Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is open to the sea following a successful attempt to open the lake on Monday, 5 May.
Attempts to open the lake on Saturday, 3 May and again on Sunday, 4 May were unsuccessful due to persistent large sea swell.
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is the largest lake in Waitaha/Canterbury and has no natural outlet to the sea. The lake is normally opened two to three times a year and closes naturally.
Openings are jointly managed by Ngāi Tahu and us and governed by the National Water Conservation Order and a suite of resource consents.
Conditions suitable for keeping the lake open
The cut made on Monday, 5 May remains open and is flowing well, although changing conditions could impact this.
“The sea is much calmer than it has been over the last week, which means the cut has developed well and scoured out from an initial width of 15 metres to 100 metres now”, says Leigh Griffiths, general manager hazards.
“While we can say the lake is open once we’ve made a connection to the sea, the cut can take a few days to scour out and fully develop. We consider the lake opening successful once the cut survives at least two high tides.”
The connection will be monitored over the next few days, and staff and machinery will remain onsite in case conditions change.
“Many things need to line up for an opening to be successful, including conditions set in the
National Water Conservation Order and the ability to safely mobilise people and machinery,” says Leigh.
How much does each opening cost?
The cost of each opening ranges from $20,000 to $200,000 depending on the amount of work. The operation is funded through targeted, works and services, and general rates. Central Plains Water Trust also contributes to the operation.
For more information, visit: