The Otago Regional Council biosecurity team welcomes two new summer ambassadors, who will be visiting Otago’s lakes and rivers and keeping freshwater pests and water safety front of mind for those enjoying recreational activities these holidays. 

“Freshwater pests like lagarosiphon and didymo can spread very easily between waterways on people’s vessels and equipment. However, if we can encourage boaties, kayakers, paddle boarders, jet skiers and other visitors to take a few simple steps, we can help prevent the spread,” community coordinator biodiversity Freddie Paz said.

Ambassadors Kyra Martyn and Jimmy Daamen will be based out of the regional council’s Cromwell office until mid-Feb and visiting various spots across Otago’s lakes and rivers talking to water users about freshwater pests and the Check, Clean, Dry programme. 

“The face-to-face engagement that these ambassadors carry out is an important part of getting everyone on board with the programme.

 “With continued efforts like these, we can prevent the spread of pests. 

The ambassadors will also be supporting the council's harbourmaster team who will be out across Otago encouraging people to be safe on waterways over the holidays. 

“It is great to have the team here to talk to people about biosecurity and on-water safety this summer,” Freddie said.

Kyra has a keen interest in freshwater field work and pest management and graduated with a bachelor of science in ecology and zoology in 2023. She has previously worked for the regional council in the fleet and facilities team, loves the water, the beach and is an avid boogie boarder. 

Jimmy graduated with a bachelor of science in environmental management and politics in 2023 and is currently

working toward a masters of science in geography specialising in coastal dune biogeography. 

He has previously worked for the Department of Conservation as a regional planner intern and has also been a field research assistant on field trips to Rakiura/Stewart Island on the Rakiura Dune Restoration Programme managing pest plants, such as Marram grass and Tree Lupin. 

Jimmy likes his surfing, swimming, and summer adventures in Central Otago. 

Freddie said the ambassadors also collected information through a survey to help us identify how new pests might reach Otago.

“This year is the first year that they will also talk to people about our on-water safety programme to which the harbourmaster team is running.” 

“Last year the ambassadors interacted with around 700 water users, with many people already well aware of the Check Clean Dry message. It’s great to see the community doing their bit to protect our waterways.” 

Lagarosiphon at Lake Dunstan. Photo credit: Clare Toia-Bailey 

The biggest risk to Otago waterways was the further spread of these pests. Freshwater pests, specifically lagarosiphon, could squeeze the life out of our country's most precious rivers and lakes. 

“They can be spread by a single drop of water or by the smallest plant fragment,” Freddie said.

The freshwater ambassadors will also attend key events throughout Central Otago over summer to demonstrate the important message: to always check, clean, then dry any equipment that comes into contact with the water, between every waterway, every time and for water users to keep themselves safe when enjoying Otago’s waterways.