Blue-Spring-closed-to-swimming this summer

The Blue Spring on Te Waihou Walkway is closed to swimming. This decision follows a huge influx of people swimming in the Blue Spring and immediate environment last summer that has resulted in significant environmental degradation.

"Swimming is discouraged from the bridge at the Leslie Road end of the walkway to the boardwalk just beyond the Blue Spring itself," said Kerry Fabrie, Council's Communications Manager. "Sadly the impact of people activity has caused significant erosion to the banks and bed of the Waihou, the natural vegetation alongside the river and the weed environment favoured by the Dwarf Galaxis (threatended native fish species) which is a protected species has been denuded. A recent survey shows that a second protected species, the Spotless Crake appears to have vanished from the area."

Ms Fabrie indicated that should people continue to swim in the area, Council may have no choice but to close the walkway until long term solutions can be found and to allow the area to recover.

"We certainly don't want to close the beautiful Te Waihou Walkway because it is so incredibly popular and enjoyed by so many, but complete closure is definitely a possibility should damage continue to occur."

The Blue Spring is a natural treasure formed through the special and delicate merger of geology, ecology, freshwater biology and geography, over many hundreds of thousands of years. The Blue Spring has cultural significance to local iwi Raukawa and the degradation and lack of respect for Te Puna is causing concern.

"We are asking that people help us to ensure this beautiful and culturally significant area is preserved for future generations to enjoy," continued Ms Fabrie.

Following the significant increase of visitor numbers, the Council has instigated a range of changes including new signage, additional track maintenance, road and car parking improvements to improve safety, increased patrols, increased toilet stocking and cleaning, including additional toilets, among other initiatives.

We encourage visitors to take in the beauty of the area and enjoy its pristine waters, but to please refrain from swimming within the Blue Spring. We also remind people that parts of Te Waihou meander across private farmland with stock activity. Please respect this private property and the stock. Do not walk dogs on Te Waihou; unleashed dogs especially are distressing to stock.

Ends Words: 350