Sistemas agroforestales

The questionnaire sought to ascertain respondent‟s perceptions of Marlborough‟s freshwater quality and quantity (Figure 6.3). Respondents were asked to assess freshwater quantity in their catchment in general, with no specific mention to human induced activities exerting pressures on the environment (Q.8). Most respondents either disagreed (33%) or strongly disagreed (25%) that overall, the freshwater quantity in their catchment was worse now than 5 years ago indicating that people believe the amount and extent of Marlborough‟s freshwater resources are typically no worse today than 5 years ago (Table 6.1).

Table 6.1 Indicators suggested by respondents as commentary to why Marlborough‟s freshwater quantity is no worse today than 5 years ago

The introduction of the Southern Valleys Irrigation Scheme has meant that aquifers in the area have improved along with high seasonal rainfall last winter.

Observation and well depth.

Seasonal flows of the Waihopai River are tracked by MDC by means of its Craiglochart river flow monitoring site. Sophisticated measuring and monitoring available through MDC website.

We have not evidenced any change to availability or quality of freshwater through this period. We are located in the Lower Wairau area and the area has never been water short, our wells do have a tidal influence which I can see from our pump test results. River flows through the summer irrigation months.

Has always been plentiful supply, even in the driest seasons.

The local river where we draw our water from has had a higher mean flow this and last year than in years previous.

Advent of the community water scheme (Southern Valleys). MDC groundwater graphs indicate an improvement in groundwater resources over the last few years. We are entering a wetter phase and the climate is cooling down hence less evaporation, also the summers are not as hot.

Testing for quality has not shown any lessening of quantity. Above average rainfall in the last 2 years.

Visual.

Our dam catchment area in the Waihopai Valley appears unchanged. The Awatere River can have periods of low flow but we have not faced restrictions over the last 5yrs.

While the majority of available water for irrigation is fully allocated these takes are managed by MDC to ensure the environmental bottom lines are maintained as per the District Plan.

Of those respondents to Q.8, 16% agreed that freshwater quantity in their catchment is a great deal worse now than 5 years ago, two provided explanations to support their point of view (Table 6.2):

Table 6.2 Indicators of why freshwater quantity is worse now than 5 years ago

Having to stick deeper wells in the Rapaura Rd area to ensure continuity of supply. A number of times in the irrigation season the scheme (Southern Valleys) has been threatened with shut down due to insufficient water at the intake in the Wairau River i.e. less than 8m3/sec.

Of the respondents to Q.8, 25% were impartial to either be in agreement or opposition to the statement on whether freshwater quantity in their catchment was much worse now than 5 years ago. Reasoning for this was given by the respondents as being due to anecdotal evidence or that they had not personally viewed detailed statistical data on the standard of water between now and 5 years ago to have a clear standpoint.

Most respondents (83%) thought that maintaining high freshwater quantity and quality in their local catchment was important (Q.10). This is generally a positive environmental management outcome as decisive environmental management is transforming resource users‟ behaviour whereas awareness does not automatically convert into behaviour, it is a key predecessor.

A connection can be made between the response to Q.10 and Q.11, with Q.11 seeking feedback on whether freshwater regulations should be based on ecological sustainability (Figure 6.3). MDC is delegated to allocate water rights under the RMA which is replete with conservation-related terminology; however, the matter of the delegation on what freshwater regulations should be based upon is a vexed issue as conferred in Chapter 7.

The general level of response on whether respondents agreed or otherwise with the statement that freshwater is a finite resource (Q.12) is most positive with 38% in agreement or strong agreement (33%) (Figure 6.3). However the remainder of

respondents had varying views with 12% in disagreement and 17% strongly disagreeing that freshwater is finite.

Question 18 sought to establish whether respondents agreed that freshwater use in Marlborough can be sustainable given that Marlborough has a unique microclimate with water availability, rainfall regimes and distribution differing from month to month and year to year. Most (80%, Figure 6.3) respondents disagreed with Q.18 implying that freshwater use can be sustainable irrespective of the erratic and uncertain nature of rainfall, especially at critical times, being the main driver for irrigation.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Overall, the quantity of freshwater in my catchment is much worse than 5yrs ago

Maintaining high freshwater quantity and quality in my local catchment is important

Freshwater regulations should be based on ecological sustainability

Freshwater is a finite resource

Freshwater use cannot be sustainable due to rainfall fluctuations Strongly agree Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly disagree

Figure 6.3 Environmental Outcomes