Nelson Sewage Ponds closed for public?

[BerndHuss]

I wanted to ask this questions a while ago, but for some reason didn't until now. I used to visit the Wakapuaka Sewage Ponds regularely to check on all the ducks etc, but a few weeks ago realized that big gates have been installed and been chained shut. Does anyone know why this is the case? I don't want to trespass and I wonder whether there is a way to gain access legally.

[Patrick Crowe]

I think NCC are just following standard protocol around the country now which is to exclude the general public from accessing these WTP sites. Their reasoning will be to eliminate the risk of someone falling in and drowning or becoming ill..

Here in Blenheim I have found Marlborough District Council to be generally supportive of people wandering around the WTP as long as council are first contacted, the person signs in and out with them and receives a safety briefing. Hopefully NCC are the same as the Wakapuaka ponds are a great place to go birding!

[BerndHuss]

Thank you, Patrick. I will contact NCC. Hopefully they will be kind enough to permit access to a keen birder. Same goes for Bell Island, which also has been gated.

[andrewcrossland]

Yes following the very sad death of a person on a sewage pond down south last year I think, oxidation pond managers around the country are following a much more public safety focus and improving fencing and gates to restrict public access. In chch we’re taking birds nz members on a field trip shortly to give folks a chance to have a look around and will try to get access for escorted visits if rare birds turn up. Today in fact 10 CCC ranger staff received induction to enable them to keep accessing the Bromley oxidation ponds for work purposes. So, as long as the ponds managers agree on a case-by-case basis we’d do our best to escort birders in to see a particularly rare birds- that’s more something like a whiskered tern, white-eyed duck or a tree Martin than a white-winged black tern though generally.

[Wrybill]

Is there still access to the ponds?? I may head down tomorrow or Tuesday morning to see if I can see the Australian White-Eyed duck if it still there.

[RussCannings]

Hi Wrybill,

Sorry you didn't get a reply. I'm not sure but you should still be able to view some of the ponds from the road.

Russ

[Wrybill]

Thanks, Russ
I went to the ponds and visited the Wakapuaka Raupo Wetlands (looking for Marsh crake, fernbird, and bittern) I did not see the Hardhead as it seems to no longer be there but saw lots of birds, you can only access the western ponds (Viewed from the road)