Bay Harbour: September 23, 2020

PAGE 6 Wednesday September 23 2020
BAY HARBOUR
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
ews
Follow whitebaiting rules
FINES: Keep within the gear limits if you go whitebaiting.
PEOPLE ARE reminded to follow
the conservation laws protecting
native species in the peninsula
region as the Department of
Conservation’s new enforcement
system rolls out.
The wider region is one of the
pilot areas for the new enforcement
system which allows DOC
to issue infringement notices,
as well as the existing tools of a
warning letter or prosecution.
Infringement notices can come
with a $200 to $800 fine. They do
result in a criminal conviction.
Repeat offenders or those committing
serious offences can still
be prosecuted.
Mahaanui operations manager
Andy Thompson said the region
features special places which are
home to amazing species, such as
the Akaroa and Pohatu marine
reserves, and the Kaitorete dunelands.
“Our two marine reserves
are home to iconic South
Island species like rawaru/blue
cod, paua and koura/crayfish.
Pohatu is home to the largest
little blue penguin colony on
mainland New Zealand, and both
reserves are visited by endangered
hector’s dolphins.
“Pohatu is also a popular recreational
spot, with many people
visiting to enjoy the biodiversity
offered in the reserve. The notake
rules help to conserve this
ecosystem.”
Most people understand the
rules and are happy to follow
them, but there are some instances
where people did not, he said.
“Some of the most common
offences we see are in relation
to dogs and wildlife, fishers
breaking whitebaiting rules, and
people disturbing the rare birds
that live on our braided rivers.
“The highest number of prosecutions
is in relation to the marine
reserves at Banks Peninsula.”
DOC has installed new signs
on the cliffs above the marine
reserve, to make the boundaries
clearer. There are also improved
signs at boat ramps.
“We want to educate people in
the first instance, but for those
who do continue to break the
rules, there is now a chance you
will be fined.”
Whitebaiting season had
started and fishers were reminded
to follow the rules, including
keeping within the gear limits
and staying within 10m of their
net.
“We do have warranted officers
out there in the field, keeping an
eye to make sure people are following
the rules.
Offences will be recorded in
DOC’s new enforcement system
database, helping to build a
national picture of complaince
across the country.
Terraces added
to heritage list
HISTORICAL: Stoddart
Weirs, in the Harbour Sports
Ground at Stoddart Point,
have been added to the
New Zealand Heritage List
as a Category 2 historic site.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A PAIR of straight terraces in
Diamond Harbour have been
recognised as historically and
archaeologically significant.
Stoddart Weirs, in the Harbour
Sports Ground at Stoddart Point,
have been added to the New Zealand
Heritage List as a Category 2
historic site.
The two straight terraces in
a gully are the remains of two
weirs built in 1862 by early pakeha
settler Mark Stoddart.
They created a pond as a reliable
water supply for his stock
and horticultural business.
“The weirs tell an important
story of how early pakeha settlers
modified their environment,”
Heritage New Zealand senior
heritage assessment adviser Robyn
Burgess said.
The upper weir was “unusually”
constructed of local volcanic
rocks and was wide enough
to drive a horse and cart across,
Burgess said.
The lower weir is of earth and
stone.
The weirs are connected to
Diamond Harbour’s oldest building,
Stoddart Cottage, home to
Stoddart and his wife, Anna.
Their orchards, extensive vegetable
gardens and crops relied
on the weirs’ water.
Heritage New Zealand senior
archaeologist Frank van der Heijden
assessed the site as having
moderate to high archaeological
values.
If investigated using
archaeological methods, they
could provide significant
information on the construction
methods used by early pakeha
settlers,” he said.
JOIN US NOW!
See website for details
JUST BAGZ
Up to 50% off RRP
HALLENSTEINS
Hoodies $20. Jackets
$50. Selected styles.
While stocks last
UNDER ARMOUR
2 tees & one short for
$100. T&Cs apply
SUMNER
HEAT PUMPS
& ELECTRICAL
LOCALLY OWNED &
OPERATED
HVAC SPECIALISTS
RESIDENTIAL &
COMMERCIAL
INSTALLATIONS
AND REPAIRS
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN
AVAILABLE FOR ANY JOB
PHONE TODAY FOR A
FREE QUOTE
021 228 8127
www.allaboutheat.co.nz
CLIMATE
CONTROL
YOUR ENTIRE
HOME WITH
DUCTING
FROM AS
LITTLE AS
$7999
STYLES MAY DIFFER TO IMAGE SHOWN
KEEN
20% off storewide.
Plus 40% off last pairs.
T&Cs apply
COTTON ON KIDS
Up to 50% off sale
items. 30% off full
price items.
Sign up to Smart Deals & be in the monthly draw for a $100 Dress-Smart gift card!
reach
more
178,000 readers with just one ad
Open 10am-5pm, 7 Days 03 349 5750
CHRISTCHURCH 409 Main South Road, Hornby
www.dress-smart.co.nz
Contact Shane: 021 381 765
or shane@starmedia.kiwi
*Source AC Nielsen CMI Q3 19-Q2 20 - Star Max