Is Lake Ellesmere safe for swimming?

The lake is now under the direct control of the local Maori, Te Ronanga O Ngai Tahu who allow public recreational use such as swimming, waterfowl hunting, fishing, kayaking and freedom camping at this location with public washrooms. Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere is a large coastal lagoon with brackish water.

Who owns Lake Ellesmere?

Under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement 1998, ownership of the lake bed of Te Waihora was returned to Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu who are now able to reassert their rangatiratanga (ownership) over this significant site through direct control of its management.

Why is Lake Ellesmere polluted?

Lake Ellesmere – or Te Waihora – is in a heavily-farmed part of the Selwyn district, and its water quality is very poor, according to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA). A public health warning has been in force since late 2017 due to high levels of toxic algae in the water.

Is there fish in Lake Ellesmere?

Lake Ellesmere’s is close to Christchurch and offers good catches of trout at the sea entrance. The lake itself is not a great fishery however. A WCO was granted in 1990 to preserve its wetlands and fish, and recognise it as a habitat for wildlife, and of significance to Maori.

When does Lake Ellesmere open to the sea?

The National Water Conservation (Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere) Order 1990 (NWCO) sets the minimum potential opening levels above which opening to the sea can be considered. at any level, from 1 April to 15 June. “Any level” opening periods are for the purpose of facilitating fish passage and enhancing outstanding wildlife values.

How is opening of Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere governed?

Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere’s opening is governed by a National Water Conservation Order and a range of resource consents held jointly by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Environment Canterbury. However, many groups have an opportunity to air their views before a final decision is made.

Why is Lake Ellesmere important to New Zealand?

Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) is one of New Zealand’s most important wetland ecosystems. It is an area of cultural, natural, historic, recreational and economic importance to many people. The Lake is of outstanding cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu, being a major source of mahinga kai (food gathering), and an important source of mana.

How did the Wahine storm affect Lake Ellesmere?

The decline and ultimate destruction of macrophytes (aquatic plants growing in water) in the lake after the Wahine storm of 1968 was a turning point in the lakes health. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and sediment coming into the lake have all played their part in reducing water quality.