The Tomahawk Lagoon Project started in 2016, led by citizen scientist group Ecotago Charitable Trust, with support from pupils of Bayfield High School, John McGlashan College, King’s High School, Otago Girls High School and Tahuna Intermediate, reporting back to the local community through regular open days.
Recently, Otago Regional Council has completed a detailed catchment management plan for the area to help improve water quality, meet national standards, and support a healthy ecosystem.
The council has also appointed scientist Freya Moore as project delivery specialist for regional programmes with a focus on freshwater enhancement at Tomahawk Lagoon and Lake Tuakitoto wetland near Balclutha.
In addition, a group of Tomahawk residents has stepped up to launch a community group, with the interim name of Tomahawk Lagoon Catchment Group, to help drive the ongoing work around the lagoon, and act as a conduit between the ORC, Ecotago and the community.
Tomahawk Lagoon Catchment Group founding member Steve Catty said the formation of the group was inspired by the fantastic work done by Ecotago over the past six years and was supported by the ORC.
In 2021, councillors voted to pump $260,000 into a new catchment group, an ecological assessment of the catchment, and a permanent water quality monitoring site, as part of its long-term plan.
The council’s 2021-31 long-term plan contained funding for Tomahawk Lagoon project implementation of $100,000 for year 2 (2022-23), and $80,000 for years 3 (2023-24) and 4 (2024-25).
"I first got involved in the citizen science feedback days, and then went along to do water quality testing, and heard about the ORC plan for the Tomahawk Lagoon," Mr Catty said.
"It seems like the ORC has a will to have custodial responsibility for the lagoon, and they have an interest in the community taking a lead in that.
"So, a group of us decided that now is a good time to step up and actively work with them on the project moving forward."
The Tomahawk community was diverse, combining urban and rural land surrounding the Tomahawk Lagoon, and it was important to ensure the wetland stayed healthy, he said.
"The idea of the group is to focus the energy of the local community into the health of the lagoon."
Ms Moore said it was great the Tomahawk Lagoon Catchment Group had formed, and would be available to help with caring for the wetland locally.
"I am new to the role, and am looking forward to working closely with them as we come up with a plan for the future direction of caring for this space," she said.
The Tomahawk Lagoon Catchment Group is planning to survey the local community for its thoughts on the work at the lagoon so far, the ORC plans, and what its top priorities should be.
- An Ecotago-led community water quality and biodiversity testing day will be held on Saturday, December 17, from 9am to noon, based at the Ocean Grove Domain Hall, at 307 Tomahawk Rd. Members of the public are welcome to come along, take part, and learn more about the project.
