Summer in the Waikato means locals and visitors getting out and about, coast to coast, in the city and in the country. Pass it on brings together a range of helpful information for the summer period that you might need yourself or can share with people who need to know.
On the water?
Around 160,000 recreational boaties take to the region’s coastal and inland waterways every summer. We’re working throughout this time promoting safe boating and trying to prevent the spread of aquatic pests that threaten native species and the water-based activities we enjoy.
Stowaway pests are lurking
You probably won’t see invasive freshwater clam larvae on your boat or equipment. They can hitch a ride, infecting the next place you go. Juvenile clams can survive for up to two days out of the water, and adults for 30 days. So clean everything that contacts the water and treat absorbent materials. Dry everything for 48 hours if you move to a new waterway. Remove weeds or adult clams after any contact with water. Always check, clean and dry between waterways to prevent spreading pests to new areas.
Learn more about invasive freshwater clams at Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI), and be prepared by finding out what to do if you come across any.
This image shows an anchor picking up 90 kilograms of exotic caulerpa, which is an aquatic pest plant that is infesting our sea floor. It forms a thick carpet that smothers scallops and other species. It takes just a small fragment to start a new population. See the weed? Bag it, bin it, note the location and report it.
Biosecurity New Zealand has all the details about what you need to do if you find exotic caulerpa, including how to report it.
Be safe out there
Waikato Harbourmaster is on the water this summer, promoting safe boating on the Waikato region’s favourite boating areas. You can contact us or report incidents by phone or online. If you want to know more about safe boating practice, we have a range of information and resources here.
At the beach?
Sea spurge is a toxic weed invading our coast from Aussie. Its sap can burn your skin and cause temporary blindness. If you see it, tell us before it makes itself at home. Read more about sea spurge here. If you find it, report it to us on 0800 800 401 or use our online form.
Seen old man's beard?
Old man’s beard is a pest climbing plant that can blanket a 180m2 area on its own. If you find it on your property, report it to us and we will help you control it. Pass it on before it spreads further. Read more and report old man’s beard here.
On the move?
Hamilton’s high-frequency buses, the Orbiter, Comet and Meteor, are running throughout the holidays. The next one is less than 30 minutes away. See the full holiday timetable (25 December 2024 to 5 January 2025) here. Normal services resume on Monday, 6 January 2025.
Flex, Hamilton’s on-demand bus runs 6pm–4am Fridays and Saturdays for only $2 per person. You can travel to or from the CBD to anywhere in the city boundary. Download the app from App Store or Google Play to book. Find all the details here.
We have funds for erosion planting
Poplar pole planting strengthens steep hillsides, reducing the loss of productive soils and the sedimentation of waterways. In priority catchments, we have funding available to help with up to 70 per cent of the total cost of erosion work on your property. We especially want to talk to landowners in the Waipā and West Coast catchments. Give us a call on 0800 800 401 or send us a request and someone will get in touch with you.