Anderton said. A Central North Island didymo action group has been in place in the region for the last 18 months and has a response plan that will be implemented, should live didymo be found in the area. Further information will be announced immediately it is available. Information about didymo and cleaning methods is available on the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo	Biosecurity New Zealand: Media Release
3 Nov 2007	MAF fends off didymo criticism The discovery of dead didymo cells in four North Island rivers has anglers worried it may be too late to stop the algae. A senior MAF official has defended measures in place to prevent the spread of the invasive algae didymo after criticism from a Taupo-based fishing guide. Brendon Mathews of Taupo Trout Guides fired a broadside yesterday at the government departments involved in preventing the spread of didymo after the discovery of dead didymo cells in four central North Island rivers earlier this week.	Waikato Times
3 Nov 2007	Stronger measures essential to stop didymo Stronger more stringent and effective measures must be taken to keep Didymo out of the North Island says a national trout fishing advocacy. New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers’ President Ian Rodger of Auckland, made made these comments following news that "dead" didymo cells had been found in the Central North Island...	NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers: Media Release
3 Nov 2007	Didymo spread north a ‘disgrace’ The spread of didymo to the North Island is a “bloody disgrace” that poses a risk for the Waioeka and Ruakituri river, says Motu fishing identity Frank Murphy. Although live didymo cells had yet to be confirmed in the North Island, he had little doubt they soon would be. “You don’t get dead rabbits without live ones,” he said. Most at risk in this district were the Ruakituri and the Waioeka because they were not clay-based. Rock-based rivers were more susceptible, he said....	Gisborne Herald
2 Nov 2007	Salmon, trout safe, says NIWA scientist Having a minimum flow of 100 cumecs for the Hunter Downs irrigation scheme is likely to have little effect in most years on salmon and trout in the lower Waitaki River, says a fisheries scientist....	The Press
2 Nov 2007	Didymo reports concerning: O’Connor Recent media reports on a possible didymo outbreak in the Central North Island are concerning and could cause unnecessary alarm for tourism operators and international visitors, Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said today. “I have written to NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan today about recent comments that have been attributed to his organisation about the effects of didymo on trout fishing,” said Mr O’Connor. “It is important to note that the infection has not been confirmed and there are no signs of an algal bloom. “There is no need for people to panic about an infection as it could cause unnecessary damage to the image of New Zealand as a fishing destination. “Contrary to recent reports, an infection would not destroy the fishing tourism market in the Central North Island. There appears to be little impact in the South Island, although the presence of didymo is clearly undesirable....	New Zealand Government: Press Release
2 Nov 2007	Didymo spread 'inevitable' Further tests are being conducted on North Island rivers where didymo was detected this week, as a biosecurity response team yesterday held urgent meetings to discuss the possible spread of the algae... More testing was being carried out at the sites where the cells were found, and the original samples had undergone retesting. Scientists gave preliminary results of some tests to a meeting with key stakeholders late yesterday. Results will not be made public until all testing is complete and the full picture is known, Ms Hamblyn said. This would be within the next few days. The organisation was still holding out hope that live cells in the rivers were not present, although experts say didymo's spread is inevitable....	NZ Herald
2 Nov 2007	North Island responds to didymo discovery North Island authorities are in watch mode after the discovery of dead didymo cells in the Whanganui, Tongariro, Whakapapa and Mangatepopo Rivers. Monitoring of Rotorua's waterways is to begin immediately after the discovery. Hawke's Bay Regional Council has begun work on a plan of action and education for recreational water users. Greater Wellington Regional Council spokesman Wayne O'Donnell says if any live samples are found in local rivers, the council will work with MAF on a rigorous. response programme. He says the impacts of didymo would be devastating in the Wellington region.	Newstalk ZB Rural Report
2 Nov 2007	Didymo found in river The news that Taupo anglers have been dreading has arrived. Three years after it was first discovered in the South Island didymo has been picked up in water samples from four rivers in the Taupo district...	Taupo Times
2 Nov 2007	Public help slow spread of didymo in South Canterbury It's community groups like the Peel Forest Enhancement Group that are motivating people to stop the spread of didymo, according to Biosecurity New Zealand operations manager Jeff Donaldson....	The Timaru Herald
2 Nov 2007	Hunter Downs Irrigation scheme could degrade rivers The Hunter Downs Irrigation scheme could degrade rivers within the area it covers, an expert witness told commissioners at the Waitaki River water hearing yesterday. NIWA scientist Ned Norton, while giving evidence for the scheme, said intensified, but unmitigated land use could harm other rivers. Un-shaded reaches could be degraded, smothered in algae for longer periods – possibly up to weeks. This would affect swimming, fishing, river life and water quality...	The Timaru Herald
1 Nov 2007	North Island didymo result of ineffective Govt campaign National’s Biosecurity spokesman, Shane Ardern, says the blame for traces of didymo being found in four central North Island rivers lies squarely at the feet of Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton. “The Minister knew that the voluntary Check, Clean and Dry campaign was not working, yet he refused to put stronger controls in place...	New Zealand National Party: Press Release: Shane Ardern MP, National Party Biosecurity Spokesman
1 Nov 2007	North Island river users reminded to check, clean and dry With the discovery of dead didymo cells in several central North Island rivers yesterday, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) and Central North Island regional partner organisations are reminding anglers and other recreational freshwater users to check, clean and dry their equipment between waterways... See the Biosecurity New Zealand media release dated 1 Nov 2007.	Biosecurity New Zealand
1 Nov 2007	Traces of didymo found on the Central Plateau Biosecurity experts are investigating whether didymo has reached the North Island after dead cells of the invasive alga were found in water samples on the Central Plateau... Live cells need to be present before a waterway can be confirmed as infected with didymo, commonly known as rocksnot...	The Press
1 Nov 2007	River slime discovery raises fears for our rivers Traces of an invasive pest have been found in central North Island rivers - a discovery that could mean economic calamity for the region's world-famous trout fishing. Biosecurity NZ said yesterday that samples of water from the Whanganui, Tongariro, Whakapapa and Mangatepopo Rivers contained dead didymo cells. Until now it was thought to be confined to South Island rivers. Fish and Game chief executive Bryce Johnson said he expected more tests would show live didymo cells in the North Island. "I'd be most surprised if it's not there." The discovery of dead cells meant live cells had been present, he said...	NZ Herald
1 Nov 2007	Didymo found in North Island: Dead 'rock snot' cell find puts MAF on full alert Biosecurity agencies are on full alert after signs of the noxious algae didymo were found in four of the central North Island's most pristine rivers. Dead didymo cells were discovered during routine water tests from two sites in the Tongariro River, and in the Whakapapa, Mangatepopo and Whanganui rivers last week... David Hayes, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry biosecurity response manager, said the discovery was a real concern, but did not mean the rivers were infected. The ministry was testing for live cells in the waterways which could lead to algal blooms...	The Dominion Post
1 Nov 2007	Negative impact on salmon fishing A 100 cumec minimum flow in the lower Waitaki River will reduce the quantity and quality of salmon angling habitat, an expert witness said yesterday. However, the 100 cumec minimum flow proposed by Hunter Downs Irrigation was still an improvement on the 80 cumec minimum flow which had applied in the past, according to Cawthron Institute senior fisheries scientist John Hayes...	The Timaru Herald
31 Oct 2007	High country season opens Saturday This weekend marks the first Saturday in November and the traditional opening day for fishing high country waters in the Central South Island region. Unfortunately the Fish and Game regulation guide, which is provided free to every angler when purchasing their fishing licence, was this year published with dates unaltered from last season and has confused many anglers. Fish and Game have confirmed the traditional date is correct and apologised for the uncertainty it produced. High Country waters include the popular fisheries of the Ashburton lakes and rivers and small lakes throughout the Mackenzie Basin.	The Timaru Herald
31 Oct 2007	There's life after death for Lake Ellesmere The state of one of New Zealand's largest lakes is not as critical as feared, but its world-class trout fishing now appears a distant memory... Fish and Game said the lake had gone from having trout fishing "unparalleled" anywhere in the world, with 50,000 fishermen visiting a year in the 1970s, to only a few thousand now... Fish and Game said the reasons for the huge decline in the fishery at Lake Ellesmere were not fully understood, but dwindling rivers flows into the lake were a factor. Environment officer Jason Holland said the number of fish caught in a trap in the river feeding the lake had fallen from 12,000 to 265. "It won't be able to recover if the water quantity and quality issues aren't dealt with," he said. Fish and Game is proposing a restocking programme, where brown trout will be released into the lake "just to see what happens"....	NZ Herald
31 Oct 2007	Lake Ellesmere far from dead Reports of Lake Ellesmere's death are greatly exaggerated, a symposium at Lincoln will be told today... However, North Canterbury Fish and Game education officer Jason Holland said the recovery of the lake, formerly a world-class trout environment, was definitely not assured and it would remain in the equivalent of the intensive care unit unless significant improvements were made... A series of dry summers and water extraction for irrigation had affected water flows into the lake and better management of lake levels and riparian margins was needed to prevent further degradation, he said. ...Holland believed the fishery could recover, if the political and financial will was there...	The Press
30 Oct 2007	DOC earmarks 100 new campsites for summer The Department of Conservation has drawn up a list of 100 possible new camping sites on land it administers... A number of campgrounds had been upgraded by DOC including .. Mavora Lake in Southland... Also opening by mid-year were campsites at... Ox Bow Kiripapango campsite on the banks of the Ngaruroro River in Kaweka Forest Park about 100km from Napier or Hastings; and Lake Arapuni, 45km from Tokoroa... View the DOC list of proposed campgrounds	NZPA
30 Oct 2007	South Island to get dozens of new camping grounds The Department of Conservation (DOC) has drawn up a list of 100 possible new camping sites on land it administers. Conservation Minister Chris Carter said four new sites would open this summer and a fifth by the middle of next year...	The Press
27 Oct 2007	Conservation park likely to expand New Zealand's newest conservation park, Hakatere, in back-country Mid-Canterbury, is likely to expand to become the largest of its kind....It includes historic Hakatere Station, which ...will stay in private ownership until July... When more land was acquired through land tenure it was likely to double in size, making it the biggest in New Zealand outside national parks. The centrepiece of the park is Lake Heron, a popular back-country fishing and recreation lake.....
26 Oct 2007	Spectacular new park largest created in decades Snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes and a popular skifield are included within the boundary of the largest public park created in more than twenty years, Conservation Minister Chris Carter announced today. The new Hakatere Conservation Park is more than 68,000ha in the beautiful Ashburton Lakes area. It not only brings together 19 separate areas of conservation land but just-concluded negotiations mean historic Hakatere Station, on the shores of Lake Clearwater, will now be added...	New Zealand Government
26 Oct 2007	Hakatere conservation park features old station and skifield Two skifields and a historic farming station fall within one of the most significant conservation parks opened in more than 20 years. Conservation Minister Chris Carter will open the 67,000ha Hakatere Park, in mid-Canterbury, today, weaving together 19 separate areas of conservation land... "[The park] offers a truly New Zealand outdoor experience," said Mr Carter, "with almost endless recreational opportunities, including trout fishing and tramping."...	NZ Herald
25 Oct 2007 (first reported 11 Oct)	Didymo found in Clarence Didymo has been found in the upper Clarence River. The freshwater algae was found by anglers fishing in an area downstream from Jack's Pass turn off and a sample taken from the site was confirmed positive by MAF Biosecurity...	The Marlborough Express
25 Oct 2007	Fly-fishing’s Olympics in New Zealand Fly-fishing high fliers: 2 locals make world championship team For three days in early October, the nation’s finest fly-fishing anglers convened in Boulder, Colo., crowding communal water as if trout had vanished from every other stream in the country.... Fly-fishing’s Olympics Competitive fly-fishing on the national and international level is nothing new. On March 22, the World Fly Fishing Championships will begin its 28th competition, this time on the North Island of New Zealand, and as many as 25 countries are expected to participate. ... A global stage While individual titles are also up for grabs at the world championships.. the focus lies in getting Team USA a medal. In the past, the French and Czech clubs have dominated, winning outright or finishing among the top three teams in virtually every world championship of recent memory....	Citizen Times, USA
24 Oct 2007	Volunteers need to fin clip trout due for release into high country lakes 10,000 trout currently averaging around 80 grams are due to be released into the high country lakes listed below before Christmas. Fish & Game is calling for volunteers to assist with fin-clipping the rainbow trout yearling at the Montrose hatchery on Sunday 11th November...	Fish & Game
24 Oct 2007	Water watch: No action planned in Wyoming to combat didymo Water managers for some Wyoming rivers are looking into a new-found algae problem that can have devastating effects on waterways, but they're not planning any dramatic action. Rob Gipson, Jackson regional fisheries biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, said his agency is not doing anything to kill or control the algae didymo, commonly called "rock snot," that was found in a tributary of the Snake River....	Star-Tribune, Wyoming, USA
22 Oct 2007	Weather battering expected tomorrow Parts of the country could be in for the worst battering of spring so far, with severe and damaging gales forecast for tomorrow. The MetService has issued a severe weather warning as a low deepens in the Tasman Sea and moves on to the South Island....	NZPA
22 Oct 2007	Didymo alga found in Te Anau and Manapouri Didymo had been found on the shores of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, prompting concerns the invasive alga could be spread into Fiordland. Department of Conservation spokeswoman Emily Atkinson said didymo had been reported to be growing around the edges of the lakes...	The Southland Times
20 Oct 2007	Young River landslide largest since Mt Cook lost its top Christchurch's AMI Stadium would have been filled 13 times over by the amount of rocks and mud that came down in the recent Young River landslide...	The Press
19 Oct 2007	Residential developers 'contribute' to bloom Residential development appears to be contributing to the Lake Hayes algal bloom that has been killing fish and ducks. Otago Fish and Game chief executive Niall Watson told councillors yesterday that silt discharges into Mill Creek were being investigated after more water contamination was discovered last week. Field officers warned the lake was on the verge of an ecological disaster in April after 40 fish and ducks were found dead and another 100 emaciated from the algal bloom...	The Southland Times
19 Oct 2007	Water Safety New Zealand issues warning Whilst the weather through October thus far has not been conductive to aquatic based activities, Labour Weekend traditionally sees New Zealanders head to the water intent on enjoying themselves after a long winter in hibernation... "...Whether it’s a day at the beach or river, dusting off the fishing gear and hitching up the boat, or simply cooling down with a refreshing swim now is the time when we start to see participation rates in all forms of aquatics soar. Inevitably this coincides with an increase in drowning and injury incidents"...	Water Safety New Zealand press release
19 Oct 2007	Going green works - and wins - for New Zealand luxury lodge Condé Nast Traveler USA has ranked Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate in the the Rotorua region as the top New Zealand hotel for 2007, according to its 20th Readers Choice Awards....
17 Oct 2007	Relief in Motueka as rivers recede Police and Civil Defence breathed a sigh of relief late Wednesday morning as the threat of flooding near Motueka after heavy overnight rain receded. Swollen rivers had peaked at 10am Wednesday morning. Emergency operation centre controller Fraser Galloway said there was potential for more rain this afternoon but river levels were dropping. There were no threats to stopbanks but the situation was being monitored. Heavy rainfall overnight caused the Wangapeka and Baton Rivers to swell to 5.1m at 7am, and this had flowed into the Motueka River...	The Nelson Mail
16 Oct 2007	$75m module resort to overlook western Lake Taupo A $75 million "environmentally sustainable" resort is to be built overlooking Lake Taupo's isolated western bays. Work will start in the middle of next year on the Hingarae Development on farmland above Waihora Bay, which is accessible only by boat or walking track...	The Dominion Post
15 Oct 2007	Young ones easily hooked on fishing They reeled them in by the thousands at the Take A Kid Fishing Day. Young anglers from across Canterbury turned out in droves for the 18th annual event at the Groynes on the outskirts of Christchurch. "It's quite an undertaking, but we seem to get there every year," organiser Dave Denton said. Among the hundreds taking part was five-year-old Peter O'Connor, who reeled in a whopper salmon at over 3.5kg...	The Press
15 Oct 2007	Recreational river users sought for survey All of New Zealand's recreational river users are being called on to take part in a major survey exploring river use and motivation for participation. The survey's findings are expected to aid future policymaking and planning decisions. The University of Otago researchers hope to provide the first comprehensive evidence-based model of the needs and values of all the country's river user groups, including kayakers, anglers and multi-sporters. The internet survey will be launched on November 1...	University of Otago
14 Oct 2007	US fly fishing team ready to tackle the world ... 15 US anglers have been selected to the American team, of which “six or seven” will make the trip in March to the World Fly Fishing Championships in the Rotorua region of New Zealand. Members of the world championship team include Anthony Naranja (captain, Grand Junction); George Daniel (Lock Haven, Pa.); Josh Stephens (Robbinsville, N.C.); Eddie Pinkston (Asheville, N.C.); Lance Egan (Sandy, Utah); Bret Bishop (Boise, Idaho) Mike Sexton (Pagosa Springs); and Scott Robertson (Bend, Ore.). The World Championships will be held on the spring-fed Ohinimuri Rivers and two lakes, and all venues hold only wild fish (brown and rainbow trout) up to 30 inches long. Curious about the competition, I asked Team Canada coach Gordon Bacon what it might take to win a world title. He simply rolled his eyes at the thought of hooking and landing a wild trout that might go as much as 10 pounds. “Let me tell you, that’s going to be a big problem for lots of anglers, especially the Europeans,” said Bacon, who placed 10th for Canada in the 1993 world championships. “They’re highly experienced in catching very small fish on extremely fine leaders, and wait until they hook a 5- or 10-pounder on their light tippets and fragile rods. Bam. They’re going to lose everything.” He said the Americans should do well for several reasons, not the least of which is every member of the U.S. team now has experienced some international competition...	The Daily Sentinel , USA
13 Oct 2007	Searching for “rock snot” in Colarado ...Though didymo blooms have occurred occasionally in the past, they’ve never been as widespread or severe, Hermann said. “It’s just in the last five years that this has really taken off in the Intermountain West, (including Colorado). “The good news is you don’t have any nuisance blooms (where we’ve looked),” in the Rocky Mountain region he noted, as he moved through the water of the Roaring Fork below the Slaughterhouse Bridge. “But all indications say it’s coming.” Hermann has been tracking the occurrence of the stringy, mat-forming algae around the West with U.S. Geological Survey didymo expert Sarah Spaulding since 2003. “I tend to find it every time I go out,” Hermann said....	Aspen Daily News, USA
12 Oct 2007	New equipment for landslide lake New equipment being developed to better monitor the new lake formed in Mount Aspiring National Park could be installed in a week, according to the Otago Regional Council (ORC)... ...the Department of Conservation ban on entering the Young River Valley remained in force.	New Zealand Herald
12 Oct 2007	Help collect data for trout health study Fish & Game have designed a national monitoring programme for quantitatively assessing the age and size distribution and growth rate of trout populations in New Zealand over time... Four rivers will be monitored in the North Canterbury region: the Hurunui, Waimakariri, Rakaia and Selwyn Rivers....	Fish & Game New Zealand
12 Oct 2007	Anglers endure windy week The first week of the new fishing season has seen most anglers blown off the water at local rivers and now there is (or has been) some increase in river flows...	The Timaru Herald
11 Oct 2007	Didymo is in the Clarence Didymo has been confirmed in Marlborough for the first time. The invasive alga has been found in the upper Clarence River...	The Marlborough Express
11 Oct 2007	Clarence River hit by rocksnot The invasive algae didymo, commonly known as rocksnot, has been found in the upper Clarence River in Marlborough. Biosecurity New Zealand said anglers fishing in an area downstream of the Jack's Pass turnoff found suspicious algal growths that were confirmed as didymo...	NZ Herald
11 Oct 2007	Where to after the last river? Fish & Game New Zealand is encouraged by statements made today by the Minister of Energy, David Parker, during the launch of the New Zealand Energy Strategy. "The Strategy seems a pragmatic approach that recognises what is special about New Zealand, our spectacular environment," said Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive Fish & Game New Zealand. "Government's recognition that 'we don't need to dam lots more rivers' recognises that hydro is a not 'renewable' generation option. Sure, the water itself is renewable, but the rivers themselves are not...	Fish & Game New Zealand
9 Oct 2007	Opihi Catchment Angling Survey This fishing season Central South Island Fish and Game is undertaking a major survey to estimate the number of trout and salmon caught in the Opihi catchment and to do this we please ask for the help of a large number of local anglers of which you may be one...	Fish & Game
8 Oct 2007	Research proves Lake Forsyth toxins People eating eels from Lake Forsyth/Wairewa on Banks Peninsula are risking their health, according to a scientist measuring the lake's toxicity. Toxic blue-green algae had already killed dogs, sheep and cattle that drank from the lake, Dr Barbara Dolamore, a Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) senior lecturer in biochemistry and molecular biology, said today. "The water may look safe, but it isn't," said Dr Dolamore, who has been investigating the environmental effects of toxic cyanobacteria on the lake since 2004 with funding from the CPIT Foundation...
8 Oct 2007	All clear for flood-threatened Waiau The all clear has been given for the flood-threatened North Canterbury township of Waiau, but rivers in Buller are still being monitored. Civil Defence was monitoring the situation after Waiau River flood alarms went off yesterday. The river at Marble Point was at its highest in six months at nearly 720 cubic metres per second. It was feared residents in Waiau would have to be evacuated, but Sergeant Lyndsay Turner said the all clear was given at 11 o'clock last night. The Hurunui and the Rakaia rivers were at their highest levels in six months. Emergency services are monitoring the Buller and Karamea rivers after flood alarms were also triggered yesterday.	New Zealand Herald
8 Oct 2007	Flooding fears put Waiau on alert Civil Defence personnel were on alert and stock was being moved to safety last night as the Waiau River, in North Canterbury, rose after heavy rain. Canterbury Civil Defence emergency management duty manager James Thompson said the river was higher than in "an awful long time" and there were concerns it would breach its banks. If that happened, Waiau township, 80km south-west of Kaikoura, could be flooded...	The Press
8 Oct 2007	Rising rivers threaten to burst their banks Wild weather - lightning, torrential rain and high winds - rocked the South Island this morning with some rivers close to bursting their banks. Civil Defence officials in North Canterbury and the West Coast are monitoring river levels swollen by days of heavy rain. People living near the Waiau River in North Canterbury were warned yesterday they may have to leave their homes but the water level had receded by this morning. However, on the West Coast, police received reports the Buller River was rising rapidly....	NZPA
8 Oct 2007	Marae seeks control of eel fishery Arowhenua Marae is known for offering guests a big feed of eels but its supply is running out. To protect local eel numbers, Te Runanga o Arowhenua is applying to the Ministry of Fisheries for part of the Opihi and Orari area to become a mataitai...A mataitai covering waterways from Smithfield, east of the State Highway One to the Orton Rangitata Mouth Road would exclude commercial eelers. It would not affect access or recreational fishing in the area...	The Timaru Herald
8 Oct 2007	Dairying not to blame for pollution in Kaiapoi River Small stockholders and not dairy farmers are to blame for pollution on the Kaiapoi River, Environment Canterbury says. There is only one dairy farm now operating on the Silverstream catchment of the Kaiapoi, upstream of the Cam River. A formerly "dirty" dairy farm pictured in The Press last week has been cleaned up, sold, and no longer used for dairying. "You can't blame dairying for anything that's wrong with the Kaiapoi River," said ECan's senior resource care co-ordinator, Rob Gerard. Instead, the river was degraded by sedimentation caused mostly by stock in the river's tributaries and drains, and on stream banks....	The Press
8 Oct 2007	Tourists 'should be taxed' over pests Federated Farmers is calling for taxes on tourists to meet the multimillion-dollar cost of biosecurity. Figures released by Biosecurity New Zealand reveal the cost of responding to the invasive river weed didymo, which has spread to 53 South Island rivers since it was first identified in 2004, has hit $12 million. "It's time we taxed tourists," Federated Farmers president Charlie Pedersen said...	The Press
7 Oct 2007	Competitive fishing worth all the hassles Competitive fishing is harder than you might imagine, if you even imagine it can be hard at all. What’s can be so tough about standing in a lake or stream, enjoying the view and waiting for the fish bite? Lots of things, it turns out... The National Fly Fishing Championships wound up Saturday with 15 anglers being selected to the U.S. team. Five of those, plus an alternate or two, will be tabbed for the trip next March to New Zealand and the 2008 World Fly Fishing Championships....	The Daily Sentinel, USA
6 Oct 2007	Fishing for gold It's been said that fly fishing is the most fun you have standing up. This week, there were around 70 men and women fishing the waters of Northern Colorado who would agree... Many of the best anglers this country has to offer hit the waters of the Big Thompson River, the Poudre River and Red Feather Lakes with their eyes set on a trout and a gold medal... in the National Fly Fishing Championship.. The championship is the culmination of regional competitions held across the United States. Fifteen anglers move on from this contest to compete as part of Team USA at the 2008 World Championships in New Zealand...	9 News, Colarado, USA
6 Oct 2007	Water appears to flow over landslide dam The nation's newest lake appeared to finally breach or flow over its dam last night. A monitoring radio in the overflow's expected path suddenly stopped transmitting at 8.37pm. The radio was just 200m from the toe of the slip. A dramatic late-afternoon surge of water into the lake, in the Mount Aspiring National Park, saw the level rise 80cm in just 90 minutes, leaving it lapping at the crest of a massive landslide which had dammed in the northern branch of the Young River....	The Press
5 Oct 2007	Close down the Manawatu River Last year a community group that I represent, Te Roopu Huirapa, organised a mass rally regarding the mismanagement of the Manawatu River by Horizons Regional Council. With several hundred people joining us in our march through Palmerston North, a clear message was sent to all local councils. That the community would longer tolerate legalised pollution of the Manawatu River...	Press Release: Malcolm Mulholland
5 Oct 2007 6.00pm	New lake half a metre from overflowing The new lake above Makarora township is just half a metre from overflowing and the Young River valley is off-limits to the public.	TV1 News
5 Oct 2007 3:16pm	Mt Aspiring lake creeps closer to overflow Flooding from a new lake in the Mount Aspiring National Park will take more than one hour to reach civilisation, authorities say... The Makarora township, home to about 80 people, is about 2km from where the rivers meet... Clouds hugged the mountains above the Young Valley early this afternoon and the area was being pelted by rain. Geologists are expecting the lake - so far unnamed -to overflow a dam in the northern branch of the Young River today...	The Presss
5 Oct 2007	Lake expected to overflow today A lake formed by a massive landslide in the Mount Aspiring National Park is at its highest point and still rising, and authorities believe further rain predicted for the area may cause an overflow sometime today...	The Press
5 Oct 2007	Bid to stop spread of didymo to Rangitata Gorge A proactive group of Peel Forest residents is determined to keep the invasive didymo algae out of the Rangitata Gorge. The Peel Forest Enhancement Group will set up cleaning stations on both sides of the river and stop every vehicle entering or leaving the gorge on Saturday, in an effort to protect one of the best salmon and trout fisheries in the world....	The Ashburton Guardian
4 Oct 2007	Didymo found in second Westland river The invasive didymo weed has been found in the Kakapotahi River, south of Ross, Fish and Game said this afternoon. It is the second find in Westland after the weed, also known as rocksnot, was picked up in the upper Buller River earlier this year...	New Zealand Herald
4 Oct 2007	Anglers young and old can have fun at Conclave 2007 The annual Northern California Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers gathering of fly fishermen for the 2007 Festival of Fly Fishing in Redding will be held on Friday, October 19 and, Saturday, October 20... Some great programs include ...New Zealand guide Dax Messett on Fly Fishing in New Zealand...	North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, USA
4 Oct 2007	Conservation part of NFFC The National Fly Fishing Championships began Wednesday with the best fly fishers in the country competing to represent the U.S. in the World Championships in New Zealand next year. Most were familiar with the competitive aspects of the sport. But what sets the National Championships apart is its goal to promote conservation of cold-water ecosystems and preservation of trout fishing for future generations...	Daily Camera, USA
4 Oct 2007	Unexpected location doesn't deter Naranja at National Fly Fishing Championships The first morning of the 2007 National Fly Fishing Championships found Anthony Naranja with a fishing beat he wasn’t expecting.. Final results and the 2008 national team headed to New Zealand will be announced at an awards banquet Saturday night in Boulder.	The Daily Sentinel, USA
4 Oct 2007 6:00pm	New lake just one metre from overflowing and rising rapidly TV1 News reported at 6pm that the new lake in Mount Aspiring National Park is just 1 metre from overflowing and rising rapidly. Flood warnings are in place and the area is closed to trampers and other visitors.	TV1 News
4 Oct 2007 4:56pm	Rain adds to new lake overflow fears Heavy rain in the Southern Alps is expected to put pressure on a new lake, which experts say could send millions of cubic metres of water downriver if it burst its banks. The lake - created by a massive landslide in Mount Aspiring National Park - rose half a metre overnight and scientists believe it will inevitably "overtop"...	NZ Herald
4 Oct 2007	Slip dam holds as water continues to fill lake New Zealand's newest lake refused to burst from its landslide prison yesterday. Formed in Mount Aspiring National Park last month by a massive landslide in the northern branch of the Young River, the 2km-long lake is threatening to overflow and flood the Young and Makarora rivers. That could happen at any moment, authorities warn,	The Press
4 Oct 2007	Lake created by landslide may be for keeps - helicopter pilot A Southland helicopter pilot who flew over the new lake near Makarora yesterday believes the lake is there to stay.	The Southland Times
4 Oct 2007	Bay of Plenty trout fishing season looking good A strong angler season in the Bay of Plenty is being predicted by Fish and Game New Zealand. It opened this week with the largest caught a 5.6 kilogram brown trout. Officer Rob Pitkethley says early indications show both the size of trout and angler catch rates are looking good. He says it's the best they've had in four years. Mr Pitkethley says even at the more difficult to fish Rotoiti, results have been positive.	Radio 1XX, Whakatane
4 Oct 2007	Christchurch preparations well underway for Take a Kid Fishing day Preparations for New Zealand’s biggest free children’s fishing day well under way. Hundreds of salmon, 10,000 worms and thousands of optimistic young anglers will come together again in north Christchurch this month thanks to the efforts of about 80 volunteers and the kindness of many local businesses...	Fish & Game
3 Oct 2007	New lake about to spill over A rapidly rising lake formed by a massive landslide in the Mount Aspiring National Park will overflow in the next two days, authorities warn, causing a major flood in a sparsely populated valley. Frenzied media excitement at the discovery of the lake in the northern branch of the Young River last week has turned to concern...	The Press
3 Oct 2007	Slip damming river critical: Makarora residents warned of flood risk Heavy rain is raising the level of a lake created by the Young River landslide and residents have been warned to stay away from low-lying areas in case a flood wave is released if the dam breaks. A community meeting was held in Makarora yesterday at 2pm where about 29 residents were briefed... about what might happen if the lake overflows and the likelihood of a flood wave travelling down the Young Valley. "We need residents and visitors in the Makarora area to be aware there is a risk of collapse, and possible flooding hazards downstream." ...0	The Southland Times
3 Oct 2007	Avon oil spill 'probably from city building' Environment Canterbury (ECan) believes an oil spill in the Avon River yesterday afternoon was caused by a burst pipe in a central city building....	The Press
3 Oct 2007	Waitaki First challenges Meridian claim Meridian Energy's case to use Waitaki River water for a $900 million tunnel hydro scheme is full of holes, objectors claim. Waitaki First chairwoman Dr Helen Brookes told a hearing panel in Timaru yesterday that discussions on alternatives to the tunnel project had not canvassed options that could meet rules of the allocation plan for the river....	The Press
3 Oct 2007	A trout with an appetite for mouse Despite falling for a tiny nymph, a large brown trout from the Mavora Lakes had an unhealthy appetite for larger and furrier prey. Invercargill angler Alan Hoffman said he landed the large brown trout on Friday morning and noticed it had a hard bulge in its stomach...	The Southland Times
3 Oct 2007	Children’s fishing day a big success A very successful Children's Fishing Day at the Tongariro National Trout Centre on Sunday 30th September attracted the biggest attendance of the year. Over 220 kids were there for the opportunity to try fly fishing and to catch a trout. Other activities included advance fly-casting lessons, filleting and smoking of fish and a fly-tying demonstration. More than 30 volunteers from the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society and DOC rangers helped to make it a great day.. For detail of future Children's Fishing Days, see Children's Fishing Pond.	Department of Conservation, Taupo
2 Oct 2007	DOC closes area near new lake The Department of Conservation moved yesterday to close off the entire Young River catchment in the Mount Aspiring National Park after a landslip was discovered last week. The department had advised people to keep away from the area after the slip was discovered by a helicopter pilot.	The Southland Times
2 Oct 2007	Changes on 500 farms could halve river silt Landcare Research says if only 500 key farms implemented conservation plans in the Manawatu catchment, it would halve silt in the Manawatu river and reduce erosion losses off hills in the catchment by the same amount....	Manawatu Standard
2 Oct 2007	Southland anglers get good catches on opening day Southland rivers rewarded anglers with some good catches on the opening day of the trout fishing season yesterday. Fish and Game Southland manager Maurice Rodway said there had been reports of several, 2-3kg rainbow trout caught in the upper Waiau River, and a large brown trout taken from the Dunsdale stream...	The Southland Times
2 Oct 2007	Few happy anglers on opening day in the Central South Island Lowland fishing opened yesterday to generally less than ideal conditions. Central South Island fish and officer Hamish Stevens said it was windy and many rivers were discoloured. However, the good flows were in anglers' interests and he believed there were decent numbers of trout in the rivers...	The Timaru Herald
2 Oct 2007	Weather kind to Rotorua anglers as season gets underway Predictions of high winds were enough to keep some anglers from venturing out on the lakes when the trout fishing season commenced on Monday... While the lakes, and Tarawera in particular, were busy there were noticeably fewer anglers than last year which was a shame as the conditions were generally very good”...	Fish & Game, Eastern region
2 Oct 2007	Small fish a big concern for Lake Taupo Tall tales of legendary trout caught in Lake Taupo have become even more fishy, with fishing guides reporting smaller-than-normal catches. Guide Brendon Mathews said trout were smaller this winter and he believed he knew why: a change in climatic conditions in 2005...	The Dominion Post
2 Oct 2007	Anglers told to watch for didymo Mark Venman, a Conservation Department technical support officer, wasted no time yesterday testing the Tongariro River for the invasive alga didymo. It was the start of the trout fishing season nationwide. Anglers are being urged to show vigilance in the fight to keep didymo out of North Island waterways...	The Dominion Post
1 Oct 2007	River users target in snot battle Whitebaiters, trampers and fishermen are being targeted this summer as the Department of Conservation (DOC) battles to stop the spread of didymo into the upper South Island's wilderness areas. With reports of good runs of the delicacy, hordes of whitebaiters are descending on the region's rivers...	The Press
1 Oct 2007	Trout season opens today Anglers are expected to be out in good numbers on the popular Rotorua lakes today for the opening day of the new trout fishing season. Fish and Game New Zealand expects several thousand anglers will be out trying their luck with the bulk of them at Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina. Senior Officer Rob Pitkethley says the chances of pulling in some good fish are high. Pithkethley says Tarawera and Okataina should fish particularly well.	TV3 News
30 Sept 2007	Smorgasboard of choices as trout season opens Trout anglers are spoilt for choice from this Monday as the trout fishing season opens around the country. A weak La Nina weather pattern... heralds a mild spring and a fantastic season, welcome news for the thousands of anglers eagerly awaiting the 1 October start to the new trout fishing season...	NZ Fish & Game press release
29 Sept 2007	Look out trout - it's open season Bryan Colman reckons he has the perfect job - many might agree. And with trout in Rotorua's lakes expected to be bigger and in better condition than they've been in years this fishing season, which opens on Monday, summer is looking grand for Mr Colman. He's been a trout fishing guide since 1972 and wouldn't change the life he's had for the world...	Daily Post, Rotorua
29 Sept 2007	Old Glory is calling: Team USA berths at stake in symposium America's Team is coming to Colorado. Whether the one that leaves bears much resemblance to the one that arrives is a matter of intense debate. For the second year, the U.S. Fly Fishing Championship will be decided on Front Range waters... The steely- eyed anglers who perform best... will qualify as the next members of Fly Fishing Team USA and will wear the red, white and blue at the next world championship in New Zealand...	The Denver Post, USA
28 Sept 2007	Where to go trout fishing on opening day, 1st Oct For many New Zealanders, the most important day of the year is the first of October. This is the day the long-awaited trout fishing season begins on most New Zealand's rivers and lakes. For weeks prior to this day big decisions are being made, with the most pressing being, where to fish on that all-important first day of the new season....	nzfishing.com press release
28 Sept 2007	Still no didymo in the North Island, let's keep it that way October 1 marks the opening season for lakes Otamangakau and Kuratau as well as many of the smaller backcountry rivers and streams in the Taupo area. ... Department of Conservation Technical Support Officer, Mark Venman says, that although the invasive algae didymo is not yet thought to be in the North Island, it is too big a risk not to clean your gear before visiting these areas...	Department of Conservation press release
28 Sept 2007	Michigan anglers head to national USA fly event ...Kevin Thomason and Naylor, both of Kalamazoo, are two of three Michigan anglers who will compete in the 2007 National Fly Fishing Championship outside Boulder, Col. beginning Wednesday. The third is Phil Heck of Highland. A win there would open the possibility of a slot on the U.S. World Fly Fishing Team when it goes to New Zealand in 2008. Naylor and Thomason qualified for the nationals by finishing fifth and seventh, respectively, in the Midwest Regional Fly Fishing Championship last May on the Muskegon River. The top 10 finishers advanced to the national championship along with other regional trial winners. The two will compete against 55 of the best fly anglers in the US along with teams from Britain, Canada and Ireland at the World Champs in New Zealand. "My only concern is the extent that we are handicapped by not having enough local knowledge of the waters out there," said Thomason, 47, a catastrophe coordinator for State Farm Insurance.	Press Outdoors, Michigan, USA
27 Sept 2007	Massive slip creates new lake (+video) A helicopter pilot who discovered a massive slip that has created a new lake said he had never seen anything like it... Debris has completely dammed the North Branch of the Young River, 3km upstream of the confluence with the South Branch.	The Press
27 Sept 2007	US National Fly Fishing Championships return ...55 American anglers, who earned their spot in Boulder through qualifiers, are vying for a chance to be considered for one of the 15 spots on Team USA. The qualifications are not objective. An angler's skill and competency are also factored in when invites for the 2008 World Championships in New Zealand are handed out...	Daily Camera, Colarado, USA
27 Sept 2007	Hook, Line and Buckley A Killarney fisherman has achieved the ultimate honour in the sport after winning a spot in the Irish team that will take part in the World Fishing Championships in New Zealand next March. John Buckley proved that he was a cut above the rest when he won the All- Ireland River Fishing Championship...	The Kingdom, Ireland
25 Sept 2007	Find out what makes the Rotorua Lakes fishery so good A chance for anglers and the general public to find out what makes the internationally renowned Rotorua Lakes trout fishery work. Fish & Game are holding an open day at the hatchery in Ngongotaha on Sunday 30 September 2007...	Fish & Game
25 Sept 2007	Anglers Reminded To 'Check, Clean, Dry' With the fishing season due to start next Monday (October 1, 2007), MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and Fish & Game are reminding anglers, and other recreational freshwater users of the importance of cleaning their equipment between waterways. "Before leaving a waterway, people should check items and leave any debris they find at the waterway," said Chris Bicknell, MAFBNZ Didymo Response manager. All items should then be cleaned for at least one minute with a five percent solution of dishwashing liquid or nappy cleaner. "The application method is equally important, as water absorbent materials such as felt-soled waders and boots require longer soaking times to allow thorough saturation," said Mr Bicknell. Felt-soled waders require soaking for at least 40 minutes in hot water kept above 45°C or soaking for 30 minutes in hot water kept above 45°C containing five percent dishwashing detergent or nappy cleaner. "We recommend anglers use rubber-soled footwear instead...	Biosecurity New Zealand
21 Sept 2007	Fishing season opens on Lake Otamangakau and Kuratau The fishing season for Lakes Otamangakau and Kuratau re-opens on Monday 1st October 2007. The Department of Conservation has just recently finished operating a fish trap on the Te Whaiau Stream this winter for the 14th consecutive year and the results this year were very encouraging. The Te Whaiau Stream is the main spawning stream for adult trout in Lake Otamangakau...	Department of Conservation
21 Sept 2007	Attack of the slime After a pleasant holiday trout fishing on the North Island of New Zealand, Canberra angler Pat Brennan was surprised to find his wading boots impounded at Sydney airport for a month’s decontamination following his return. The experience shows just how seriously Australia’s Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is taking the threat of a possible slime invasion of Australia’s fresh waters...	Science Alert
19 Sept 2007	More facts needed in water debate A s a member of Environment Canterbury's restorative lowland streams committee I feel I must comment on... the photo of Irwell creek... This caption says that the creek is "dried up as a result of dairy farm irrigation". The fact is that this creek dried up many times...The Irwell is closely related to the Selwyn River, but the Selwyn dries up every year above the Main South Road bridge and it is recorded that a committee was established to rescue the trout in 1929, some time before irrigation was introduced.	The Press
17 Sept 2007	Mild spring boosts Rotorua's new season prospects Prospects of a mild spring are great news for anglers eagerly awaiting the 1 October start to the new trout fishing season...	Eastern Region Fish & Game
17 Sept 2007	MAF to start treating freshwater fishing equipment To slow the spread of the invasive alga didymo, in New Zealand waterways MAF Biosecurity New Zealand requires all used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry. From mid-October 2007 MAFBNZ’s Import Health Standard for Equipment associated with Animals or Water will be updated to require MAFBNZ staff to treat all used freshwater fishing equipment they determine or suspect is NOT COMPLETELY DRY (inside and out), regardless of whether it has been cleaned before coming to New Zealand. Affected most will be felt-soled waders and boots. Recent research has revealed these items pose a particularly highrisk of spreading didymo as they are likely to come into direct physical contact with didymo cells (e.g., stepping on or brushing against algal mats) and the thick, absorbent and slow-drying nature of the material encourages cell survival increasing the risk of spread between waterways. MAFBNZ is working with the tourism industry and fishing groups/operators to ensure anglers coming to New Zealand are aware of the updated standard and the reasons for it. More information will be available on the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website. (See also Didymo Biosecurity Alert)	Biosecurity New Zealand
14 Sept 2007	Further research into emergency didymo control Further research is to be done into the use of chelated copper as a possible emergency control of the invasive alga didymo. Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton said results from field trials of a chelated copper compound (Gemex) confirmed it had some potential. "But more research needs to be done about where and when it can be used and any possible effects it may have on non-target species...	NZ Herald
14 Sept 2007	Wairau hydro scheme tops list of election issues The proposed Wairau River hydro scheme dominates public thinking in the lead up to next month's local body election, if the response to questions posed by the Marlborough Express is a gauge...	The Marlborough Express
14 Sept 2007	Are you a regular visitor to the Waimakariri or Rakaia Rivers? Fish & Game have engaged an expert in recreational planning to study why people value recreating on the Rakaia and Waimakariri. They are interested in talking to anyone who regularly fishes for salmon or trout, or particpates in other activities on the river...	Fish & Game New Zealand
12 Sept 2007	Whitebaiters unhappy with state of Lyell Creek Lyell Creek is stinky and stagnant, which is not only a bad look but also bad news for the whitebait season, say two local men who went to desperate measures for the tiny fish last week...	Kaikoura Star
11 Sept 2007	Iwi given Lake Taupo licence power been handed the power to licence commercial operators on Lake Taupo under a new deed of settlement that clarifies who owns the body of water. The deal, signed yesterday, delivers a $9.85 million lump-sum payment to the iwi, Ngati Tuwharetoa, and includes compensation for lost revenue following a deed of settlement in 1992, and a yearly payment of $1.5 million. The iwi also receives the right to licence commercial operators, but Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia said the new regime would be fair, and public access to the lake would remain unchanged....	The Dominion Post
11 Sept 2007	Fish and Game likes the look of One Plan The Wellington Fish and Game Council likes the direction Horizons' One Plan is heading in, senior officer Peter Taylor says. One Plan's focus on four big issues within the region is considered astute and accurately reflects the wider community's views, Fish and Game says. Water quality, in particular, is known to be very poor in some rivers and worsening Mr Taylor, who is based in Manawatu, says...	Manawatu Standard
11 Sept 2007	Deal extends tribe's rights over Taupo The Government will pay a lump sum of about $10 million to Tuwharetoa and a further $1.5 million a year under a new deed of settlement which extends the central North Island iwi's rights regarding Lake Taupo. Under the deal, which updates a 1992 deed giving the tribe ownership of the lake bed, the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board will get the right to license and charge fees of commercial users of the lake and those wanting to erect new jetties or structures....	NZ Herald
10 Sept 2007	Heavy rain forces Whakakpapa bridge closure Heavy rain in the Whakapapa River has caused severe undermining of the road bridge across the Whakapapa River on Ohinetonga Rd, Owhango. Department of Conservation Ruapehu Area Manager Kevin Cannell has closed the bridge to all vehicle and foot traffic... People wanting to use the 42 Traverse and access the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area can only do so from Kapoors Rd off SH 47 and return out the same way. The bridge is likely to be closed for many weeks...	Ruapehu Press
10 Sept 2007	New deed of settlement for Lake Taupo The Crown today signed a new deed of settlement with the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board regarding Lake Taupo. The deed updates a 1992 deed which vested ownership of the bed of Lake Taupo - including the Waikato River to Huka Falls and tributaries flowing into the lake - with the Board while guaranteeing public access...	New Zealand Government press release
10 Sept 2007	Dairy dilemmas amd water woes: Where are we going? A public meeting is being held in Christchurch on Monday 17 September 7.30 pm at the Salvation Army Auditorium on the corner of Durham and Chester Street West (just South of Crown Plaza Hotel). It features Geoffrey Kerr from Lincoln University; Guy Salmon, Executive Director of the Ecological Foundation; Stuart Ford, Director of Agribusiness Group; and Rod Oram, financial journalist. The meeting is sponsored by the Waterwisdom Society www.waterwisdom.org.nz Phone: 03 379 3873 Gold coin donation appreciated.	Fish & Game New Zealand
9 Sept 2007	Waitakere streams second only to Danube in international contest Community and council work to improve the health of streams running through the Waitakere catchment has come second in the world only to the protection of the mighty Danube River in an international conservation competition...	NZ Herald
7 Sept 2007	Canterbury water is under threat: Who will protect it? Prospective Ecan and CCC councillors will answer questions which have been carefully selected to cover the expressed concerns of the public on the use and management of Canterbury’s water. The North Canterbury Branch of The Royal Forest and Bird Society are holding a "Meet the Candidates" evening at the Aurora Centre, Burnside High School at 7pm on Wednesday 19th September 2007. The evening is to be chaired by Hugh Canard...	Fish & Game, New Zealand
6 Sept 2007	New hub the smart way to tackle biosecurity border threats Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton said today that the best way for New Zealand to tackle biosecurity threats was to bring together everyone involved in defending the border. Speaking at the opening of the new Auckland Biosecurity Centre at Auckland airport, he said: “It's better to be smart in how we respond - this will be a hub of biosecurity border operations.”...	New Zealand Government press release
6 Sept 2007	ECan firm on clean water Environment Canterbury (ECan) has hit back at the region's councils, saying they need to find innovative ways of cleaning polluted waterways rather than complain about costs.... North Canterbury Fish and Game manager Ross Millichamp said ECan's proposal was courageous. "I don't see cleaning up water as some sort of grandiose luxury," he said. "ECan are simply doing their role as administrators of the Resource Management Act. "This is a positive step." ...	The Presss
5 Sept 2007	Canterbury water plan may cost billions Canterbury ratepayers face huge rates rises from multibillion-dollar projects to clean up lakes, rivers and streams if stringent new standards are imposed, councils say. Ten councils are fighting Environment Canterbury's (ECan) attempts to introduce what they say are unrealistic standards for rivers and streams as part of its natural resources regional plan....	The Press
4 Sept 2007	Judge gives Lake Hayes developer a chance Part of a $100 million development planned for the shores of picturesque Lake Hayes, near Queenstown, which was effectively stalled by the Environment Court, could still go ahead....	The Press
4 Sept 2007	Promising start to Lake Karapiro weed control An aquatic weed management programme aimed at controlling the invasive weed hornwort in Lake Karapiro has produced excellent results so far, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) said today. Fifty hectares of Lake Karapiro was targeted when the programme began in May with an aerial application of herbicide. Hornwort forms dense mats that affect the lake’s rowing course and swimming, boating and fishing activities....	Land Information New Zealand
4 Sept 2007	'Rock snot' effects are felt After taking part in a two-day conference exclusively devoted to the invasive algae commonly known as "rock snot," the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is planning its next steps for dealing with the algae found in state rivers. The international conference included representatives of New Zealand, a country where didymo has had a profound effect. However, Matthews pointed out that New Zealand has a much more contained habitat than Vermont so the presence of an invasive species likely is to have a larger impact there...	Rutland Herald, USA
3 Sept 2007	September didymo update released Biosecurity New Zealand has released its latest didymo stakeholder and partner update....	Biosecurity New Zealand
1 Sept 2007	West Coast whitebait season opens The whitebait season on the West Coast starts today (1 September) and is likely to draw a good number of local fisher-folk across to the traditional waterways that, for decades, provided the main whitebait catch for the South Island...	Timaru Herald
1 Sept 2007	Lives put at risk by asbestos left near river People walking and fishing on the banks of the Waimakariri River may have been exposed to dangerous asbestos...	The Press
31 Aug 2007	Groups move to protect Hurunui river Conservation and recreational groups yesterday moved to stop the upper Hurunui River and lakes from being dammed as investigations into a multi-million dollar irrigation scheme based on Lake Sumner and the south branch of the river continued...	The Press
29 Aug 2007	Waitaki scheme a threat, says environmental group Native fish and endangered birds could suffer if a proposed $900 million energy scheme on the Waitaki River gets the go-ahead, says an environmental group...	The Press
28 Aug 2007	And my favourite place to go fishing is ... in prison! “If you were given the choice of location for your last fishing trip ever – where would it be?” “I would choose to go to jail to fish,” I said. My unusual choice was a tributary of the Tongariro which, in order to be allowed to fish, I would have to “sign in” at the guard house of the local prison! Yes, the river ran through the grounds... (Note from nzfishing.com: the Rangipo Prison Rd is marked on the upper Tongariro River map.)	Western Mail, Wales
28 Aug 2007	Govt to negotiate with landholders over access The Government has backed away from a fight with landowners, scrapping plans to force them to provide walking access to waterways and other public places. Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor said yesterday the Government had accepted the recommendations of an independent panel on public access issues. "All new walking access over private land, including Maori land, is to be by negotiation and agreement with the landholder," he said...	The Press
27 Aug 2007	Fish & Game supports public access entity Fish & Game New Zealand has welcomed the establishment of a public access entity, the development of mapping and signage, and the requirement for territorial authorities to retain and open unformed legal roads for use by the public...	Fish & Game New Zealand
26 Aug 2007	Fly fishing is reeling in more women Standing on a rock outcropping that juts into Officer’s Gulch Lake, Char Bloom... waved a fly fishing rod ...with an audience of women surrounding her... There are new anglers reeling in fish these days. According to an Outdoor Industry Foundation study last year, there are nearly 3.5 million women who fly fish in the United States, up 200,000 since 2003... The International Women’s Fly Fishers organization has helped organize 42 women’s clubs from California to New Zealand....	The Associated Press, USA
25 Aug 2007	Farmer could face charges for didymo threat A Wairoa farmer once prosecuted for claiming a kiwi had been killed by 1080 could face charges for allegedly threatening to introduce didymo to an East Coast river...But Mr Anderton says he has done nothing wrong - and all he was trying to do was warn the department of a rumour he had heard...	The Dominion Post
24 Aug 2007	Man may face charges over didymo threat A 55-year-old man is likely to face charges over an alleged threat to release the destructive pest plant didymo into the Waiau River, near Wairoa. The threat was allegedly made at the Wairoa Department of Conservation (DOC) office on August 7....	NZPA
24 Aug 2007	Website's water 'facts' disputed Farmers are being blamed for all the water problems in Canterbury without claims being backed by science, says Dairy Farmers of New Zealand's chairman, Frank Brenmuhl... The website, www.saveourwater.org.nz, warns that Christchurch people could face drinking from a "rural sewer" if water problems escalate, and that most rivers and streams are so contaminated they are unfit for swimming and fishing...	The Press
23 Aug 2007	Boutique hotel planned The developer of a 2.4ha site in the North Canterbury town of Oxford is planning a 15-bed boutique-style hotel to cater for tourists interested in hunting and fishing... Jamie Thomas... said yesterday the site was an ideal location for a hotel from which to market packages for high-country shooting expeditions, heli-fishing, guided hunting and fishing tours..."The scenery is beautiful and Oxford is close to the Waimakariri and Ashley river gorges. There is everything you could want here," he said.	The Press
23 Aug 2007	More names going in Gisborne election hat ...five new candidates have entered the race for seats on Gisborne District Council. New candidates are...Frank Murphy, Allan Hall and Gordon Jackman, in the Gisborne ward... Frank Murphy is prominent in the tourism industry as one of New Zealand’s leading fishing guides and operates a lodge that attracts international visitors to the district....	Gisborne Herald
21 Aug 2007	Polluted river supplies drinking water to Auckland Ten percent of Auckland's water comes from the Waikato River, a river that is so polluted it is becoming unable to support aquatic life, says Fish and Game New Zealand...	Epoch Times, New York
19 Aug 2007	The downside of dairying The debate over dairying needs to look at the true costs involved...The water lobby argues that we are already seeing dire consequences in the death of streams, adverse effects on water flow in rivers...	The Press
18 Aug 2007	Battle over Waitaki on again Battlelines are being drawn up once again over one of the South Island's iconic rivers. Meridian Energy is again wanting water from the Waitaki River for power generation but those opposed to the plan are gearing up for a fight... Salmon and trout fishermen say fish numbers will drop. "Quite a substantial part of the river, a big salmon fishing river, will lose 2/3 of its flow," says Mark Webb from Fish and Game...	TVNZ
18 Aug 2007	American was likely source of didymo An American angler visiting New Zealand was the likely origin of the didymo plague that threatens to cost the country up to $285 million. Biosecurity New Zealand had samples of didymo from outbreaks in the United States, Canada, Iceland, Britain and Europe compared with samples taken from South Island rivers...	The Press
17 Aug 2007	Benefit seen for fish in Waitaki River Eliminating big daily fluctuations in water levels in the Waitaki River would benefit fish life, a scientist has told a hydro hearing in Timaru. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) scientist Ian Jowett was giving evidence for Meridian Energy, which is seeking water-only consents for its $900 million North Bank tunnel hydro concept...	The Press
15 Aug 2007	Don't squabble, whitebaiters warned The scramble for the delicacy has a long history of disputes over closely guarded fishing spots, leading to arguments, threats, sabotage of equipment, and sometimes violence...	NZ Herald
15 August 2007	Whitebaiters urged to ‘check, clean, dry’ gear Whitebaiters are reminded to clean nets and other gear to prevent the spread of aquatic pests and the invasive algae didymo into Wellington region waterways during the whitebait season, which begins here today (August 15) and continues until the end of November...	Department of Conservation
15 Aug 2007	Mad dash for top whitebaiting spots predicted A queue of anxious whitebaiters was expected to line up at a locked gate at Waikuku Beach this morning to get to the Ashley River mouth for the opening of the season...	The Press
14 Aug 2007	Whitebait fishing season opens Wednesday 15th August marks the start of another whitebait fishing season for areas other than the West Coast of the South Island. The West Coast whitebait season starts on the 1st of September. See also Whitebait regulations - all of NZ except West Coast and Whitebait regulations - West Coast	Department of Conservation
12 Aug 2007	Fish and Game to examine rock snot ...During the slow news days of high summer, the US state departments of Fish and Game and Environmental Services have generated a lot of coverage as they have tried to raise public awareness what is also called Didymo. Fish and Game has posted the research of John Hayes of the Cawthorn Institute on its website... (see New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's web page about didymo)	Concord Monitor, New Hampshire
11 August 2007	Didymo algae almost make blue-green variety look pretty If you thought blue-green algae were an unsightly scourge on Quebec's lakes and rivers this summer, wait until you get an eyeful of didymo algae, sometimes referred to as "rock snot."... Thousands of scientists from around the world who study inland waterways - lakes, rivers, ponds, streams and wetlands - will be in Montreal this week for the 30th Congress of the International Association of Theoretical and Applied Limnology. They are coming to share research on water-related challenges like out-of-control algae, invasive species and pollution, and to get a global view of what's happening to inland waters and ecosystems...	The Gazette (Montreal), Canada
11 Aug 2007	Temuka couple put money on line A Temuka couple is hoping to attract businesses to the town through financial assistance... The Raes also felt the tourism industry could be capatilised on in Temuka. "Look where you can get in one hour based from Temuka. You can be in some of the world's best fishing, hunting, shooting...this is lifestyle at its best" ...	The Timaru Herald
10 Aug 2007	Court rejects hydro bid for Gowan River The Environment Court has rejected a bid to change a water conservation order to allow a hydroelectricity scheme on the West Coast's Gowan River...	The Press
9 Aug 2007	Fishery discussion on Taupo size limit As part of Conservation Week, there will be a review of the Taupo trout minimum legal length regulation and a chance to talk to Taupo Fishery staff on Saturday, 11 August 2007 from 1-3pm in the River Walk Visitor Centre Auditorium at the Tongariro National Trout Centre (SH1, 4kms south of Turangi). A discussion paper is available online or from Kim Alexander-Turia at the Department of Conservation, phone 07 386 9259 or email kturia@doc.govt.nz	DOC
9 Aug 2007	Fresh calls to stop didymo The launch of the whitebait season next week has prompted fresh calls for boaties to help prevent the spread of didymo. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is urging whitebaiters to "check, clean and dry" their equipment to protect waterways from the non-indigenous alga...	NZPA
8 Aug 2007	'Rock snot' hits New York State New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that didymo is confirmed to be present in a section of the Batten Kill in Washington County. This is the first known presence of this aquatic nuisance algae, also called "rock snot" in New York State... Didymo was discovered in New Zealand, in 2004, and within 18 months it had spread to 12 rivers on the South Island, forming nuisance blooms at several locations. New Zealand Biosecurity has instituted severe penalties for intentional spread of the algae...	WSTM-TV
8 Aug 2007	New Zealand vacation attractions: Top NZ vacation spot in Rotorua One of the top New Zealand vacation spots is Peppers On The Point, Rotorua's 5 star attraction... It is surrounded on three sides by Lake Rotorua...If you want to fish then the hotel has its own private beach so you can fly fish to your heart's content.... 10 reasons to holiday in New Zealand New Zealand is the ideal country for a holiday...There is great fishing in the many lakes and rivers, the most famous lake being Lake Taupo ... New Zealand vacation attractions: The North Island Taupo: Sportsmen come here for the world class trout fishing,	Arabia Online
8 Aug 2007	A slippery, stubborn invader Invasive algae with the unappealing nickname of "rock snot" has turned up in a world-renowned trout stream that runs through Washington County, possibly carried there on the wading boots of an angler...	timesunion.com
7 Aug 2007	'Rock snot' test kit Scientists at the University of Waikato have developed a new genetic testing tool for early detection and surveillance of the invasive freshwater-borne pest, didymo, commonly known as "rock snot". The highly sensitive DNA test, developed by Professor Craig Cary, Dr Brendan Hicks and colleagues in the School of Science and Engineering's Biological Sciences Department, enables early detection of didymo in waterways and lakes before new infestations are visible...	Science Alert
7 Aug 2007	Rock snot invades Vermont rivers Fly fishermen in Vermont may see local trout populations decimated as algae nicknamed rock snot has invaded the northern stretches of the Connecticut River and its White River tributary...There is concern that the outbreak in Vermont could spread to rivers and streams in New York... ...New Zealand had a widespread outbreak of didymo in 2005, which was originally thought to have heavily reduced the fish population in the country. However, recent research from Biosecurity New Zealand suggested that there are more 'bottom-dwelling invertebrates' that native fish feed on in areas with moderate to high amounts of didymo and so the long term impact may not be as bad as had been feared...
6 Aug 2007	Invasive algae put region on alert ...With steep banks, deep pools, and pebbly shores, this scenic stretch of the White River has long been a haven for fishing, swimming, and floating on inner tubes. But biologists fear that an invasive algae known as "rock snot" could drive away swimmers and fish.... New Zealand, Poland, Canada, and northwestern states have been battling didymo and now Arkansas and Tennessee have large populations...	Boston Globe
6 Aug 2007	Brain drain higher than thought The rate of skills migration from South Africa has been "seriously under-estimated", according to a recent publication on the exodus of South African healthcare professionals... ... advertisements offered ..."great fishing, great fun" in New Zealand...	Pretoria News
3 Aug 2007	Waikato leads didymo fight Scientists from around the world will hear Waikato University's ground-breaking research on containing didymo at a conference in Canada this weekend...	Waikato Times
3 Aug 2007	Watchdog calls for dairy farms to pay full water cost The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Jan Wright, says dairy farmers are not paying enough for the pollution they cause and a price needs to be put on water... A major lobbyist against "dirty dairying", Fish and Game New Zealand, said today it endorsed Dr Wright's call for dairy farmers to start paying for the water they presently take from the wider community for free...	NZPA
3 Aug 2007	Dairy industry told to pay for environmental costs Fish & Game New Zealand endorses the comments made today by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that the dairying industry is damaging the environment and needs to start paying for the water it presently takes from the wider community for free.	Fish & Game New Zealand
27 Jul 2007	The 21 best fly fishing spots In an exclusive extract from the new book, Fifty Places to Fish Before You Die, fly fisher Rob Sloane gives the lowdown on the 21 best New Zealand spots...	Sunday Star Times
27 Jul 2007	Stepping up efforts against invasive river algae Vermont and New Hampshire are taking to the airwaves to prevent the spread of an invasive aquatic algae known as "rock snot" that's been found in the Connecticut and White rivers... Biologists also will track the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of infested rivers to try to prevent new infestations and contain existing ones. And next month they will attend a conference on didymo in Montreal with scientists from other areas of the world -- New Zealand, Poland, Canada and northwestern states -- that have been battling the algae...	Fosters Online
26 July 2007	Cry me a river Tears will follow anger if Central Lakes Trust dams the wild and scenic Nevis River behind Queenstown’s Remarkables range. Horrified opponents are already ranging up against the controversial plan...to anglers, the Nevis is a trophy trout river...	scene.co.nz
25 July 2007	Check, clean, dry still best way to control didymo ‘Check, clean, dry’ still best way to control didymo The latest findings from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand’s Didymosphenia geminata (didymo) science programme were presented to the Didymo Technical Advisory Group and Long-Term Management partners at a seminar held in Wellington today.	Biosecurity NZ
25 July 2007	Didymo research downplays harm Forest and Bird says new research suggesting didymo might not be as dangerous as first thought is no excuse to stop fighting the invasive alga. Biosecurity New Zealand has found there are more insects that fish feed on in areas with moderate to high amounts of didymo. The research means didymo might not be as harmful to fish as scientists thought, because they still have plenty to eat.	newswire.co.nz
25 July 2007	Rocksnot impact 'less severe than first thought' Latest research into the ecological impact of the invasive aquatic pest rocksnot shows its effect on insects and crustaceans in the water – crucial foods for trout and other fish – may be less severe than first thought... A decision on whether to develop ... a chelated copper control tool...will be made in August once all the results from the research have been analysed...	NZPA
24 July 2007	Centenarian emigrates to New Zealand 'for the fly-fishing' One British couple are leaving it late in their lives to emigrate from the UK – being 102 and 87 respectively. Centenarian Eric Turner-King and his wife Doris are gearing up to depart British shores for their home in Nelson, New Zealand, in January 2008. One of the many factors which persuaded the Turner-Kings to make such a bold step was Eric's passion for fly-fishing, an enthusiasm which he will be able to develop in some of New Zealand's aesthetically pleasing waterways.	Fish & Fly
24 July 2007	New York DEC warns of an aquatic nuisance algae in Vermont New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis is asking anglers to take steps to prevent the spread of an aquatic nuisance algae, known as “didymo” or “rock snot”, that was recently found in Vermont waters...	readMedia, USA
21 July 2007	Taupo hotel lauded as best in Pacific region ...Huka Lodge (near Taupo) has been recently ranked 58 in the top 100 hotels worldwide... Travel and Leisure Magazine also voted it the No 1 resort in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific and lists it No 50 in the world's 500 best accommodation spots... ...The view over the Waikato River is not bad either... fishing, hunting and horse riding are the activities of choice among more energetic guests...	NZ Herald
20 July 2007	Fishing books up for grabs This weekend the Escape section of the Sunday Star Times has a fishing special which discovers the best places to take your boat and rod and the top spots for fly-fishers. Thanks to Penguin they have five copies of Rob Sloane's Fifty Places to Fish Before You Die to give away, and thanks to Random House they have 20 copies of fly fisherman John Eichelsheim's The Mad Keen Fisherman's Road Trip.	Sunday Star Times
20 July 2007	Salmon release a great deed It should be one of the proudest moments of their lives. I'm talking about the moment the trustees of the Salmon Enhancement Trust (operated by the South Canterbury Salmon Angler's Association and friends), released some 55,000 salmon fry to populate the Rangitata River...	The Timaru Herald
20 July 2007	You can help contain this threat to streams ... the recent discovery of an invasive organism called Didymo in the northerly reaches of the Connecticut River is causing ...alarm among aquatic biologists...New Zealand is so concerned about the further spread of the algae in its streams that it instituted severe penalties for anyone knowingly aiding the spread of Didymo. Anyone found guilty of this offense can be imprisoned for up to five years and/or fined up to $100,000.	Nashua Telegraph, USA
18 July 2007	Anglers wanted to complete fishing diaries Fish & Game is looking for anglers willing to complete diaries for each day spent fishing in the North Canterbury Region; even if no fish are caught the information is valuable as their study is about angler effort, not angler catch...	Fish & Game
17 July 2007	'Toilet paper' algae puts state on alert ...state officials are asking all anglers and boaters to be on guard, lest they track the non-native invasive species, didymo, back to Connecticut shores.... Didymo is a tiny one-celled organism that collectively produces a thick mat, coating the bottom of a river. The mat can be grayish-white or brown, but never green. "It seems to like cold, fast-running rivers -- the classic trout stream type of river," Foreman said. "It can extend for a mile or two.'' The microscopic organisms send out stalks that connect them to rocks in a stream bed. As the algae and its stalks reproduce, they create a thick sheet that covers a river bed -- a sheet that can persist for several weeks. As it does, Foreman said, it can stifle the growth of aquatic life in a river -- especially the flies trout feed on, like caddis flies and May flies...	New Times Live
17 July 2007	It’s a new life in New Zealand for Eric, 102 and wife Doris, 87 With a combined age of 189 Eric King-Turner and his wife Doris are set to wave goodbye to Hampshire and start a new life in New Zealand....He said: "New Zealand is the most wonderful place in the world for fishing."... the couple will be setting up home in Nelson....	hampshire.net
16 July 2007	Algae invader threatens Vermont rivers Fly fishing guide Lawton Weber spotted the bad news for Vermont rivers June 21 as he launched his raft on the Connecticut River in Bloomfield...	Burlington Free Press, USA
13 July 2007	DOC appeals hydro decision: Fish and Game to follow Conservation has lodged an appeal with the Environment Court over TrustPower's Wairau River scheme, because it believes the minimum flow regime would endanger black-fronted terns. Fish and Game says it is likely to follow suit very shortly...	The Marlborough Express
13 July 2007	Call of the kiwi brings globetrotter home Dean Butchers’ career with Lenovo has given him vast experience of international business, though the lure of a return to New Zealand and the chance to do more fly fishing were too hard to resist when he became country manager about two months ago...	Reseller News
13 July 2007	‘Rock snot’ invading New Hampshire’s waters In a globalized world, the problem of invasive species – plants or animals that show up where they don’t belong and threaten to take over – has become depressingly routine...On Monday, Vermont wildlife officials said Didymo was found in the northern reaches of the Connecticut River ...	nashua telegraph.com
11 July 2007	Didymo in Vermont called dire threat The Underhill fishing guide who discovered didymo in the Connecticut River late last month says he believes the nuisance could mark the beginning of the end for wild trout fishing in Vermont... The 34-year-old guide spends winters fishing in New Zealand. Didymo, Weber said, has spread through rivers in New Zealand for the past four years...	Rutland Herald, Vermont, USA
11 July 2007	Mataura properties epitome of affordability Getting a real estate bargain in the South Island is becoming increasingly difficult but it is not impossible just yet, especially in Southland... Mataura real estate agent Russell Dickie ... said he was surprised Mataura properties sold for less than in similar towns, given the good trout fishing in the Mataura River...	The Southland Times
10 July 2007	NIWA data release welcomed The decision of the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) to make access to its nationally significant databases free over the web has been welcomed by the New Zealand Climate Science Coalition. The initiative will include archived data on climate, lake level, river flow, sea level, water quality, and freshwater fish from NIWA, the MetService, and several other contributing agencies...	scoop.co.nz
10 July 2007	Doing business in the lap of luxury New Zealand business has seen some amazing deals play out in the past year...And it is highly likely that some of these multi-million dollar deals were hammered out at Huka Lodge near Taupo....Trout fishing can put people in a can-do frame of mind, it would seem...	New Zealand Herald
9 July 2007	Children take home filleted and smoked trout In a recent innovation, volunteers offered to fillet and hot-smoke the kid’s trout at the children's fishing day held on Sunday 8 July 2007 at the Tongariro National Trout Centre and Department of Conservation. Volunteers from the the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society and DOC tteamed up to fillet the child’s fish to either take home to cook themselves or have hot-smoked there on the day. See photos of the children's day.	Department of Conservation
7 July 2007	Didymo found in Cumberland tailwaters Didymo, also known as "rock snot," has arrived in Kentucky. The aquatic nuisance plant, more formally known as Didymosphenia germinata, was found in the Cumberland River tailwaters below Wolf Creek Dam...	Lexington Herald Leader, USA
7 July 2007	Weather dictates salmon fry release The proposed public day planned to coincide with the release of salmon fry from the salmon hatchery situated on McKinnon's Creek has had to be cancelled due to the weather causing the access track across paddocks to be too easily destroyed by the number of vehicles expected...	The Timaru Herald
7 Jul 2007	Utuhina Stream a dumping ground A popular Rotorua fishing stream is being turned into a "disgusting" dumping ground, ruining a once-pristine environment. Council workers were shocked to find a portion of the Utuhina Stream littered with rubbish, and anglers who regularly fish for trout in the stream are horrified at the mess...	The Daily Post (Rotorua)
7 July 2007	Petition seeks didymo answers A Temuka woman wants more Government funding to fight the spread of didymo in the South Island's rivers. Colette Stone started a petition because she wants answers from the Government and more information about the steps being taken to rid South Island rivers of didymo. She fears the Government won't take the issue seriously until it infects the Tongariro River...	Timaru Herald
7 July 2007	Invasive species found along Connecticut River As if people didn't have enough environmental perils to worry about, now there's a new one with an old nickname: snot... ..."Check, clean and dry," is the injunction that New Zealand came up with after didymo showed up there in 2004...	Burlington Free Press, USA
6 July 2006	Didymo stakeholder update released Biosecurity New Zealand's latest update reports that: Funding for didymo long-term management programme has been confirmed; A recently conducted a ‘stocktake’ shows the observed impacts of didymo to be similar in magnitude to those predicted Reports produced from the 2006/2007 didymo research programme have been finalised. The Check Clean Dry message has been updated A partnership has been formed with Ngati Tuwharetoa	Biosecurity New Zealand
6 July 2007	'Rock snot' found in Kentucky Didymo, also known as “rock snot,” has arrived in Kentucky. The aquatic nuisance plant, more formally known as Didymosphenia germinata, was found in the Cumberland River tailwaters below Wolf Creek Dam... ...Didymo is native to Canada and has been aggressively spreading. It now is in Tennessee and Arkansas, as well as the Northern Rockies and the Pacific Northwest. And it has spread to Europe, Asia and New Zealand...	Herald Leader, Kentucky, USA
6 July 2007	Peel Forest residents claim didymo inaction Peel Forest residents are angry that little action has been taken since didymo was discovered in the Rangitata River. Arundel resident Jenni Ashton was upset at the lack of signage in the area informing river users about the didymo...	The Timaru Herald
5 July 2007	Outdoor activities aim to help boys' life skills The outdoors are being used to help young Marlburians make better life choices. The AMPD (Attitude, Motivation, Potential, Determination) programme has been set up by Community Colleges New Zealand to motivate and develop potential in teenage boys. Outdoor activities such as hunting and fly fishing are aimed at teaching boys life skills and changing attitudes...	Marlborough Express
3 July 2007	More money to tackle rocksnot, mosquitoes The Government will spend $13.3 million on a long-term management plan for didymo – an invasive algae commonly known as rocksnot...	NZPA
3 July 2007	Cabinet funds further biosecurity work Cabinet has funded the continuation of work against didymo and southern saltmarsh mosquito, Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton announced today...The funding included a contingency fund to deal with any North Island find of didymo...	scoop.co.nz
2 July 2007	Discovering the waters of Taranaki The fast flowing Waiwhakaiho River rises on the northern slopes of Mt Taranaki... it has become one of the region's major rivers...the river is a popular recreational destination for locals, who come to fish for trout...
2 July 2007	Montrose open day cancelled North Canterbury Fish & Game are sorry to inform volunteers and supporters that the Montrose open day and salmon release has been cancelled this year at the owners request due to Didymo risks with the property currently on the market for sale. The salmon which were to be released at the open day have been released. Approximately 80,000 salmon eggs are just hatching and will be grown into smolt for release into the Rakaia River this time next year, as well as 10,000 smolt destined for Lake Coleridge and up 50,000 rainbow trout which will be released into high country lakes each year.	Fish & Game New Zealand
29 Jun 2007	Interest high in Waitaki Riverplans Over 800 submissions have been received on two projects seeking water from the Waitaki River. Submissions on Meridian Energy's North Bank tunnel hydro scheme and the Meridian-South Canterbury Irrigation Trust Hunter Downs project closed this week, with 814 submissions received...	The Press
27 Jun 2007	Hydro plan still hangs in balance After changes upon changes, we are more or less the same. At least it feels a bit that way in light of last week's decision to give TrustPower the green light for its $280 million scheme to generate 70 megawatts of electricity if it met environmental conditions aimed at protecting life on the river and down-stream irrigators, writes The Marlborough Express in an editorial...	The Marlborough Express
23 June 2007	Brown trout relish mice Life's a beech! It is if you are a mouse in the beech forests of Southland or Fiordland. To trout in streams that run beneath the forest canopy, it's the prolific flowering of the beech trees that signal a proliferation of mice in the region...	The Timaru Herald
23 Jun 2007	The miracle of beginner's luck The luxurious Huka Lodge is not only an impressive place to stay but also provides a great introduction to trout fishing. The dark shape lurking at the bottom of the pool in the Waitahanui Stream was clearly a big old trout...	Herald on Sunday
22 Jun 2007	Greens welcome move to protect high country land Government moves to block development of Crown land around the southern lakes have been applauded by the Green Party...	NZPA
22 Jun 2007	Government quits South Island lake land negotiations Important landscapes that border South Island lakes will be protected from development after a U-turn by the Government over high-country tenure review...	The Press
22 Jun 2007	Some pleased, some disappointed by Wairau River decision Environmental groups, including Save the Wairau, have expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision that gives the go ahead to TrustPower's hydro plans for the Wairau River.... ...Neil Deans, Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game Council manager, said the decision was "disappointing to say the least" as the organisation believed declining the application rather than granting a conditional consent was approp-riate. The nature of conditions had not been discussed at the hearings, which meant more debate and presentation of evidence about whether those proposed would be effective. All this has really done is put it off for another discussion," he said...	The Marlborough Express
22 Jun 2007	Cautious nod for Wairau River hydro scheme TrustPower's plan for a hydroelectric scheme on the Wairau River has been given a cautious nod...if it met environmental conditions aimed at protecting life on the river and down-stream irrigators...	The Marlborough Express
22 June 2007	Controversial Marlborough hydro scheme gets green light A large hydro power scheme on Marlborough's Wairau River has been approved in an interim resource consent decision today...Opponents of the scheme included the especially formed lobby group Save The Wairau, Forest and Bird and Fish and Game...	The Press
22 June 2007	Hook a Huge One competition... Waikati fishos had some good results in the recent Hook a Huge One competition. The competition was held nationwide with fish caught in qualifying tournaments going forward for an overall weigh-off. Hayden Holmes of Te Awamutu won the trout section with a 3.53kg fish caught at Lake Arapuni.	Waikato Times
20 June 2007	Primary sector commitment to freshwater Fish & Game New Zealand compliments Federated Farmers for working towards responsibility for the adverse effects of intensive agriculture on New Zealand’s freshwater during the Federation’s Freshwater Science Forum...	Fish & Game New Zealand
20 Jun 2007	The cleaning of the Waikato River (letter) As one of thousands of Tainui, I would be delighted to answer naive opinions and questions with regards to our tupuna, Waikato River. R.D Morton, of Hamilton, asks what will change. Firstly, and importantly, the river will be cleaned...	Waikato Times
18 Jun 2007	New bid to stop Central Plains irrigation scheme A protest group has opened a new legal front in its battle to stop the controversial Central Plains Water irrigation scheme.... The CPW scheme will take water from the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers to irrigate 60,000ha of farmland between the rivers, from the foothills of the Southern Alps to State Highway 1...	The Press
15 Jun 2007	The miracle of beginner's luck The luxurious Huka Lodge is not only an impressive place to stay but also provides a great introduction to trout fishing. The dark shape lurking at the bottom of the pool in the Waitahanui Stream was clearly a big old trout...	NZ Herald
14 June 2007	River users 'not cleaning gear' despite warnings A summer survey of upper South Island river users shows only 24 per cent checked, cleaned and dried their gear, and some did not care about measures to help prevent the spread of didymo. Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game manager Neil Deans said the results were disappointing, but not unpredictable..	The Press
14 Jun 2007	Precautions taken to keep didymo from race Stopping the spread of didymo is being taken very seriously by competitors in this weekend's Monty's Revenge multisport race. Major sponsor Whakatane Great Outdoors spokesperson Brent Smith says it's a requirement they had to include in the racing package...He says all kayaks will be sprayed before the race which is a procedure now common in New Zealand multi-sport events...	One Double X radio
12 June 2007	Offending serious risk to New Zealand’s biosecurity The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) welcomed the sentence handed down today in the North Shore District Court to Auckland man for the illegal importation of aquatic plants and aquarium equipment from Singapore...Henry Tan was sentenced to nine months imprisonment and ordered to pay twenty five thousand dollars reparation towards the cost of the clean up operation made necessary by his offending.	MAF press release
11 Jun 2007	Waikato team lead didymo fight Craig Cary could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw his first didymo bloom, in Southland's Mararoa River...Professor Cary, a microbiologist, along with Associate Professor Brendan Hicks in Waikato University's Biological Sciences Department, are part of a team which became involved in the programme in 2005. Their focus is to develop an early warning test, so that new introductions can be detected while they are still only a few scattered cells...	Waikato Times
8 Jun 2007	Didymo found in Rangitata River Biosecurity New Zealand is urgently processing an application to keep the Rangitata Diversion Race operating following the discovery of didymo in the Rangitata River... ...Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) manager John Young said today didmyo had not been found above the Arundel Bridge, which was a small reprieve for the water company because the scheme’s intake was 20km further up at Klondyke. Didymo has been found in the Rangitata at Arundel, at the State Highway 1 bridge, at Badham Road and upstream of the lagoon...	Ashburton Guardian
8 Jun 2007	Didymo on the march The discovery of the invasive algae didymo in the Rangitata River this week has brought the number of rivers known to be affected to 55. However, Biosecurity New Zealand was yesterday warning that no river was guaranteed free of the algae, and said the check, clean, dry message was still as important as ever...	Timaru Herald
8 Jun 2007	Algae is invading some Vancouver Island waters Vancouver Island rivers are slowly becoming invaded, the Stamp being a sobering example. Look at the vast slate sheets at the confluence with the Sproat.	Victoria Times, Canada
7 Jun 2007	Didymo found in Rangitata River Didymo has been confirmed in the lower Rangitata River, below the intake of the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR), and urgent tests are now under way in the upper reaches of the river...	The Press
5 Jun 2007	James F. Henderson, First Amendment attorney, dies James F. Henderson, a courtly attorney with a wry sense of humor who for decades represented The Arizona Republic and The Phoenix Gazette in libel actions and First Amendment cases, died May 27 at the age of 85... ...He was at peace when fly-fishing. He fished the Big Hole River in Montana, at Hawley Lake and occasionally on trips in places such as New Zealand, Alaska and South America...	The Arizona Republic
5 June 2007	Helping hand for Waikato River fish A fish pass, which allows small fish to access one of the streams running into the Waikato River when water levels are low, has been built at Bankwood Stream...	The Fish Site
31 May 2007	Response staff ready to wrestle didymo Being prepared to battle didymo is the only way to stop it devastating rivers in the North Island, says Horizons. Horizons environment manager for biosecurity and response Bill Martyn is in Taupo today taking part in a simulation to test preparedness for an outbreak of didymo, aka "rock snot". He said the Manawatu River was one of the most susceptible North Island waterways, and although stopping the weed spreading was incredibly difficult, it had to be attempted...	Manawatu Standard
30 May 2007	Where's the integrity: Waitaki River proposals “An insult to the integrity of the Waitaki Allocation Plan”, is how Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive of Fish & Game New Zealand describes Meridian Energy’s latest proposals for the Waitaki River...	Fish & Game
30 May 2007	Ready for rock snot Biosecurity officials will run an exercise on Thursday to prepare for the spread of the weed didymo into the North Island, including the hugely valuable trout fisheries around Lake Taupo...	NZPA
29 May 2007	Didymo updates from Biosecurity New Zealand Regional meetings for didymo long-term management... 2007/08 financial year didymo cabinet paper – on-going programme... May delimiting survey is almost complete... Simulation to test plan for a North Island didymo detection... Didymo science programme update – Takaka feasibility study...	Biosecurity New Zealand
28 May 2007	A blooming awful threat Algal bloom is taking the shine off some of New Zealand's most scenic lakes, including Lake Hayes, near Queenstown... ...this year's algal bloom has left dead and emaciated trout and dying ducks, and turned the surface brown and muddy. A concerned local Fish and Game officer reported the issue to the Otago Regional Council and subsequent testing confirmed a non-toxic alga, known as ceratium, had been blooming for the past three months...	The Press
28 May 2007	Temporary access restrictions to the Waimakariri South Branch/Otukaikino Fish & Game advise anglers that between July-September 2007 they may experience some problems accessing the eastern side of the South Branch below Dickeys Road...	Fish & Game
28 May 2007	Upper river fishing closes in Taupo district Taupo district anglers keen to catch a winter trout are reminded that the fishing season for the upper sections of most popular rivers flowing into Lake Taupo closes at midnight on 31st May 2007...	DOC
28 May 2007	Small lakes close for the winter Taupo District anglers are reminded that the closed season for fishing in Lakes Otamangakau and Kuratau commences on Friday 1 June...	DOC
27 May 2007	River deal leaves questions on Tainui role The Crown and Tainui say the draft Waikato River settlement is groundbreaking, but stakeholders now want to know how Tainui's co-management role will work...	NZ Herald
26 May 2007	Waikato River deal running smoothly Waikato-Tainui have signed a draft agreement in which the Crown recognises its 1860s confiscation of the iwi's rights in the Waikato River and which will make them joint "guardians" of the river...	NZ Herald
26 May 2007	Rock snot threatens food resource of rare native fish One of New Zealand's rarest fish species is under threat after didymo was discovered in the North Otago river it calls its home...	The Press
25 May 2007	Didymo hits North Otago's Kakanui River The invasive weed didymo has been found in the lower reaches of North Otago's Kakanui River and threatens one of the country's most threatened fish. The Department of Conservation is concerned about the impact on the lowland, longjaw galaxias which finds its last refuge in a tributary of the Kakanui, the Kauru River...	NZ Herald
25 May 2007	Funding to curb what pests do best ...The Budget brought a $30 million boost in biosecurity funding for 2006-2007...for didymo there is an extra $66..6 million.. to go towards control measures and research.	Dominion Post
24 May 2007	The morphing of MAF's natural advantage Steps being taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) to commission research into the degree of trust New Zealanders place in MAF could set a helpful benchmark for other government agencies, according to watchdog group Pugnacious... ....Pugnacious also notes that the ferry-travelling public will be getting a close-up chance to experience MAF when a tender for two people to patrol all Picton to Wellington sailings to ward off the spread of didymo is awarded...	scoop.co.nz
23 May 2007	Contact's Hawea dam project hearing starts Resource consent hearings start at the Edgewater Resort, in Wanaka, today into Contact Energy's proposed electricity generation project at the Hawea dam control gates near Wanaka...	The Southland Times
22 May 2007	Didymo in Tasman River threat to native birds The invasive alga didymo has been confirmed in a clear-water stream which feeds the Tasman River in the Mackenzie, potentially affecting the feeding grounds of rare native birds. Department of Conservation (DOC) Twizel area manager Rob Young said didymo was found at a popular fishing spot close to Glentanner Station on the boundary of Mount Cook National Park...	The Press
22 May 2007	Irrigation scheme faces $1m shortfall in funds Central Plains Water (CPW) is confident it can fund a $1 million shortfall for its controversial $350m irrigation scheme...If the scheme goes ahead, 40 cubic metres of water a second (cumecs) will be taken from each of the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers to irrigate 60,000ha of farmland...	The Press
22 May 2007	Economic values of Whangamarino Wetland The case for wetland conservation has been strengthened with a new report on Whangamarino Wetland, the Department of Conservation says...	DOC
21 May 2007	Opposition to high-country development A $38 million residential development at Lake Coleridge in Canterbury has met a wall of opposing submissions. Selwyn District Council has received 70 submissions on the 232- section development in Ryton Bay on the shores of Lake Coleridge in mid-Canterbury. Most were against the development, including submissions from the Conservation Department, Environment Canterbury and North Canterbury Fish and Game Council...	The Press
21 May 2007	Waitaki water plans under threat More water can be taken from the lower Waitaki River for irrigation than has been allocated, according to the Waitaki District Council...	The Press
19 May 2007	Hazardous Clutha boat ramp being rebuilt Clutha River users will no longer have to worry about the bottoms of their boats being damaged, with work finally under way on Alexandra's hazardous slipway...	Southland Times
19 May 2007	Alga in river water blocking irrigators Otago farmer John Templeton was not sure what was wrong when he saw brown stripes in his paddocks...Didymo had come to his farm...	The Press
19 May 2007	Terrific trout Just how big can trout grow? That's the question many an angler must wonder considering the size of some of the monsters being caught near the salmon farms. Salmon farms have turned out to be a windfall for recreational fishers. Not only are the trout so much larger...	Timaru Herald
19 May 2007	Mother's love Mary Wesley's son Toby Eady cannot wait to return to New Zealand ..."I've always wanted to fish at Taupo", he says... "From a very early age, I learnt that fly fishing is a good way of not having relatives around...	NZ Herald
19 May 2007	Didymo not insurmountable Didymo is a pain, but you can live with it, irrigators at an Irrigation New Zealand workshop in Timaru heard yesterday. Speakers from affected regions relayed their experience with the invasive algae to an audience of about 60 local farmers and other interested parties...	Timaru Herald
18 May 2007	Waimea River park proposed A rambling 240ha river park complete with wetlands, cycleways, walkways and reforested native areas has been proposed for Tasman's Waimea River. The Waimea River Park would start near the confluence of the Wai-Iti and Wairoa rivers, near Brightwater, south of Nelson, and continue along the Waimea River to its mouth near Rabbit Island...	The Press
18 May 2007	Bio-acoustic fish fence to divert salmon smolt A bio-acoustic fish fence has been installed in the Rangitata Diversion Race in Mid-Canterbury to divert salmon smolt from the scheme. John Keast reports. The fence uses an air-bubble curtain and a pneumatically generated sound signal, creating a wall of sound that guides the fish around structures....	The Press
18 May 2007	Dam proposal threatens Hurunui River Plans to dam the Hurunui River threaten the special environmental and recreational values of the river, Forest & Bird says. This week a consortium of farmers, MainPower and Ngai Tahu announced plans to dam Lake Sumner and the south branch of the Hurunui River to irrigate farmland...	Royal Forest And Bird Protection Society
17 May 2007	Didymo threat workshop for farmers Farmers with irrigation are being urged to attend a workshop at Phar Lap Raceway on Friday on how to deal with the threat of didymo. "We need all irrigating farmers, particularly those with direct takes out of the river, to attend," says South Canterbury Farmers Irrigation Society chairman Tom Henderson. "I think it's important we learn something about it before it gets here."...	Timaru Herald
16 May 2006	Early research backs Lake Sumner irrigation proposal A multi-million dollar irrigation scheme based on Lake Sumner and the south branch of the Hurunui river is viable, according to engineering and environmental studies...	The Press
15 May 2007	North Island lodge listed among world’s best River Birches lodge, a fishers paradise on the banks of New Zealand’s Tongariro River, is among the world’s best, according to Travel + Leisure’s “The Best of 2007: The World’s Greatest Hotels, Resorts and Spas”...	e-Travel Blackboard
15 May 2007	Budget boost for biosecurity capability The Government is making further major investments in biosecurity capability in this year’s Budget, Progressive Leader and Minister for Biosecurity, Jim Anderton announced today. The Budget allocates $37.4 million over the next four years, in recognition of the challenges faced by New Zealand's biosecurity border services...	beehive.govt.nz
15 May 2007	New research to enhance water quality in New Zealand Motu Economic and Public Policy Research has received a $1 million grant over two years from the Foundation of Research, Science and Technology (FRST) to provide solid integrated research to develop innovative approaches to manage water quality in New Zealand lakes and rivers...	scoop.co.nz
15 May 2007	Carbon project raises hopes A Hamilton scientist is working on an idea that could help solve Lake Taupo's nitrogen woes, produce a more environmentally friendly fertiliser and reduce New Zealand's carbon footprint, all in one hit...	Waikato Times
14 May 2007	Environment BOP says no to mussel use to clean lakes A plan to use native fresh water mussels (kakahi) to reduce blue-green algae blooms in the Rotorua lakes is on hold, at least until the likely impact can be determined...	NZPA
14 May 2007	Hutt River toxin may be link to dogs' deaths A toxin never before found in New Zealand is the prime suspect in the deaths of at least five dogs in the Hutt River area...the toxic algae found in rivers in the Wellington region in 2005 and 2006 was nothing new...what was new was the discovery of a particular toxin in the algal mats. The summer of 2005-2006 had been ideal for algae growth, with long dry spells meaning fewer "freshes" came through the river system to clean things out...	The Dominion Post
13 May 2007	Urban trout making a splash in Auckland To catch a good-sized trout, Aucklanders now have to go no further than Takapuna. On Thursday, Fish and Game New Zealand released 500 rainbow trout into Lake Pupuke – less than a week after releasing a first batch of 500...	TV3 News
12 May 2007	Tailwaters Fly Fishing Company opens soon in Dallas Texas TailWaters Fly Fishing Company, Dallas’ premier fly fishing retailer and angling outfitters, will hold its Grand Opening on May 19-20... ...TailWaters will also offer travel services to the world’s top fly-fishing destinations, including Alaska, Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, and New Zealand...	LoneStar Outdoor News
9 May 2007	Thomas Lures going strong after 50 years ....More than half a million Thomas lures find their way out of Hawley each year, to land in waters across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Russia and even Japan...	POCONO Record (Northern Pennsylvania)
8 May 2007	Call for ban on felt sole waders Dairy Farmers of New Zealand chairman Frank Brenmuhl has called for the banning of felt soled boots used by anglers, and wants Fish and Game to take a stronger stance on them in an effort to stop the spread of didymo. But Fish and Game says it has no power to ban the boots and waders, although it would also like to see them banned...	Marlborough Express
8 May 2007	Anglers call for action to keep didymo at bay Central North Island anglers say not enough is being done to stop the invasive algae didymo spreading from the South Island. Didymo was discovered in New Zealand in 2004 and has spread to 44 South Island waterways. The North Island is free of the pest, but Advocates for the Tongariro River president Heather Macdonald said that wouldn't last given the Government's "lacklustre" response...	Dominion Post
7 May 2007	Lake's new attraction - gold at the end of the rainbow Takapuna's Lake Pupuke can now boast trout fishing with its better-known recreational drawcards - feeding ducks, picnics and sailing or paddling small craft. Yesterday, anglers took the opportunity to enter a competition to catch some of the lake's little-known fish life, their enthusiasm boosted by the release of 500 hatchery-raised rainbow trout...	NZ Herald
7 May 2007	Squirt fighters wrap up awards A team effort using plastic baleage wrap to combat an invasive sea squirt in the Marlborough Sounds has seen the Didemnum Working Group take the supreme award at this year's Marlborough Environmental Awards.... ...And an intensive dairy farm took the farming award, ahead of two low intensity sheep and beef farms. The judges said Geoff and Alison Millar had accepted ownership of environmental problems on their Canvastown dairy farm. Streams were fenced 20 years ago to protect spawning trout and there were numerous tree plantings on the property...	Marlborough Express
7 May 2006	Concern over Lake Coleridge development Quite a stir has been created by the proposal by Ryton Holdings Ltd to develop a new subdivision in the area known as Ryton Bay, on the shores of Lake Coleridge. If granted the necessary resource consents, the new settlement would replace the existing fishing huts with a 232 lot subdivision and 100-site camping ground....	Fish & Game
6 May 2007	Greens win $8.8 million wetland conservation in Budget 2007 This year’s successful Budget bid for freshwater conservation will do much to enhance the ecological restoration of three of New Zealand’s foremost wetlands, the Green Party announced today. Whangamarino Wetland in the Waikato; the Ashburton Lakes and the Upper Rangitata River in inland Canterbury; and the Waituna Lagoon and Awarua wetland complex in Southland have been selected for new baseline funding ...	Scoop
4 May 2007	Hurunui fishery gets rock snot One of the South Island's top trout fisheries, the Hurunui River in North Canterbury, has fallen victim to the invasive "rock snot" algae. Biosecurity New Zealnd said the pest has been found in the upper river - the North Branch Hurunui - about 7km downstream of Lake Sumner.	Dominion Post
4 May 2007	Didymo spreads further Didymo has been found in the upper Hurunui River in North Canterbury. The invasive freshwater weed, also known as rock snot, has spread rampantly since it was first detected in the Mararoa River in Southland in 2004. It now affects at least 37 rivers and tributaries in the South Island, including the Waitaki River, a major source of hydro electric power. At least five sites have been confirmed infected this year, including the Motueka River and the Kawarau River near Queenstown.	Nelson Mail
3 May 2007	Didymo in the Hurunui River Against all the efforts by anglers and other recreational users to prevent spread of didymo to North Canterbury waterways this invasive alga has infested upper reaches of the Hurunui River. A concerned angler noticed what reminded him of didymo pustules in the pool close to the Jolly Brook confluence. The sample was confirmed as didymo by NIWA staff. Fish & Game urges anglers, hunters and all the other river users to rigorously comply with gear cleaning and disinfection.	North Canterbury Fish & Game
3 May 2007	Filter leaves didymo out in the cold It's not just fishermen who are cursing didymo but farmers and viticulturists in Central Otago, who are having problems with the pest clogging up their irrigation systems. The Pisa Irrigation Scheme company, made up of 50 landowners on the Wanaka-Cromwell Rd, has found a solution to the problem – purchasing a device from Australia used on cotton fields...	The Southland Times
1 May 2007	500 over-fed trout to be released into Lake Pupuke Lake Pupuke becomes home to 500 over-fed trout tomorrow (Wednesday 2 May) as Fish & Game release them ready for a fishing competition being held on the lake this weekend...	Fish and Game New Zealand
1 May 2007	Maori study rivers, estuary Canterbury Maori are investigating fish and plant life at nearly 30 sites along rivers that feed the Avon-Heathcote Estuary. The monitoring programme will move from the Avon and Heathcote rivers towards the estuary, assessing the health and amount of fish, invertebrate and plant life in the waterways and water quality...	The Press
28 April 2007	Graybill reacts to criticism by Dairy Farmers of NZ Fish and Game has hit back at criticism of inaction to contain didymo made by Dairy Farmers Of New Zealand chairman Frank Brenmuhl as reported in last Saturday's Herald. The Central South Island manager, Jay Graybill, said Mr Brenmuhl's rantings did a great disservice to the dairy industry, especially those trying to improve their farming practices.'	Timaru Herald
26 April 2006	Dead fish and they're still not game Three months after this newspaper revealed the shameful state of Lake Hayes, the news seeps through to Christchurch, Invercargill and even Dunedin...	scene.co.nz
24 April 2007	2007 Fish & Game scholarship awarded The 2007 Fish & Game research scholarship has been awarded to Rasmus Gabrielsson to support his research into the wildlife monitoring of brown trout migration & recruitment patterns in central Otago using natural trace element and isotope markers...	Fish & Game
21 April 2007	Fish and Game blasted over didymo Dairy Farmers of New Zealand chairman Frank Brenmuhl has slammed Fish and Game for its inaction over didymo. Speaking at a Federated Farmers meeting in Timaru on Thursday night he said that Fish and Game did no work to enhance the environment, that trout were an invasive species, and that fisherman's felt-soled boots were likely to be to blame for the spread of the river clogging didymo alga...	The Timaru Herald
20 April 2007	Farming with an environmental eye Spotting spawning trout in their stream has given Geoff and Alison Millar a headstart on a lot of dairy farms when it comes to protecting waterways on their farm...	Marlborough Express
20 April 2007	Algal blooms in Southern Lakes kill fish The water in some of New Zealand's most photographed lakes in the picturesque Southern Lakes region is so toxic it is killing fish. Algal blooms are blighting several southern lakes, forcing scientists to admit fish in the worst affected lake have "nowhere to go to stay healthy". The bloom is creating a dense brown cloud in Lake Hayes, near Queenstown, and has also been detected in Lake Hawea, near Wanaka, and tiny Lake Johnson, near Lake Wakatipu...	Southland Times
18 April 2007	Ecological disaster threatens photogenic Lake Hayes One of the most photographed lakes in the South Island is on the verge of a major ecological disaster, says Fish and Game New Zealand... ...Fish and Game Wakatipu catchment officer Morgan Trotter said something had gone terribly wrong. "I've probably seen about 30 to 40 dead fish and around 100 emaciated fish," he said....	Southland Times
17 April 2007	New Zealand’s Otahuna Lodge to reopen in May New Zealand’s seven-suite Otahuna Lodge, on the South Island just 20 minutes from Christchurch, is being re-launched following a significant, four-month renovation...Area activities that can be arranged include fishing and hunting excursions...	Hotel Interactive
13 April 2007	Opihi under threat after didymo found Didymo has been found in the North Opuha River, with experts saying it's only a matter of time before it migrates into the Opihi. A fisherman reported seeing didymo at the weekend at the junction of the North Opuha and Stony Creek, and Biosecurity New Zealand yesterday announced the discovery had been confirmed. ...	Timaru Herald
13 April 2007	It's a Black Friday for all of South Canterbury Today is Friday the 13th. To many it represents bad luck, and as if to emphasise the superstition theory, I regretfully must report didymo has been found in the North Opuha River, just below Stony Creek ford...	Timaru Herald
12 April 2007	Local couple behind successful fishing website A New Zealand website, the brainchild of a keen Nelson trout fisherman, has quickly grown into one of the country's largest freshwater fishing web-sites. www.nzfishing.com provides up to date facts, on everything from where to fish to what the conditions are like that day. Doug Stevens, a passionate trout angler came up with the idea, and the site has been developed by his wife Bev. The website is also ranking well on major search engines, such as google and yahoo.	Radio Nelson /Newstalk ZB
11 April 2007	West Coast floods catch holiday trampers Hunters, trampers and climbers have been caught out by flooding rivers on the West Coast...The MetService said the heavy rain was easing in Fiordland and moving up the West Coast.	The Press
10 April 2007	Tag team tackles trout travel The mysterious movements of brown trout have prompted a Motueka student to embark on a research project aimed at coming up with some answers about the fish. Otago University master's degree student Jacob Lucas has spent the last few days tagging hundreds of juvenile brown trout from the Rainy River with tiny transmission chips. Mr Lucas said he hoped to tag 500 fish over the next few weeks and then track their movements using an antenna on the lower river...	Nelson Mail
10 April 2007	Chasing the mystery of "rocksnot" ...for Environment Canada freshwater ecologist Dr. Max Bothwell, the algae Didymosphenia geminata has held a mysterious fascination for almost two decades. Bothwell, a research scientist at Nanaimo’s Pacific Biological Station and an adjunct professor at Malaspina University-College, has been studying why the tiny freshwater algae — which is endemic in North America and northern Europe — suddenly began covering river bottoms in thick, slimy goo in the early 1990s, when before it had been fairly harmless... ...But now, the world expert on rocksnot believes he may have uncovered the secret — an answer that also seems to explain why the algae is suddenly appearing in pristine rivers in New Zealand... ...Bothwell believes the algae is spread by fly fishermen wearing waders with felt-bottomed soles, the perfect method of transportation for micro-organisms...	Times Colonist, Canada
8 April 2007	Climate change: New Zealand will adapt, says coalition New Zealand's ability to adapt will make it better equipped to handle predicted changes to the environment, a business group developing policy on climate change says... ...Dairy Farmers New Zealand chairman Frank Brenmuhl says the report means New Zealanders have to decide how they use water, including if they conserve water for recreational and environmental values or enable it to be used for farming...	Radio NZ News
7 April 2007	Dismay on Mokihinui over dam Meridian Energy's plans for a new hydro dam on the West Coast are threatening one of New Zealand's top rafting rivers and a couple's newly completed eco-lodge. The dam on the Mokihinui River might only be a concept but Susan Cook and Marion Boatwright are already living in its shadow. The couple spent six years working on their dream of running an eco-lodge in the West Coast rainforest.... (see also Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge)	The Press
7 April 2007	Youngster catches biggest fish at Tekapo contest Anglers at the recent Tekapo Fishing Competition found the lake to be choppy, but over 40 entrants braved the weather and headed out onto the water for a day of fishing. Despite conditions the lake fished well from the shore and with the wind abating by 10am, many fishermen took to their boats and were rewarded for their efforts.	Timaru Herald
5 April 2007	Urgent need for progress in water management - OECD Fish & Game notes yet another independent report calling for an urgent need for progress in water management, in the OECD Environmental Performance Review Of New Zealand released recently. “The OECD’s Review is yet another wake-up call for us all,” said Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive, Fish & Game New Zealand...	Fish & Game New Zealand
5 April 2007	NZ gets OECD environmental report card New Zealand's valuable clean, green image is at risk unless the country does more to become an environmentally sustainable nation, a major new report by the OECD says...	The Press
5 April 2007	NZ's water pollution record slammed in international report New Zealand's increasing water pollution has been criticised in an international report. The OECD Environmental Performance Review of New Zealand said better protection of surface and ground waters was needed because pollution was affecting rivers, streams and lakes. Irrigation was also taking a toll...	NZ Herald
5 April 2007	Tainui in damage control over water claims Tainui leaders say they have been blindsided by Tuku Morgan revealing the tribe wants to own the Waikato River water. Mr Morgan, a co-negotiator of the Waikato River claim, told the Waikato Times yesterday Tainui would not come to any deal with the Crown over the river unless it included ownership of the water...	Waikato Times
4 April 2007	Tainui can't own Waikato water - Minister Tainui's claim to own the water in the Waikato River appears to be doomed. Treaty Negotiations Minister Mark Burton says New Zealand law does not provide for the ownership of water in rivers and lakes. Tainui revealed for the first time today what is holding up its long-disputed claim over the Waikato River - it wants to own the water and won't sign any deal until it does...	Waikato Times
4 April 2007	Invasive weed in Lake Wakatipu The first infestation of the aquatic weed lagarosiphon has been discovered in Lake Wakatipu. Otago Regional Council staff in the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu last week discovered the highly invasive weed and it is understood to be the first known infestation of the weed in the lake. Council chief executive Graeme Martin said tiny patches of the weed were discovered during an annual survey of the lake by staff...	Southland Times
4 April 2007	Report sounds alert for famous Southland lagoon Varieties of life-giving weeds are struggling to survive in the lake as pollution levels increase. The world-renowned Waituna Lagoon is so ecologically run down that it could degrade into a murky algal pond at any stage, a new report reveals. Otago University researchers in a report commissioned by the Department of Conservation have concluded that the lagoon could go the same way as Canterbury's Lake Ellesmere – which suffers from algal blooms and has lost much of its habitats and recreational values...	Southland Times \|
4 April 2007	Survey hauls up some fishy facts about Kiwis One in four Kiwis have never been fishing, but more than two million of us eat fish once a week. A Colmar Brunton survey of 1000 people has shown that while a quarter fished more than twice a year, the same proportion had never tried to catch anything...	Dominion Post
3 April 2007	One that didn't get away: Fish & Game gold medal award for Tony Entwistle After 27 years of guiding trout anglers in Nelson, Tony Entwistle says he still feels privileged each time he steps into the region's rivers. Fish and Game director Bryce Johnson presented Mr Entwistle with a national gold award at Club Waimea on Monday night, in recognition of his ongoing contribution to fishing and better water resource management...	Nelson Mail
1 Apr 2007	New trout fishing guide books - review Reviews by Harvey Clarke of Destination Trout New Zealand and of Fifty Places to Fish Before You Die. Two new trout fishing guide books will appeal to the tourist market and the travelling angler, as well as the New Zealand flyfisher....	NZ Herald
31 Mar 2007	Walk the Waikato The Waikato River Trail is developing a series of walking and cycling trails in south Waikato that will eventually cover 100km, including native bush, exotic forest, farmland, historic sites, hydro dams, interesting geological formations, lakes and rivers...	NZ Herald
31 Mar 2007	Toxic algae found in Sth Canty rivers Toxin-producing algae are in South Canterbury rivers. The algae which killed two dogs in North Canterbury are in the Opihi/Opuha and Pareora rivers... ...Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey said swimming or showering in water with increased levels of algal bloom has caused allergic reactions – asthma, eye irritations, rashes, blistering around the mouth and nose and gastro intestinal disorders including abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhoea. Central South Island Fish and Game officer Mark Webb said the algae was unlikely to affect fish stocks. It was virtually impossible fish would be affected – the biological differences between fish and mammals were too great.	Timaru Herald
31 Mar 2007	Minister to survey flood-damaged Northland Civil Defence minister Rick Barker will fly over flood-ravaged Northland by helicopter today to survey the damage as estimates of the costs top $30 million... The public was also warned to avoid flood-contaminated areas and that there may still be several slips on roads as conditions settled. Those who had had contaminated floodwaters through their properties should contact Whangarei District Council. "People are reminded to keep out of the flood waters, keep out of the sea until after Easter, and to avoid gathering shellfish for at least a month," said Ms Midson...	NZPA
30 Mar 2007	Nitrogen study set to begin on Taupo farm A study of ways to reduce the amount of nitrogen entering Lake Taupo from cattle is scheduled to begin on a farm in the lake's western catchment....	Taupo Times
29 Mar 2007	End of salmon fishing Salmon fishing in the Ashburton, Rangitata, Orari, Opihi and Waitaki rivers ends on Saturday. Fish and game officer Mark Webb said closing the season at the end of the month wasn't a response to increased catches, but an effort to restore the fishery...	The Timaru Herald
29 Mar 2007	June start for $11m Rotoiti wall project A Tauranga-based construction company has been awarded the contract to construct an $11 million wall to help clean up Lake Rotoiti...Plenty and Central Government, will built at the Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti channel to try to prevent Lake Rotorua's nutrient-laden water flowing into Lake Rotoiti...	Rotorua Review
29 Mar 2007	Source of Waimakariri River scum eludes ECan scientists Fungi or bacteria are believed to be the cause of a thick scum floating in the lower reaches of the Waimakariri River... the scum forced fishermen to stop fishing some mornings because it was so thick they could not cast their lines through it...	The Press
29 Mar 2007	Taranaki waste spill beyond control of council No one will be prosecuted following a Hawera sewage spill that killed thousands of trout hatchlings...at Taranaki Fish and Game's stream-side hatchery the next day...	Taranaki Daily News
28 Mar 2007	Getting the NZ energy strategy right is important for rivers Submissions on a draft Energy Strategy for New Zealand close at the end of the month. The strategy attempts to deal with big and complex questions – how to provide secure clean power at affordable prices while responding to climate change and tackling carbon emissions. But the strategy focuses on energy supply – where to get more power from - rather than looking at management of energy demand...	ReelLife, Fish & Game
28 Mar 2007	Coordinated didymo action After a summer of when a fire fighting approach was taken to try and keep didymo from the North Island a more calculated strategy is being put in pace for the 2007 summer. With news that the latest delimiting survey has confirmed the North Island remains didymo free agencies are approaching didymo from a long term perspective and are seeking to establish a structure that will enable them to work together effectively...	ReelLife, Fish & Game
28 Mar 2007	Pelorus may be free of didymo The Pelorus River is believed to be free of didymo following a survey which failed to detect any sign of the invasive, smothering algae. In January a Department of Conservation survey of ecologically important rivers in the top half of the South Island found one dead didymo diatom, which was thought to indicate the presence of the algae. However, a second survey last month at Dalton's Bridge, Hughes Bridge and Totara Flat found no further cells...	The Marlborough Express
28 Mar 2007	Overseas sale locks in public access Central North Island hunting and fishing lodge Poronui Station has been sold to an American company, but with public access benefits for New Zealanders...	NZ Herald
27 Mar 2007	Poronui station sold, but with more public access Central North Island hunting and fishing lodge Poronui Station has been sold again to an American company, but with public access benefits for New Zealanders. The luxury lodge, near Taupo, was already American-owned, but the new sale had to go through the Overseas Investment Commission (OIC) and with that came the increased public access for tramping and fishing, which has been welcomed by Fish & Game New Zealand...	NZPA
27 Mar 2007	Fish & Game supports Poronui Station public access conditions Fish & Game New Zealand is delighted with the public access conditions attached to the sale of Poronui Station to Westervelt Sporting Lodges Ltd., approved by the Government today. Poronui Station has been the centre of public access controversy for many years, the history of which was a significant factor in the inclusion of the habitat conservation and public access provisions in the new Overseas Investment Act 2005...	Fish & Game Nwe Zealand
27 Mar 2007	Desperately seeking salmon ...At least 80 anglers were around the Waitaki rivermouth at 10am yesterday, hoping to catch a salmon before the end of the season this weekend. Fred Harder, at the Glenavy Fishing Camp, said numbers were significantly up this season.	Otago Daily Times
27 Mar 2007	More silt washes into Lake Taupo Another localised cloud burst has hit, this time it has taken parts of Lakeside Tce near Wharewaka into the lake...	Taupo Times
27 Mar 2007	Alga found in Selwyn River The toxic alga invading the lower reaches of the Ashley River has been found in the Selwyn River. A sample taken from the river at Chamberlains Ford has confirmed the black, musty-smelling alga is in the river, but it is not as toxic as the bloom in the lower reaches of the Ashley that is believed to have killed at least one dog and made others ill...	The Press
26 Mar 2007	Secretive scenery A lakeside village in Central Otago is feeling the pressure of popularity. Edna Capell came to Lake Hawea for two weeks. She is still there, 69 years later...	The Press
26 Mar 2007	Changing times for salmon Salmon fishing is full of uncertainty on a daily basis, and longer term...Salmon fishing attracts only the keenest and most passionate anglers. Salmon runs are highly variable on both a daily and seasonal basis, and the fishery only rewards anglers who are prepared to devote most of their spare time to the sport...	The Press
26 Mar 2007	High-country station to remain in farming hands One of the country's largest freehold high-country stations has been sold to New Zealanders who plan to keep farming the land. The current owners, the Weatherall family, were happy the 8322ha Lake Ohau Station would remain in local hands, the Otago Daily Times reported.	NZ Herald/Otago Daily Times
24 Mar 2007	Rock snot algae If you're a fan of a good mystery, you'll love the story of Didymosphenia geminata (didymo). This freshwater alga is so small, you can't see it with the naked eye. And for almost two centuries, it was thought of as a species endemic to the northern hemisphere that never did anyone any harm...	CBC Radio
24 Mar 2007	Changing times for salmon Salmon fishing is full of uncertainty on a daily basis, and longer term...Salmon fishing attracts only the keenest and most passionate anglers. Salmon runs are highly variable on both a daily and seasonal basis, and the fishery only rewards anglers who are prepared to devote most of their spare time to the sport... ....Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research believe that changes in ocean temperature and productivity are the principal causes of salmon-run variability in New Zealand...	The Press
24 Mar 2007	Rock snot campaign a heroic struggle Holidayers returning from the South Island have been appalled at the spread of didymo weed in sparkling rivers. They say the invasive algae looks not so much like rock snot, as it is commonly called, but like used toilet paper. At the same time, overseas anglers returning from South Island visits have spoken in glowing terms of Biosecurity New Zealand's summer campaign to keep didymo out of the North Island and thus out of two of the world's great trout fisheries, Rotorua and Taupo....	NZ Herald
24 Mar 2007	'No consultation with Maori' Ownership of fresh water is a red herring. What is at the heart of this matter is the sustainable management and use of fresh water, says Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon...	Timaru Herald
24 Mar 2007	Water ownership divisive No one owns water and the concept is divisive, an Opuha dam pioneer said yesterday.... Water ownership is a dangerous and divisive concept, according to South Canterbury water storage advocate Tom Henderson...	Timaru Herald
24 Mar 2007	Warning of challenge on freshwater rights A court challenge is inevitable unless the Government negotiates with Maori on customary rights to fresh water, a "river iwi" source warns. Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia accused the Maori Party yesterday of making "a mountain out of a molehill" in its claims that the Government was unfairly asserting ownership of fresh water...	Dominion Post
24 Mar 2007	Motorbike tracks damaging landscape Motorbike tracks around Lake Emma are destroying the visual image of DOC land and reducing landscape values in the area...	Timaru Herald
24 Mar 2007	Central South Island Fish and Game meeting briefs Disposal of fish offal Licence sales for the season appear to be slower than expected Field officer Graeme Hughes was congratulated on the completion of 40 years service Council gave approval ford a submission to be sent to government agencies and Fish and Game New Zealand, expressing CSI Fish and Game's serious concerns that the establishment of an Access Panel as recommended in the Acland Report, will fail to adequately protect the right of New Zealanders to have reasonable access to public property.	Timaru Herald
24 Mar 2007	Power company at centre of lake probe A major power generation company is under investigation over possible breaches of consent conditions for it hydro-electric power scheme in Taranaki. The Taranaki Regional Council confirmed yesterday Tauranga-based TrustPower Ltd is under the microscope regarding the amount of water it has been taking from the Manganui River for its Motukawa hydro scheme... ... The investigation follows complaints received from locals, including Stratford angler Alan Caskey. Mr Caskey wrote a letter to the Taranaki Daily News claiming that a fishing trip to the lake last week turned sour when he discovered there was little water there. TrustPower says the lake's water level has been kept above the minimum allowable level in an effort to maintain plenty of habitat for the fish.	Taranaki Daily News
23 Mar 2007	Maori Party questions Government ownership of fresh water The Maori Party is questioning the Government's ownership of water in the country's lakes and streams, saying in some cases Maori may retain customary rights. The Government is consulting over water use through its Sustainable Water Programme of Action...	NZ Herald
23 Mar 2007	Use of compound to wipe out didymo ruled out Using an experimental copper-based compound to try to rid the Takaka River of the invasive didymo has been discounted for now, following a report showing it does not eliminate the river-clogging alga. Biosecurity New Zealand commissioned the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research to assess the possibility of using the compound on the Takaka River before testing of it in Southland was completed...	Nelson Mail
20 Mar 2007	Silt natural occurrence for lake Taupo District Council says silt washing into Lake Taupo is a natural occurrence and adds to the sandiness of the foreshore. The subject came to light last week when parts of Paenoa Rd, at Nukuhau, washed into the lake. Senior engineering officer Chris Todd says it is a natural occurrence that has been happening since before human habitation...	Taupo Times
19 Mar 2008	Eating fish can make you feel happier, study finds Having salmon for dinner is not just good for your heart, it may also make you happier, according to a University of Pittsburgh study. It found that omega-3 fatty acids, which are plentiful in fatty fish such as salmon, seem to affect areas of the brain associated with emotion...	NZ Herald
19 Mar 2007	Red river caused by council dye Red dye found in the Opawa River on March 12 was sourced from a storage shed belonging to the Marlborough District Council. A two kilometre stretch of the river turned red after a dye used in spraying was dumped in the water of Casey's Creek behind Central Rugby Club, one kilometre upstream from the Grove Rd Bridge on State Highway 1. The river's aquatic life appeared unharmed by the incident, with no dead fish discovered over the past week.	Marlborough Express
17 Mar 2007	Water tunnel raises new questions The configuration of the Central Plains Water Scheme takes on a new look with the introduction of a tunnel to convey water across the district. This reduces the amount of open canals required and eliminates the loss of much farmland... ...this irrigation scheme will likely see the Waimakariri River become known as the most "used" river in New Zealand... ... many in Christchurch recognize the proposed irrigation scheme take will reduce or almost eliminate the freshes that nourish the instream health of the river, and maintenance of fish passage will be reduced to the degree that salmon runs become threatened...	Timaru Herald
16 Mar 2007	Rookie lands giant salmon Luke Dell is hooked on salmon fishing. The Christchurch fisherman landed a 9.5kg salmon yesterday, just an hour into his first attempt at catching the delicacy, which is running in the Waimakariri River now...	The Press
16 Mar 2007	Farmer told to stop clearing vegetation A North Otago farmer has been told to stop clearing vegetation from the Waitaki River bed. Yesterday the Environment Court issued an interim enforcement order on behalf of the regional council, Environment Canterbury.	Timaru Herald
16 Mar 2007	Govt welcomes Taupo improvement measures The Government is welcoming measures announced by Environment Waikato to improve Lake Taupo's water quality. Environment Waikato today announced it would try and reduce manageable nitrogen discharges – mainly from farm runoff – by 20 per cent over 15 years. Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton said farming relied on water so it was vital quality was improved. "Managing nutrient flows into water is absolutely crucial for both the reputation of our exports and as a 100 per cent pure tourist destination."	NZPA
16 Mar 2007	River of silt runs into Lake Taupo Parts of Paenoa Rd in Acacia Bay have washed into Lake Taupo this week, the third time in as many years...	Taupo Times
16 Mar 2007	ECan criticises 'suck and see' water ruling Environment Canterbury (ECan) has lashed out at a decision by commissioners paving the way for water to be taken from an already over-allocated area. In a rare move, ECan bosses have gone public with criticism of the commissioners, whom they appoint and whose decisions they must abide by...	The Press
12 Mar 2007	Test results of didymo killer likely in June Results of an experiment aimed at controlling didymo should be known by the middle of the year. The algal pest, also known as rock snot, has infected dozens of South Island waterways and has seen strict controls put on recreational boaties and fishermen to help control its spread. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research has been doing controlled trial of chelated copper which so far shows signs of being able to kill didymo with few impacts on other organisms. It is due to present a written report on its findings to Biosecurity New Zealand in June. Those results will then be passed onto Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton.	NZCity
11 Mar 2007	Animal waste gets into Mangaokewa Stream water Untreated animal effluent from a meat works leaked into Te Kuiti's water supply yesterday, prompting health authorities to warn residents to boil drinking water and stay clear of infected waterways. It leaked .... into the Mangaokewa Stream that runs through the town and supplies residents' drinking water. The waterway is a tributary of the Waipa River which in turn flows into the Waikato River.	Sunday Star Times
10 Mar 2007	Good relationships key to land access Tthe softly-softly approach to public access to waterways and the back country is a good start, according to South Canterbury hunters and anglers. They generally enjoy good access thanks to the co-operation of landowners. The concern is for the future as Crown land is freeholded, farms sell, fish and game become saleable assets and Department of Conservation estates restrict vehicle access.	Timaru Herald
10 Mar 2007	The right to roam tempered with a necessary compromise The independent report on walking access to farmland is the sort of rational compromise which the Government should have initially adopted, writes The Press in an editorial.	The Press
9 March 2007	National questions likely cost of access plan The Government's lan to creat a network of walkways throughout the country will be more expensive than people have been led to believe, the National Party says. National Party agriculture spokeman David Carter yesterday said..it would be an eexpensive task tomap existingg paper roads, and it was inevitable that some responsiblilty would be passed on to local councils which would have to recoup the cost throught rate rises.	Nelson Mail
9 Mar 2007	Don't wreck the river: anglers Fish & Game has joined people protesting against a proposed hydroelectric power scheme on Rotorua's Kaituna River... Yesterday, Fish & Game regional manager Steve Smith said the project, which would divert water from the river into a 2km canal and power station, could also affect the upper river's "significant" trout fishery...	NZ Herald
9 Mar 2007	Gowan River hydro scheme a danger, court told A proposed hydro power scheme on the Gowan River near Murchison could reduce fish numbers and be a danger to recreational users, the Environment Court has been told. New Zealand and Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game and New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association legal counsel Maree Baker said the Gowan contained one of the highest densities of trout in the country. It was "intimately linked" to adjacent fisheries which were likely to be dependent on the river for fish stocks and needed to be protected...	Nelson Mail
9 Mar 2007	Paper roads in open land plan Thousands of kilometres of paper roads could be used to gain access to land-locked rivers, lakes and the seashore, but it could be years before most private land is opened up. An independent panel has recommended to Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor that unformed roads be the basis of a countrywide network of walkways beside rivers wider than three metres, lakes bigger than eight hectares and the seashore. It also recommended negotiating with landowners where paper roads did not exist - a process he admitted could be a "10 to 20-year process".	Taranaki Daily News
9 Mar 2007	When in doubt, try a commission (opinion) The downside of the report by an independent panel into public access to Crown recreational areas such as beaches and rivers is the recommendation that disputes over access on private land will go to a commission. Another downside is the abandonment of plans to legislate a 5m strip around the edges of suitable waterways as public access, thereby locking in and expanding the Queen's Chain concept, comments the Manawatu Standard in an editorial...	Manawatu Standard
9 Mar 2007	Volunteers sought to clip salmon fins at Montrose Hatchery North Canterbury Fish & Game is seeking help from anglers at the Montrose Hatchery this weekend to clip the fins of salmon smolts due for release in winter. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8am on Saturday 10th or Sunday 11th March. North Canterbury Fish & Game will be providing a BBQ lunch each day. To help with estimating numbers and quantities, those anglers that are keen to help please phone North Canterbury Fish & Game (phone 03 366-9191) if you can.	Fish & Game
8 Mar 2007	Farmers win veto rights over waterway access Farmers have won an important victory in the land access issue and what is effectively the final nail in the coffin has been hammered into plans to open public access to waterways. Property owners will be expected to negotiate with trampers and anglers who want to cross their land, if a fresh solution wins favour...	NZ Herald
8 Mar 2007	Trampers, farmers in step over report Farmers and tramping groups marched in step yesterday, praising the walking access report for endorsing a negotiated approach for people wanting to enjoy the great outdoors... ...Dissent over public access A member of the independent panel which examined land access issues has broken away from its recommendations - saying they do not go far enough. Bryce Johnson, an advocate for anglers and outdoor recreationists, said: "It [the access commission] cannot negotiate from a position of strength and cannot guarantee an outcome when other parties refuse to negotiate."...	NZ Herald
8 Mar 2007	Public to walk paper roads Thousands of kilometres of paper roads could be used to gain access to land-locked rivers, lakes and the seashore, but it could be years before most private land is opened up. An independent panel yesterday recommended to Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor that unformed roads be the basis of a countrywide network of walkways beside rivers wider than three metres, lakes bigger than eight hectares, and the seashore. It also recommended negotiating with landowners where paper roads did not exist - a process he admitted could be a "10 to 20-year process"...	Dominion Post
8 Mar 2007	Reducing river flow could 'improve' Gowan fishing Taking water from the Gowan River to feed a hydro-electric dam could improve trout fishing on the river, the Environment Court has heard. NIWA scientist Ian Jowett said a 1984 survey of 100 rivers showed the Gowan had the highest trout density, with over 100 trout per hectare. But despite the high trout numbers, anglers did not often fish the river because it was so swift and deep. Mr Jowett said reducing the river's flow could improve the fishing on the river as anglers could more easily access the fish in a shallower, slower river. Anglers would also have easier access and movement along the edges of the river...	Nelson Mail
7 Mar 2007	Walking access report suggests minor changes An independent panel that spent 18 months and up to $400,000 looking into walking access across private land has recommended only minor changes to the existing regime. The panel's report, released today by Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor, recommends landowners should retain the right to block people walking across their land to publicly owned rivers, lakes and coastline. Before the last election, the Government shelved legislation to create marginal access strips across private land to important recreational waterways after a huge backlash from farmers. Today's report recommends access to such waterways should continue to be negotiated on a voluntary basis, and compulsion – through the Public Works Act – only used as a last resort. It also recommends setting up a land access commission which would gather centralised information on the country's 59,000km of unformed legal roads, organise signage and negotiate with landowners...	NZPA
7 Mar 2007	Walking Access Panel Recommendations Too Conservative In his capacity as a private citizen, Bryce Johnson (the director of Fish & Game New Zealand) has expressed the view that the Walking Access Consultation Panel Report (WACP) does not follow through with recommendations that match the panels own acknowledgement of public rights and access principles. As a member of the WACP, Bryce Johnson believes that the full packages of recommendations of the panel may not achieve the Government’s stated policy objective of completing the Queens Chain...	Fish & Game
7 Mar 2007	Land Access Report Welcomed as a Good Start Fish & Game New Zealand welcomes the report released today as a good start to completion of the Queen’s Chain. “The report concludes that the aim is for New Zealanders to have fair and reasonable access on foot to and along the coastline and rivers, around lakes and to public land,” said Neil Deans, Fish & Game New Zealand spokesperson. “The high level principles that walking access should be ‘free, certain, enduring and practical’ are strongly supported...	Fish & Game
7 March 2007	Kayakers foam over dam plan Donald Calder has owned a kayak shop by Rotorua's Kaituna River for 15 years and the foaming waters are the lifeblood of his business. He says an electricity company's plan to build a hydro power scheme there would ruin world-renowned rapids and a "priceless" tourism asset...The Kaituna is used by kayakers, rafters and fishers...The power scheme would "totally devastate" the part of reserve that was flooded and the section of river where water was diverted into the canal...	NZ Herald
6 Mar 2007	Big dry starts to bite region Little or no rainfall over the past month has seen a dramatic rise in water deliveries across the Manawatu district... ...According to the National Climate Centre, rainfall for last month was well below normal in most regions. The MetService has no significant rainfall forecast for the Manawatu over the next few weeks..	Feilding Herald
6 Mar 2007	Algal bloom warning on Banks Peninsula Continued high levels of algal bloom in Lake Forsyth/Te Wairewa, near Little River on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury have prompted a health warning. Ingesting water from the lake could be fatal for animals including dogs, sheep, cattle, fish and birds.	NZ Herald
5 Mar 2007	Survey confirms anglers' reports of good fishing on river An annual underwater survey of the Upper Waiau River has disclosed high numbers of good-sized trout. Six divers from Fish and Game New Zealand snorkelled their way down the river, which runs from Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, last week. Te Anau Fish and Game officer Bill Jarvie said the drift-diving team had seen an average of 350 good-sized trout for every kilometre of river, with patches of up to 600 a kilometre. The survey results matched reports from long-time anglers, who were reporting the best fishing for years in the Upper Waiau, Mr Jarvie said...	Southland Times
5 Mar 2007	Top flyfishers heading Taumarunui's way Pristine river conditions and fighting fish means Taumarunui's rivers have been chosen as one of the venues for the New Zealand National Fishing competition in March. Head of venues Peter Scott is fairly familiar with the Whanganui River now... "The first time I fished here, I was blown away by the water quality and the hard- fighting fish, which is what you need in this sport. "It's really amazing down here. Locals don't realise it but the conditions on the Whanganui make it one of the best fly-fishing rivers in New Zealand and maybe even the world."...	Ruapehu Press
5 Mar 2007	Warning to Banks Peninsula lake users over algal bloom Continued high levels of algal bloom in Lake Forsyth/Te Wairewa, near Little River on Banks Peninsula, have prompted a health warning. Regular monitoring of the lake has shown it has consistently high levels of blue-green algal bloom, Canterbury medical officer of health Alistair Humphrey said.	NZPA
5 Mar 2007	Autumn set to be dry, says Niwa Settled weather is being predicted for the next three months with average or above average temperatures forecast. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said today dry conditions were expected to continue through March over much of New Zealand, but conditions for autumn as a whole were likely to be about average. There was a 30 per cent chance of a La Nina event developing.	NZ Herald
3 Mar 2007	Kokanee return to Ohau and Tekapo rivers The big news this week is the return of Kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) to the Ohau and Tekapo rivers, and a small tributary that runs through DOC's black stilt breeding area near Twizel. Kokanee were not present at a river inspection carried out by Ecan staff last Friday, but over the weekend a huge number of fish took up residence. Some reports suggest there will be thousands of Kokanee in the system now....	Timaru Herald
3 Mar 2007	Didymo spreads to Haast River The invasive alga didymo has made its way into the Haast River in south Westland. Biosecurity New Zealand didymo operations manager Jeff Donaldson said it had been identified in the Haast River by Burkes Flat, about 3km downstream from the Gates of Haast. He said there should be no significant changes for river users but those informed of the find included a film crew. "Signage was already up before didymo was located." He said it was difficult to track where didymo had come from because it could be spread in one drop of water. The only other place didymo has been found on the West Coast is the Buller River, in September 2005.	Nelson Mail
2 Mar 2007	Canterbury water worries rejected Scarce Canterbury water is under threat after a decision to allow applications in a hotly disputed irrigation zone. Up to 33 million cubic metres per second (cumecs) of water could be taken after independent commissioners signalled they would reject Environment Canterbury (ECan) staff recommendations to decline 69 water-take applications in the "red", or fully allocated, Rakaia-Selwyn zone... North Canterbury Fish and Game environmental officer Jason Holland said more water taken could only worsen the condition of lowland streams, already suffering from dry winters in recent years. "We have to wait and see what the consent conditions are going to be, but as unbelievable as it might sound, they have probably decided to go ahead." ...	The Press
2 Mar 2007	Driest February recorded Parts of New Zealand had their driest February for decades, according to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Lake Tekapo had its driest February in 80 years and Mt Cook its driest in 75 years. The South Island's West Coast enjoyed the sunshine, with Hokitika recording its sunniest February since measurements began 93 years ago. But Northland's rainfall was double the normal February quota, with some parts of the region receiving more than 200mm between February 5 and 7.	NZ Herald
1 Mar 2007	Protests at rural access move Fish and Game New Zealand has attacked suggestions that landowners retain rights of veto over public access and suggested the Government may be giving into the views of a few "extremist" farmers. Its views were echoed by the Council of Outdoor Recreation Association (Coranz) which said rumours that the Land Access Panel had got cold feet in its recommendations to the Government were a grave concern...	NZPA
28 Feb 2007	Preventing spread of didymo is achievable The unwanted organism didymo has continued to spread in South Island waterways, but has not been identified in the North Island. Media coverage and other public discussion has focused on the spread of this organisation and criticisms of what should or could have been done in the past. Together, these themes can create apathy or despair. The truth is, preventing the continued spread of this organism is both crucial and achievable, but there is no silver bullet or simple answer. It is up to each and every user of our freshwater resource to remain diligent in river hygiene, to check, clean and dry every time (especially with felt soled wading boots), and to insist that fellow anglers and waterway users do the same. The eventual practicality of treatment programmes has yet to be determined, and we all have a huge responsibility to do the very best we can in keeping this pest restricted for as long as we can.	Reel Life
28 Feb 2007	Spat over land access heats up Federated Farmers Marlborough branch president Pat O'Sullivan has launched a stinging attack on Fish and Game following the latest speculation on recommendations by the Land Access Panel. Mr O'Sullivan described Fish and Game's spokesman Neil Dean's most recent comments as a "vicious attack on landowners" and Fish and Game's advocacy as "communist in nature". The spat has arisen after reports from sources close to the Government suggested that landowners would retain rights of veto over public access, including to public land or resources. Fish and Game attacked that idea, suggesting the Government may be giving in to the views of a few "extremist" farmers...	Marlborough Express
27 Feb 2007	Farmers may get veto over land access The Government is buying a fight with recreational groups as it becomes apparent farmers may get a veto over granting public access to their land. Having defused landowner anger before the last election by creating a panel to look at access, the Government has alienated another group with proposals critics say amount to a failure to uphold a promise made before the 1999 election. Fish and Game New Zealand spokesman Neil Deans said the Government was backing down on a promise “to complete the Queen’s Chain”. “The Government should watch carefully the response of the recreational sector. Many thought they would safeguard access. It will be an outrage if they renege on those promises.” ...	Otago Daily News
27 Feb 2007	Volunteers required for Montrose salmon fin-clipping It is that time of year again when North Canterbury Fish & Game are calling on volunteers to help with the annual fin clip of salmon at the Montrose Hatchery. Fish & Game are are planning on fin clipping the salmon over the weekend of the 10th and 11th of March. Those anglers that are keen to help should phone North Canterbury Fish & Game so they can organise food for the BBQ lunch they will be providing each day. Volunteers can meet at the Yaldhurst Pub at 8am that day to organise transportation or meet at Montrose at 9:15am...	Fish & Game
27 Feb 2007	Group pushes for scheme on Gowan River A hydro power shceme proposed for the Gowan River would increase the certainty of electricity supply to the top half of the South Island, the group pushing to build the scheme has told the Environment Court. A three-week hearing into Majac Trust's bid to change a water conservation order on the Gowan River opened in Nelson yesterday... Fish and Game is expected to open the opposing case at the end of the week... A separate hearing to hear Fish and Game's application to widen the Buller water conservation order to include the outstanding trout fishery in the Gowan is scheduled for next month.	Nelson Mail
26 Feb 2007	Fish and Game concerned over 'veto rights' Fish and Game New Zealand has attacked suggestions that landowners retain rights of veto over public access and suggested the Government may be giving in to the views of a few "extremist" farmers. Its views were echoed yesterday by the Council of Outdoor Recreation Association (CORANZ) which said rumours that the Land Access Panel had got cold feet in its recommendations to the Government were a grave concern...	NZPA
24 Feb 2007	Queen's Chain plan to be axed Plans for a "Queen's Chain" across New Zealand's back country are set to be dumped by the Cabinet in a major Government concession to farmers. The Press understands a consultation panel headed by South Canterbury farmer John Acland has recommended Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor ditch plans to force open large tracts of the countryside to public access through legislation. Instead, the panel has recommended the Government reaffirm the private land rights of farmers and set up a travelling agency with the power to hear district access issues and negotiate solutions with farmers and the public. In return, farmers are understood to have agreed to allow walkers the right to use the large number of paper roads that criss-cross the country. Where these are unsuitable, the agency could hold talks on a land swap in return for the deletion of the paper road...	The Press
24 Feb 2007	Call to protect trout at fish farms Trout near salmon farms need protection, according to High Country Salmon's Richard Logan. He is concerned there aren't enough trout to eat all the excess food. Mr Logan said food converted to fish faeces was less damaging on the environment as virtually all the nutrients were used High Country salmon farm would like a fishing exclusion zone around the farm to allow trout to eat the excess food...	Timaru Herald
24 Feb 2007	Metservice and Niwa in the eye of a storm Looking back, some argue it was always going to be idiotic to split the weather research scientists from the weather forecasters. But give the politicians and bureaucrats some leeway - with the weather, its hard to predict what's going to happen. Split they did though, in 1992, and despite a couple of reviews since recommending the two organisations re-merge, they haven't. The developing cold front between Niwa and the MetService culminated last week when the Government appointed a mediator to sort out their behind-closed-doors dispute...	NZ Herald
23 Feb 2007	Warning over continuing litter problem at Dunedin reservoirs Rubbish and dog faeces continue to litter the banks of Sullivans Dam and the Southern Reservoir, which has prompted the Dunedin City Council and Fish and Game to consider preventive measures. Dunedin City Council water and waste services water operations team leader Gerard McCombie said conditions had not improved since the problem was highlighted in the Otago Daily Times in December last year. He warned if it did not improve, or it got worse, the DCC might have to recommend the reservoirs be closed to the public. Mr McCombie said he and his staff did not want to restrict access to the reservoirs because it was a minority of people who caused the problem. “It’s a tremendous facility for people to go for a stroll or for a kid to catch their first fish. But people have to realise that the primary purpose of the reservoir is for drinking water supply,” Mr McCrombie said. “We want people to think about what they are doing and take their rubbish away. If they have dogs there, they should pick up the faecal matter and take it away.” Otago Fish and Game officer Ian Hadland said his organisation had been releasing hatchery-raised fish into Sullivans Dam and Southern Reservoir for the past 13 years to encourage children and novice anglers. Until recently, trout raised at the Macraes Flat Hatchery were released into the council’s water supply reservoirs in a single spring liberation. However, last December, Mr Hadland said the city council was concerned about rubbish and animal faeces in the reservoir areas, and if visitors continued to abuse the areas, trout stocking would have to be reviewed.	Otago Daily Times
23 Feb 2007	Rivers fall as region dries Groundwater remains at healthy levels but river levels have dropped, causing some irrigation restrictions, says Environment Canterbury... NIWA rainfall figures for January and early February were generally below average, unlike December...	Timaru Herald
22 Feb 2007	Water plan 'critical' Backers of a multimillion-dollar irrigation scheme in North Canterbury say the effects of climate change will make the scheme critical to the future of farming in the district. Hurunui Community Water Development Project manager David Viles said the group believed the scheme was vital in the light of Environment Canterbury's climate-change report, which predicted extreme water problems for North Canterbury.	The Press
21 Feb 2007	Pair net fines for fishing without a licence A man and a woman who went went fishing in the Manawatu River without a licence reeled in a fine in Palmerston North District Court yesterday... ...Bevins and A'Court were each fined $150, ordered to pay $130 court costs and $150 costs to Fish and Game.	Manawatu Standard
20 Feb 2007	NZ needs vision for water use: expert New Zealand lacks a committed vision for overall water management and unless one is developed it could end up like Australia with ruined river systems, said an Australian water expert. Professor Mike Young, who holds a research chair in water economics and management at the University of Adelaide, said governments needed to commit to robust water management strategies designed to cope with climatic variation, trading, and to reflect full costs.	Southland Times
20 Feb 2007	Nutrient-trading programme may be solution to protect Southland rivers: researcher Nutrient trading programmes may be the solution to protecting water quality and ensuring landowners have a vested interest in reducing pollution run-off. Wellington researcher Suzie Kerr has investigated the potential for setting up a nutrient-trading programme for Lake Rotorua. A form of nutrient trading is already operating for Lake Taupo. She said a similar programme could work in Southland and elsewhere, adapted for river systems rather than a lake catchment...	Southland Times
20 Feb 2007	Salmon transferred to allow for further growth Volunteers at the Rangitata River McKinnons Creek salmon hatchery transferred baby salmon to a second race on Sunday. The young fish were rapidly outgrowing the tank they were put in last November, when they each weighed six grams. The salmon now weigh almost 30 grams and according to spokesperson Phil de Joux, transferring the fish to a second race will ensure they have more room to grow to their target weight of 80 grams. They will be released into the Rangitata River system during July and August, and another batch will arrive at McKinnons Creek to start the process again...	Timaru Herald
18 Feb 2007	Anglers land in hot water Fish and Game are likely to prosecute three anglers for fishing without licenses over the Christmas period. Eighteen anglers were issued infringement notices for failing to produce their licences while fishing Lake Benmore on December 28, 2006. Fish and Game Central South Island officer Mark Webb said while the actual offence was committed when anglers could not produce a licence when asked, a grace period allowed them to send in the original copy of their licence. Of the nineteen who received notices in December, 15 had sent in their licences. "So 15 really were only guilty for not fishing with their licences on them." Mr Webb said the other three were being investigated and were likely to be prosecuted...	Timaru Herald
16 Feb 2007	Cull of pest fish could give clue to beating algal bloom Waikato University scientists who have spent much of the past week killing thousands of pest fish at Wellington's Karori Wildlife Sanctuary hope the cull will provide clues to controlling algal blooms.	NZ Herald
15 Feb 2007	How did shark get to Lake Taupo? A shark found on a street is prompting fishy theories about how it got more than 100km inland to Lake Taupo... Rotorua senior Fish and Game officer Rob Pitkethley ...said sharks could not survive in fresh water and believed if it hadn't come off the back of a truck, it would have come from somewhere similar.	NZ Herald
10 Feb 2007	The lure of competition The subject of fishing competitions generates a division of opinion among freshwater anglers. Some hate to see their beloved sport tainted by the commercialism and competitiveness associated with these events. Others object to the high rate of harvest that occurs when hundreds of anglers go through their favourite river like a plague of locusts. The alternative view is that fishing competitions are fun, social occasions that support local communities and do a great job of promoting the sport of freshwater fishing to the wider public. The Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition is one of New Zealand's biggest fishing tournaments and runs for three days from February 23 to 25. Entry forms are available from Rakaia River Fishing Promotions, PO Box 52, Rakaia...	The Press
10 Feb 2007	Latest didymo discovery "heart-breaking" The river-cloggong alga didyo jas been found in one of the Nelson region's most popular river systems. The alga has been detected in the lower part of the Motueka River after samples taken near the SH60 bridge by Biosecurity New Zealand tested positive. Nelson Marlborough Fish & Fame manager Neil Deans said he was notified of the find yesterday evening.	Nelson Mail
10 Feb 2007	Sewage spill kills young trout A major sewage spill in Taranaki has wiped out thousands of trout and threatened the food safety of the world's largest dairy factory. The sewer line ruptured in Hawera, discharging domestic and industrial waste into a stream. It has tainted water supplies to a trout hatchery and the Fonterra dairy processing plant... ...the sewer is close to Hawera's Tawhiti stream and its waters flow past important intakes downstream...A kilometre downstream, the damage was already being done. The sewage flowed through an intake pipe into the Fish and Game trout hatchery where 6,000 fingerling trout were just about ready to be released into North Island rivers and streams. Most of them died.	TVNZ
10 Feb 2007	Cicadas are on the wing A central North Island fishing report by Harvey Clark ...Cicada and other dry-fly action has been good from the rivers of the Karangahape Gorge, an hour south of Auckland, down through the streams of South Waikato, across the Taupo and Bay of Plenty fisheries (the Rangitaiki and Whirinaki Rivers have been spectacular) and on down to Hawkes Bay. Anglers are having plenty of excitement on the Tongariro River, cicada patterns dominating during the heat of the day, emerger and caddis patterns taking over as evening comes on...	NZ Herald
8 Dec 2007	Government support for legal action against polluting farmers Environment Waikato's decision to lay charges against farmers allegedly breaching consent conditions and polluting waterways has the express support of Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton and Environment Minister David Benson-Pope...	NZ Lawyer Issue 57
8 Feb 2007	Govt to sign agreement to protect Lake Taupo's water Environment Minister David Benson-Pope will sign an agreement on Friday to protect the quality of the water in Lake Taupo. He said tonight joint funding of $81.5 million was coming from the Government, Environment Waikato and Taupo district Council, making the project the largest of its kind in New Zealand...	NZPA /stuff.co.nz
8 Feb 2007	Didymo in Queenstown Bay brings call for care The slimy tentacles of didymo have penetrated the north foreshore of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown Bay from the One Mile through to the waterfront of the town to the Kawarau Jet wharf. Queenstown Lakes District Harbourmaster Marty Black said yesterday it was inevitable that didymo or "rock snot" would infiltrate the pristine lake waters...	Southland Times
8 Dec 2007	Didymo arrives at Queenstown The invasive alga didymo has been detected in Queenstown Bay, one of the most photographed and popular stretches of water in the South Island. Known as rock snot because of its unpleasant appearance, the alga was seen on rocks around the edge of the bay by Queenstown Lakes District Council harbour master Marty Black on Saturday....	The Press
8 Feb 2007	Didymo at Queenstown The invasive alga didymo has spread to Lake Wakatipu's Queenstown Bay. Though there is a risk of the pest spreading into other waterways from the lake, the main threat will be to the lake's appearance. Biosecurity New Zealand spokesman Jeff Donaldson said the didymo should not bother bathers or spread to the sandy beach.	NZ Herald
8 Dec 2007	Clean-up begins in Far North Residents and council staff in the Far North began mopping up today after heavy rains and flooding closed several roads and wreaked havoc across the region yesterday... ...Flooding fears in the Victoria Valley, Takahue, Fairburn and Mangamuka areas, along with the Waima and Taheke areas of the Hokianga had eased. Further south in the Waikato yesterday slips and floods blocked roads...	NZPA /stuff.co.nz
7 Feb 2007 5.05pm	Heavy rain, flooding hits Far North About 500 people in the Far North are cut off from the rest of New Zealand after a bridge spanning State Highway 1 washed out overnight. The Mitimiti Bridge on SH1, just north of Te Kao on the road to Cape Reinga, was swept away after heavy rains turned the waterway into a raging torrent... ...The council was still worried about possible flooding in the Victoria Valley, Takahue, Kaitaia and Fairburn areas, for the Mangamuka area, and the Waima and Taheke areas of the Hokianga...The council was watching water levels in parts of Kaitaia, where evacuations may be necessary if the heavy rain returned...	NZPA /stuff.co.nz
7 Feb 2007	Wild weather to worsen in Waikato Torrential rain which caused slips and flooding in the Waikato last night is expected to continue today. The heaviest downpours today were expected in the Coromandel Peninsula. Weather forecasters said thunderstorms there were likely to bring intense downpours which could cause localised flooding...	Waikato Times
7 Feb 2007 2.30pm	Flooding causes havoc near Raglan, closes SH1 bridge in Far North Farmers are looking for lost livestock and gathering up dead carcasses this morning after "the worst flooding for 15 years" affected areas around Waitetuna River, near Raglan...	NZ Herald
7 Feb 2007	Ward's water gain may be Awatere's loss Ward can look forward to a greener future with the decision to allow importation of water from the Awatere River, but Awatere councillor Andrew Barker says while the decision may please people around Ward, it is less welcome in the Awatere itself...	Marlborough Express
6 Feb 2007	Special MetService weather bulletin for Northland Special weather bulletin issued by MetService at 10.36am. Bursts of heavy rain with thunderstorms continue in Northland until tomorrow afternoon... ...People should watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers. Localised surface flooding is likely in intense downpours...	NZ Herald
6 Feb 2007	Didymo found in more rivers The Department of Conservation has confirmed that the river-clogging alga didymo has spread to the Owen and Matiri rivers in the Buller catchment. DOC technical manager Martin Heine said the finds were disappointing but not unexpected. Mr Heine said didymo was found in samples taken from rocks in both rivers during a recently completed DOC survey of waterways in the top of the South Island. The survey was done to establish how widespread the alga is. Mr Heine said DOC had the interim findings and expected to have final results by the end of the week. The survey also detected didymo, also known as rock snot, in the Speargrass Stream and the Pelorus River. It did not detect it in the other rivers tested...	Nelson Mail
6 Feb 2007	Didymo found in two more rivers at top of South Island Didymo appears to be spreading at the top of the South Island -- the invasive weed being reported in two more rivers. Tasman District Council environment and planning manager Dennis Bush-King said he had been alerted to two new finds of didymo (didymosphenia geminata) in the Buller River catchment...	NZ Herald
6 Feb 2007	Come hell or high water (Editorial) Let's not think ourselves especially clever or virtuous at the improvement in Southland water and air quality findings for the year to May 2006, writes The Southland Times in an editorial. Helpful weather – an unreliable assistant – played a significant part in that... ...These snapshot findings don't change the reality that Southland's water quality is getting measurably worse, particularly in lowland watercourses....	Southland Times
5 Feb 2007	Nelson didymo spread widens The invasive didymo alga appears to have been found in two more rivers in the Nelson region. Tasman District Council environment and planning manager Dennis Bush-King said he was notified last week about the finds in the Buller River catchment. He would not reveal exactly which rivers it was found in, saying it was not his place to do so. Biosecurity New Zealand spokesman Phil Barclay said his organisation had not been notified of any further finds. Biosecurity NZ and the Department of Conservation are surveying the region's rivers at present to establish how widespread the alga is. Department of Conservation staff were unavailable for comment...	Nelson Mail
5 Feb 2007	Water scheme a boost for Ward The Ward area looks set for a massive boost with the green light for a plan to pipe water from the Awatere River, part of a multi-million dollar scheme backed by developer Peter Yealands. The move could unlock the growing potential of the arid land from Lake Grassmere to Ward and bring millions of dollars to the local economy. It will also see the landscape change as more grapes go in, and land prices soar, following similar changes around Seddon...	Marlborough Express
3 Feb 2007	Objectors appeal Lake Dunstan marina consent Both the Otago Fish and Game and the Clutha Fisheries Trust have appealed a decision to grant resource consent for a marina at the northern end of Lake Dunstan. The organisations were not happy when a Central Otago District Council hearings panel approved a resource consent application to allow the 93-lot development...	Southland Times
2 Feb 2007	Gorse a threat to water quality Gorse could be destroying the quality of the country's water and action must be taken now to rid the country of the noxious weed, says a senior scientist involved in a Rotorua study on the weed. Dr Guna Magesan, a senior scientist with Ensis, the unincorporated joint venture between Crown Research Institute Scion in Rotorua, and Australia's CSIRO, said gorse could be having a greater effect on nitrate levels than originally thought. Nitrate is one of the major nutrients that damages water quality. It stimulates algal and weed growth in lakes and rivers which can cause the water to be unsafe for drinking and swimming and can make it an unsuitable habitat for fish...	Marlborough Express
2 Feb 2007	'Inspirational' fishing film to show Fly fishing and film making may not seem an obvious combination but film producer and freelance journalist Nick Reygaert does both – and shows the results to rave audiences. Reygaert, of Otautau, is bringing his Fly Fishing Film Festival to Invercargill on February 12 (at Reading Cinemas). It is set to delight fans of fly fishing and the general public...	Southland Times
1 Feb 2007	Didymo contained to outer regions of Fiordland: DOC Didymo appeared to be contained on the outer margins of Fiordland, with sampling of 14 remote rivers in the national park showing no sign of the river-clogging pest, the Department of Conservation said yesterday. Sampling of 14 rivers in western Fiordland rivers found no trace of the snot-like algae. Didymo has been confirmed at the mouth of the Ettrick Burn River in the Murchison Mountains in Fiordland.	Southland Times
1 Feb 2007	Clean green image just that: opinion The Government has backed Environment Waikato's decision to charge 23 farmers with dirty dairying (Waikato Times, January 24). Jim Anderton said New Zealand's clean green image needed to be a reality and David Benson-Pope said the Government was committed to sustaining and protecting New Zealand's precious waterways. Yeah right...	Waikato Times
1 Feb 2007	At last, bottleneck Taupo may get bypass A bold engineering project that will slice 30 minutes off the Auckland-Wellington road trip has finally reached the stage where resource consents can be sought - and it could be completed by 2010...	NZ Herald
31 Jan 2007	Anglers in for good run over summer A colder-than-usual spring means good news for fishermen pursuing trout over the summer period. Fish and Game New Zealand senior officer Rob Pitkethley said in a statement that as the weather warmed up, trout, especially brown trout, start to move to the colder tributary streams to escape Lake Rotorua's rising water temperatures...	Rotorua Review
30 Jan 2007	Aiming for clean water Southland waterways are 'in trouble' because of runoff The mole and tile drains underlying most Southland farms, put in by the first farmers of the area, are great for getting rid of the excess rain that falls in the region. However, what works well as an irrigation system also speeds up the flow of a major pollutant to Southland rivers – dairy effluent, better known as cow poo.	Southland Times
29 Jan 2007	Waitaki River called a didymo disaster The Waitaki River has been described as a didymo disaster and unfishable for many anglers. Didymo has spread 60km in a year and anglers with more than 30 years' experience are walking away from the river...	NZ Herald
29 Jan 2007	Felt-soled wading boots pose a major didymo risk While anglers are advised to “Check, Clean and Dry” their equipment between different waterways, recent research has revealed that felt-soled boots or waders are virtually impossible to effectively decontaminate. Regional manager of Fish and Game NZ, Neil Deans, says “the risk of spreading didymo with felt-soled waders (or other dense absorbent materials which stays damp) is extremely high and as a result, anglers are advised to avoid the use of felt-soled boots and waders this summer...	Fish & Game
29 Jan 2007	Fish for Tomorrow? This year’s theme for World Wetlands Day is ‘Fish for Tomorrow?’ and focuses on over-fishing of the world’s marine and inland fisheries, all of which depend on healthy functional wetlands as the nursery grounds for freshwater and marine fish species. World Wetlands Day is celebrated with a host of events throughout the country when Fish & Game NZ leads a range of organizations in creating varied wetland experiences ...	Fish & Game
27 Jan 2007	Protection details for Oreti River outlined A water conservation order on the Oreti River would strengthen protections planned under Environment Southland's water plan and preserve "the most outstanding large brown trout fishing in New Zealand," Fish and Game Southland manager Maurice Rodway said yesterday. Mr Rodway was giving evidence on the first day of an Environment Ministry-appointed special tribunal that is hearing Fish and Game's application for a water conservation order on the Oreti River...	The Southland Times
27 Jan 2007	DOC's 'turnover on water order surprises' The Department of Conservation's lack of support for Fish and Game's Oreti River water conservation order application was very surprising, the chairman of the special tribunal hearing the application said yesterday...	The Southland Times
27 Jan 2007	Maitai swim ban may become permanent A swimming ban on the lower Maitai River may become permanent following water testing this week...Readings at the Maitai's popular swimming holes further upstream had continued to be excellent however, he said...	Nelson Mail
26 Jan 2006	Didymo danger for holidays People moving between rivers over the coming two holiday weekends are being urged to decontaminate equipment to help keep the North Island free of the algae didymo.... ... Environment Waikato's biosecurity manager John Simmons said preventing the spread of didymo from the South Island was particularly important while there was still no proven method of fighting it...	Waikato Times
26 Jan 2006	Didymo outlook grim Most of the major rivers in the Nelson region could be infested with didymo within a year, Fish and Game warns. Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game manager Neil Deans said most of the major Southland waterways were now infected with the river-clogging algae and the Nelson region was probably a year away from being faced with the same dilemma... Mr Deans said education was the most important tool in slowing the spread of the snot-like algae. It was critical that the public treat each waterway as if it was infected with didymo. He urged people to clean, check and dry equipment before moving to other waterways...	Nelson Mail
25 Jan 2007	Oroua River slabs 'no danger' Angry claims by a landowner that flood protection work on the Oroua River is inadequate and dangerous, have been dismissed by Horizons Regional Council.	Feilding Herald
24 Jan 2007	Walkway now for Karapiro anglers A cleverly engineered stairway now gives keen trout anglers access to a prize fishing spot, once only found by the most hardy of anglers. Fish & Game and Mighty River Power jointly funded the new stairway – the Karapiro Anglers Walkway – on the true right bank of the Waikato River just below the Karapiro Dam...	Matamata Chronicle /Waikato Times
23 Jan 2007	Agencies raise stench over tench invaders Fish and Game and Department of Conservation officers may drain three Christchurch ponds after the illegal release of a carnivorous sports fish. Fish and Game regional manager for North Canterbury Ross Millichamp said tench, a fish that competes for food with trout, salmon and native fish, had been released within Christchurch city limits three times in the past eight months. Fish and Game and the department were considering options including draining the ponds, chemical control, netting and closing the ponds to fishing.	NZ Herald
23 Jan 2007	Dumping of exotic fish vexes guardians Imported European fish have been illegally dumped in three Christchurch ponds, angering the agencies charged with clearing the waterways. Tench, a popular breed of sports fish, has been found in two locations in north Christchurch and in a pond on council land at Ferrymead. They compete with trout, salmon and native fish for food...	The Press
22 Jan 2007	Dam proposed for Motupiko Valley The Tasman District Council is investigating building another large dam to store water for irrigation, this time in the Motupiko Valley above Kohatu Junction...	Nelson Mail
21 Jan 2007	Pike River's uphill battle The West Coast's mining star is rising again - but investing in the country's second-biggest coalmine will not be for the fainthearted.. Still unhappy at Pike River progress are the environmental groups which fought resource consents for access roads through pristine beech and rimu forests along the Pike River and Valley. Forest & Bird South Island field officer Eugenie Sage said she believed consents grossly under-estimated the risk of acid mine drainage on waterways.	Sunday Star Times
20 Jan 2007	Anglers snag blame for didymo's chokehold Didymo is steadily creeping through South Island rivers with its deadly spread being helped by unwitting anglers - the very people who hate it most.	NZ Herald
20 Jan 2007	New tool in battle against toxic algae Satellite images on Google Earth have inspired a new tool in the fight against toxic algal blooms in New Zealand lakes..	NZ Herald
19 Jan 2007	Has Minister given up on Didymo? Press Release: New Zealand National Party Has Minister given up on Didymo? Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton must assure the public that his department is doing all it can to stop the spread of Didymo into North Island rivers and lakes, says National's Biosecurity spokesman, Shane Ardern. He is commenting after the discovery of Didymo in the Pelorus and Speargrass rivers in the northern South Island. "This should be sending alarm bells around New Zealand.	scoop.co.nz
19 Jan 2007	$2.6m plan aims to keep Lake Waikaremoana pristine Lake Waikaremoana will be kept in pristine condition with the help of a new $2.6 million sewerage system. The scenic lake, in remote country northwest of Wairoa, gets about 80,000 visitors a year and the Conservation Department is building the system to make sure it does not get polluted.	Dominion Post
19 Jan 2007	Didymo spreads further Two more upper South Island rivers are infected with didymo. Biosecurity New Zealand reported on Thursday that the invasive alga had been discovered in the Pelorus River between the Pelorus Bridge and Canvastown, in Marlborough. It has also been found in Speargrass Creek, near Lake Rotoiti. The find comes as the Department of Conservation says every river and waterway in the Nelson region could potentially be infected with didymo. The Speargrass find was made by a member of the public, while the Pelorus find was part of Department of Conservation work relating to the discovery of didymo in the Takaka River in December. The Pelorus River infection is still at the microscopic stage.	Nelson Mail
19 Jan 2007	Two more rivers infected in South Island Two more upper-South Island rivers have been infected with the rock-snot alga didymo. Biosecurity New Zealand reported yesterday that the pest alga had been discovered in the Pelorus River, between the Pelorus Bridge and Canvastown, in Marlborough. It had also been found in Speargrass Creek, near Murchison.	The Press
19 Jan 2007	Didymo found in Pelorus River Department of Conservation didymo field officer Phillip Johnson at Daltons Bridge on the Pelorus River, where evidence was found of didymo last week. Didymo has been found in Marlborough's Pelorus River in the two latest finds of the invasive algae announced by Biosecurity New Zealand.	Marlborough Express
18 Jan 2007	Algal bloom risk in Awanui River A toxic algal bloom in water feeding into the Awanui River in Kaitaia after treatment in the town's sewage ponds is causing a health risk to people and stock. The Far North District Council advises people not to swim in the river downstream from where the treatment ponds discharge.	NZ Herald
17 Jan 2006	Land-rich farmers get double bonus A huge transformation of South Island landscapes has been flying under the public radar for 15 years...	NZ Herald
17 Jan 2007	Warning against swimming in Lake Tutira lifted A warning against swimming in Lake Tutira in Hawke's Bay because of contamination has been lifted. Hawke's Bay District Health Board's medical officer of health, Dr Lester Calder, said water monitoring had shown much lower levels of bacteria. "The levels are now well within the levels recommended in the Ministries of Health and Environment recreational water guidelines."	NZ Herald
17 Jan 2007	Lake warning after rock fall Bathers are being warned to keep away from a popular spot at Lake Ohakuri, near Orakei Korako, following a rock slide. Environment Waikato yesterday posted signs after a rock the size of a picnic table fell from a cliff at the Tutukau bathtubs after the weekend's heavy rain.	Waikato Times
17 Jan 2007	Stations to become resorts Tenure-reviewed high-country stations the Government has paid farmers to take off its hands are being developed into luxury lakefront subdivisions and golf resorts. (The stations mentioned in this article include Shirlmar, near Tarras, Glendhu Station near Wanaka, and Wyuna Station, near Glenorchy.)	The Press
16 Jan 2007	DOC steps up war on didymo The public is responding positively to didymo control measures, but continual vigilance is needed to stop the rock snot choking rivers in Marlborough and Nelson, says the Department of Conservation. Didymo field officer Phillip Johnson has been driving around the Marlborough region educating people using the rivers and streams.	Marlborough Express
15 Jan 2007	River dangers highlighted after tragic weekend loss The drowning of a man in a Mt Aspiring National Park river and a missing kayaker on a river in Southland is a sad reminder to take care in the wilderness. Stephen Damien Colombo, 45, from Surrey Hills, Melbourne, Australia, drowned in the Matukituki River at the weekend after a river crossing went wrong... ...Water Safety New Zealand operations manager Matt Claridge said the incident was a reminder to everyone about the danger of rivers. "Rivers are really high on our priority list. There is no rescue agencies that cover them." River drownings accounted for more than one-third of all drownings, he said. Mr Claridge encouraged all people going near rivers to be very cautious.	Southland Times
15 Jan 2007	Father crossed river in right place, say police A father swept to his death in an alpine river in front of two of his sons was crossing in the right place, police say. Constable Mike Johnston of Wanaka said the spot where Stephen and Carlo chose to cross the river was a "sound choice". The river was low and silty, with a milky appearance, he said. "It's an area where people often cross the river to get to the upside of the Rob Roy," Mr Johnston said.	NZ Herald
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