Shellfish chowder & fine cheese formed a fitting menu for reuniting Aorere marine and dairy farmers during a celebration lunch. Around 40 attendees gathered at the Pakawa Hall on the 27th November to celebrate local water quality improvements. In addition to local marine and dairy farmers, representatives from Tasman District Council, Fonterra, DairyNZ, Marlborough Fish & Game and the Sustainable Farming Fund were also present.
The Aorere River supports healthy trout and whitebait populations as well as providing for swimming and other recreational uses. However in 2002 a decline in water quality, created conflict between local farmers and the shellfish industry. Marlborough Shellfish Quality Programme (MSQP) EO, Helen Smale recalled the history,
“In 2002 the future of the Collingwood shellfish industry was at stake. Harvesting days were as low as 28% with recurrent bacterial contamination of the growing area. Closure was imminent..."
Discussions commenced on how to resolve this matter. By 2005 a working group consisting of representatives from both dairy and marine farming sectors, plus the Tasman District Council (TDC) were appointed.
In 2006 'The Aorere Catchment Management Group' was formed - the dairy community met with Tasman District Council, Fonterra and the NZ Landcare Trust to discuss options. Management Group Member Sue Brown said,
“The TDC stepped back to allow the community to digest the information and shape their own destiny. As we genuinely care about our community and environment, we wanted to be proactive rather than reactive. We have appreciated the support and confidence the Council has shown in us”.
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