​​SC SALMON ANGLERS ASS. INCORPORATED
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2018
 
      WE NEED YOUR HELP!!                      “SAVE THE RANGITATA”
      RDR APPEAL/GIVE A LITTLE PAGE/UPCOMING MEDIATION
 
The South Canterbury Salmon Anglers Association has appealed the consent granted to Rangitata Diversion Race Ltd (a large Irrigation Company) to take more water (another 10cumecs) from the Rangitata River. By taking this action the focus will shift to the Environment Court where unlike the Consent hearing, evidence will be considered from anglers, river users and Environmental groups. This should make a more level playing field and with luck and a good case (which we feel we have) the outcome should be a lot better for the river. We have had a tremendous amount of support from the community, however taking a company to the Environment court doesn’t come cheaply and we are asking for help from like minded persons through our “Give a little Page”
If you would like to be part of this appeal and help to save the Rangitata river and the associated Salmon run, please donate a little and help us fight for what we believe is a right and just cause. If you follow this link it will take you directly to the Give a little page. To those that have already donated and to those that are thinking of donating we appreciate this and thank you very much for your help.
 
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-in-the-fight-to-save-the-rangitata-river
 
 A lot has been happening since we lodged our appeal to the RDR decisions, meetings, discussions and information gathering. A pre-mediation meeting has been held with RDR Ltd and a number of points of agreement were discussed. The focus now will be the mediation meeting mid November/early December where all our expertise and information will be used.
Please respond to any requests for information about your experience on the river over time that we may ask for and encourage all your family, friends and colleagues to help out through the “Give a little” page on Facebook. The exercise that we have embarked on to “Save the Rangitata” will be somewhat costly and we will need all the help that we can get.
 
If you do not use Facebook then the link to the page through this email can be used or if you would prefer to donate to our Association directly then the bank account details are as follows:   Westpac   NZ Salmon Anglers SC Branch   03-0887-0244494-00 and if you use this method then please put the reference down as RDR Appeal and your name.
 
Bullet Points
[1] As instream users we believe that the concessions made in this consent will be terminal and destroy the special activities of the mighty Rangitata river.
[2] That the Conservation Order credited to this river has been diminished because several of the special characteristic identified will be lost.
[3] That the braided rivers are under attack and unless we challenge they will be lost.
[4] The decisions are being made without research or proper due diligence on this river .
[5] A major lack of interest by authorities to investigate the significant sediment build up on the river.
[6] Major lack of interest by all authorities to protect migrating smolt and native fish of this nursery.
[7] The fact that this river has experienced major losses of fish and birds in recent times, has received no respect from the powers that be.
[8] This is our last chance to make a stand for future generations .
 MEMBERSHIP
It is that time again for membership renewals. As a financial member of this Association you will help us to work towards improving and protecting the salmon runs.
JOIN NOW / OR
RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
Only $20.00 p.a.
YES -- I wish to become a member/renew membership of the NZ Salmon Anglers Assn. (S.C.Branch) at $20.00 per annum.
Name:           …………………………………………………………………………
 
Address:     
 
If you would rather make a deposit directly into our account for your new/renewal subscription then please put your full name as the reference. If possible then email Jackie Manning at jazz12@hotmail.co.nz with your name and address so that a membership card and receipt can be sent to you. Our bank details are: Westpac  Timaru
 03-0887-0244494-00 or you can post this application/renewal form along with $20 to: 14/150 Rangitata Huts Road, RD 26 Temuka   7986

 
 
 
 
TROPHY WINNERS
 
Our competition fortnight and overall season produced a minimal amount of salmon being caught hence we have only three names that have won trophies.
 
Competition Week
Heaviest Fish-Spinwell Trophy2.5kgs
                     Norm Anderson
 
2nd Heaviest Fish 1.5kgs  Norm Anderson
 
Best Condition Factor-PJ Tackle Shop
                    1.76c/f Norm Anderson
 
Master 60plus-Gerald Cox Trophy
                    2.5kgs Norm Anderson
 
Overall Season
Owen Smith Memorial Trophy-Best
Condition Factor 1.76 Norm Anderson
 
Anderson Trophy-Heaviest Fish
       8.8kgs Graham Parnell
 
Heaviest Fish Ladies 4.9kgs Sue Parnell
 
Action Powder Coating Trophy-Heaviest Limit Bag  14.6kgs  Graham Parnell
 
Congratulations to Norm Anderson, Graham  and Sue Parnell
 
A big thanks to our weigh-in centre’s, Bairds Motordrome Temuka (Gas Alley). Bill, Evelyn and Linda Whipp Hut 66 Rangitata
 

 

As you may be aware the South Canterbury Salmon Anglers Association has appealed the consent granted to the Rangitata Diversion Race Ltd (a large irrigation company) to take more water (another 10cumecs) from the Rangitata river.
By taking this action the focus will shift to the Environment Court where unlike the Consent hearing, evidence will be considered from anglers, river users and Environmental groups.
This should make for a more level playing field and with luck a good case (which we think we have) the outcome should be a lot better for the river.
We have had a tremendous amount of support from the community, however, taking a company to the Environment Court does not come cheaply and we are now asking for help from like minded people through this process.

If you would like to be part of this appeal and help save the Rangitata River and the associated Salmon run then please donate a little and help us to fight what we believe is a right and just cause.
Please email our Secretary, Jackie Manning at jazz12@hotmail.co.nz also tx or phone 0274373237 so that the Association's bank account number can be given to you to help with this cause.

Also if you would like to help the Appeal in other ways such as diaries of fishing the river these also will be helpful.

Our Association is truly grateful for any help that can be given to help to save the great Rangitata River

Following is an invitation to attend a meeting next Tuesday evening (17th) in Ashburton to discuss the decision by ECan to grant the RDR a consent to take another 10m3 of water from the Rangitata River, along with other consents. If you are concerned as most of us are that this decision will have the most profound effect on the Rangitata River and one that the river will probably not recover from then you need to come along and have a listen to see where we can go from here. It's gloves off time guys. I don't think many of us thought that this would happen but it has, it is now a reality. For the Commissioners to pretty much ignore the evidence of anglers and river user tells us something about the culture that still exists amongst our decision makers in Environment Canterbury. Car pooling would be a good idea so have a ring around to jack up a ride.

"You are invited to attend an informational evening hosted by Central South Island Fish & Game that will breakdown and analyse the RDR decision issued by the Commissioners which granted a total of 22 resource consents.

The presentation will be led by Central South Island Fish & Game legal counsel, Ms Sarah Eveleigh and will review the findings of the decision and the outcomes achieved by Central South Island Fish & Game as well as the outcomes not achieved.

The discussion will also review the merits of the Rangitata River Water Conservation Order 2006 and will briefly touch on the process for future engagement on a flow and allocation regime for the river.

We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday. Please feel free to share this with others who may be interested in attending.

Meeting date:  Tuesday  17 July 2018
Time:    6pm to 8.30pm
Location: Ashburton Events Centre
               211 Wills Street, Ashburton
Bradford Room (upstairs)

Kind regards
Jay Graybill
Chief Executive

We have the trophy winners from our competition (25/2-12/3/17) and also for the Overall Season
Competition
Heaviest Fish - Spinwell Trophy - 5kgs - Helen Austin
2nd Heaviest Fish - 4kgs - Brian Donaldson
Best Condition Factor - PJ Tackle Shop Trophy - 1.66c/f - Bob Mortimer
Master 60plus - Gerald Cox Trophy - 4kgs - Wayne Wilson

Overall Season
Best condition factor - Owen Smith Memorial trophy - 1.66c/f - Bob Mortimer
Heaviest Fish - Anderson Trophy - 5.4kgs - Robin (Auss) Austin
Heaviest Fish for Ladies - 5.3kgs - Sue Parnell

A big congratulations to our winners.
There were no junior trophies won this season so hopefully next season there will be some lucky juniors collecting trophies.
Huge thank you to our weigh-in stations at Gas Alley Temuka and also Bill & Evelyn Whipp's bach at Rangitata

Water Quality
     What is it about the Government that allows them to disregard doctors, scientists, environmentalists and even an OECD report that states New Zealand is pushing environmental limits risking human health and the health of our economy as the world discovers how sick our rivers and lakes really are.
      This blind pursuit of development and intensification at any cost is having the most detrimental effect on our waterways the likes of which has never been seen before. Pollution has virtually wiped out the fish life including native species in our once pristine small lowland streams and anyone wanting to take a drink from them must surely have a death wish.
     These streams were the nurseries for larger rivers and provided sanctuary for early stages of the food chain for several species of commercially caught ocean fish. How will they explain away the predicted tide of nitrates that is about to enter aquifers and rivers and how can they justify this blatant disregard for the environment?
     What is the point of announcing a $3.7 billion surplus in the budget then having to spend a fair chunk of it fixing up the effects on the environment?
     Anglers are in a good position to see the changes that have been occurring and have frequently voiced their concerns over the past few years but on deaf ears it seems. Fortunately with the forthcoming election there is now a clear choice for voters who are concerned about the state of our rivers and the result that farming intensification is having on our environment.
    We should all be concerned at what is happening as we will only get one shot at it before the tipping point arrives, if we are not there already.
Phil de Joux
South Canterbury Salmon Anglers
Association Cbairman

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday the 6th September 2017. It will be at the Fish & Game office, Richard Pearse Drive, Temuka and start at 7.30p.m.
There will be guest speakers, trophy presentations, raffles and supper. Everyone most welcome

Do you enjoy making a difference to an organisation?
Would you like to work with an organisation that has credibility and advocates for salmon anglers in South Canterbury?
Do you think that your skills and expertise would help the group achieve its aims to protect and enhance our Salmon fishery?
Do you enjoy working with like minded people and would you enjoy learning and growing with the organisation?

If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, please put your hand up and help us on the SC Salmon Anglers committee.
This is not an onerous task and we would welcome your inclusion as we believe that we need fresh ideas to remain relevant.

Please attend our AGM on the 6th September at Fish & Game Temuka at 7.30p.m. and be prepared to help move the association forward during these interesting times.

As you will all be aware, submissions were called for with regard to the latest RDR consent applications by the Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd to construct, maintain and operate a large water storage facility and associated activities.

The SC Salmon Anglers Assn. has put in their submission as follows:-
(1) Opposing a water permit to abstract a further 10 cumecs when flows exceed 142.6 cumecs.
(2) Our views on a permit to construct a storage pond, to upgrade the RDR canal and to build a 460 meter long fish bypass channel.
(3) We oppose the consent  "permit to discharge water and sediment from the storage pond back into the Rangitata river.
(4) Also we cannot accept a 35 year term for these consents, we believe that 35 years is too long to wait to do something about any problems subsequently identified in the plan.

We have also said that we wish to be hear at the Consent Hearing.

It is most important that we as an Association get our message across so that we are taken notice of so with that in mind we are calling for anyone who feels so passionate about the Rangitata River that they would be willing to speak about their experiences on the river.

There may also be some areas of our submission that you feel your views will help that process. You may also know of someone that is especially good at speaking to hearings and you feel we could use their help.
If you do then please please make contact with Phil de Joux on 0274 422454 or email him on phil.dejoux@xtra.co.nz

The following item is a notice regarding the planting to be held on Saturday 22nd April 2017.

Volunteers of the McKinnon's Creek salmon hatchery have been prompted to organise a planting day at the Rangitata South Irrigation Ltd spawning race in the hope of improving the habitat of young salmon that have hatched out from salmon eggs planted in the race. Stream side plants (Carex Secta) will be planted along one bank of the race to provide a natural environment for insects and to provide shelter for fish.
Everyone is welcome to come and help and all that you will need to bring are gloves, hand trowel or pinch bar and some lunch.
The meeting point will be at the car-park on the south side of the Rangitata river bridge at Arundel at 9.30am on Saturday 22nd April.
Afterwards helpers are more than welcome to go along to the "open day" which is being held at the Rangitata South Irrigation intake and ponds which will start at 2p.m. in the same areas.

Please contact Phil de Joux on 0274 422454 or email phil.dejoux@xtra.co.nz if you would like to help.

Next weekend is the start of our annual fishing competition and will be held over a two week period.
It will start midnight on Friday the 24th February and finish midnight on Sunday the 12th March.
Rivers that can be fished over this period for the competition are the Rangitata, Opihi and the Orari.
Your catches can be weighed in gutted or non-gutted and the weigh-in centres are Bill & Evelyn Whipp's bach at the Rangitata (South Side) and their bach number is 66 or you can go into Gas Alley, King Street Temuka.

We have a number of trophies for this competition and they are as follows:-
Spinwell Trophy for the Heaviest Fish
PJ Tackle Shop Trophy for the Best Condition Factor
Gerald Cox Trophy for the Master 60plus
We also have trophies for the 2nd heaviest fish, heaviest fish junior and heaviest fish ladies

You also need to be a member of the SC Salmon Anglers Assn. so check up with Jackie Manning to see if you are a current member or maybe join before the 24th February.
Our membership fee is $20.00
Contact with Jackie can be via her email at jazz12@hotmail.co.nz or cellphone 0274373237

Tight lines to everyone.

Following are the trophy winners for the SC Salmon Anglers Assn. competition and for the overall season.
COMPETITION -
Heaviest Fish - Spinwell Trophy - Dave Chambers 7kgs
Second Heaviest Fish - Jaden Heney  6.4kgs
Best Condition Factor - PJ Tackle Shop Trophy - Russell Wood  1.64c/f
Master 60plus - Gerald Cox Trophy - Bob Mortimer  5.5kgs

OVERALL SEASON -
Owen Smith Memorial Trophy - Best Condition Factor - Paul Brown  1.71c/f
Anderson Trophy - Heaviest Fish - Graeme Parnell  9.5kgs
Heaviest Fish Ladies - Sue Parnell  5.2kgs
Action Powder Coating Trophy - Heaviest Limit Bag - Russell Wood  5.8kgs

Congratulations to all of the winners and we would alos like to thank our weigh-in stations - Gas Alley in Temuka and Bill & Evelyn Whipp, bach 66, Rangitata


SOCIAL REPORT 2015/2016
Well another season has gone and some might think it was one we might choose to forget. With only 35 fish weighed in for the season from the Rangitata and 85 last year it was not that good.
Orari faired better with around 50 being caught. Opihi had around 40plus from reports of people that fished there. I did hear that a 25lb salmon was taken there.
9.5kgs was the heaviest weighed in from the Rangitata and 7kgs from the Orari which was a fin clipped salmon.
There were 3 fin clipped salmon weighed in from the Rangitata. I know myself of 2 at the Orari. No reports of fin clipped salmon from the Orari.
Sad to see that no juniors weighed in fish this season so hopefully this coming season will see more, might make a point of taking my grandson out, it would be great for him to win a trophy that his father won a few years back.
It was great to see the turn out for fin clipping with people from Rangitata, Orari and Opihi all helping out. A big thank you to everyone who attended.
I would like to thank the weigh-in centres, Bill & Evelyn Whipp, bach 66 at the Rangitata and Gas Alley in Temuka.
All we can hope for now is a better run of salmon this coming season.
Tight lines
Dave Chambers