Waikato Regional Council has responded to news today that a highly invasive freshwater gold clam has been discovered across a 45km stretch of the Waikato River.
The announcement was made by Biosecurity New Zealand, which is leading the national response in partnership with mana whenua, after the discovery of the new-to-New Zealand clam species near Lake Karāpiro.
Initial checks have found the freshwater gold clam present from 1.5km upstream of Bob’s Landing and downriver to Wellington Street Beach in Hamilton.
Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay said: “It is hugely disappointing that this invasive species has been discovered in the river, which is a vital source of life for such a large part of our rohe.
Former Waikato Regional Council freshwater scientist Bruno David says that these clams can potentially displace species like the freshwater mussel which has similar reproductive processes. The clam also has the potential to spread quickly via it's larvae form by floating downstream.
Waikato Regional Council is taking guidance from Biosecurity New Zealand and supporting the national response that’s now underway under their leadership.
To help identify the species, there is full information, including clear images of the clam, on the Biosecurity New Zealand website at: biosecurity.govt.nz/clam.
Suspected sightings can be reported to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or by completing the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz. It is helpful to note the precise location and provide a close-up photo of the clam as well as one that shows the surroundings. Please do not disturb the organism.
Mechanic John Hart is hanging up his tools after 40 years fixing cars. A council representative says the buildings at the bottom of Bow St will be demolished and a plan for better utilisation of the site will be developed with local councillors, the community board chair and hapū representatives.
The Raglan Town Hall will be busy this Saturday as the 20th Anniversary Raglan Art to Wear creations are showcased in a penultimate fashion show and prize giving. You can also admire this year’s winning Art to Wear entries up close at the 2nd Chance Look exhibition running 29th May - 9th June at the Old School Arts Centre. Gold coin donation entry.
Organisers are reminding the public that you can’t enter the event without a hard copy of the ticket and that the the last chance to pick one up will be today at the old school between 10am and 2pm. Failing that there will be an email in your inbox with advice on what to do if you’ve really left it late.
Japanese Punk Band King Brothers Play the YOT Club this Saturday. Definitely not to be confused with the British pop vocal trio of the same name, Japan's King Brothers have taken on legendary status both in their homeland and internationally for their high-intensity garage punk shows and stage/crowd-destroying antics. Come join the King Brothers on their 25th-anniversary tour. Forget and regret.
Council wants your opinion - on their spending plan for the next ten years. Before they get too far into the work they want to hear from you about whether their four wellbeing statements, which will be used to guide their planning. You can give feedback at shape.waikatodistrict.govt.nz
Local Sports: The Raglan Roosters are playing the Jazz Raptors at 1pm at Papahua Domain, It’s bottom of the table clash and looks to be the Roosters best chance of getting their first victory in division 1 of the Waikato Sunday league. The Whaingaroa Whai rugby league team are playing the Firehawks in Te Awamutu at 1pm
And Billy Stairmand is on his way to the ISA world surfing games in El Salvador. He’ll be joining the NZ team which includes Kehu Butler, Paige Hareb, Pia Rogers, Saffi Vette and Dune Kennings. Olympic spots are up for grabs in a competition that includes 297 athletes from 64 countries surfing 2 of El Salvador’s best breaks. Competition starts next tuesday on the 30th.