COMMUNITY-LED RIPARIAN RESTORATION
SUMMARY
In 2024, the Watch Our Water Maharakeke and Pōrangahau (WOWMAP) Catchment Group delivered a riparian restoration project in Takapau, using a TLC Demonstration Grant to restore 600 metres of stream bank following willow mulching by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
With additional support from by Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay, Silver Fern Farms and Centralines, the project paired hands-on planting with meaningful community engagement, while shining a light on the positive environmental action underway on local farms.
More than 3,000 native plants were established in a single morning, with the help of a large volunteer team and Takapau School Year 8 students, who also took part in hands-on learning about stream health and biodiversity.
COMMUNITY PLANTING IN ACTION
At the planting day in July 2024, the Takapau community turned out in force, with 120 volunteers planting 3,000 native plants along both sides of the Pōrangahau Stream. The scale of support was outstanding, bringing together school parents and teachers, local businesses, farmers, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council staff, and members of the wider Takapau community.
A diverse mix of native plants and trees was carefully selected for the site, including carex secta, mānuka, cabbage trees, flax, pittosporum, kānuka, umbrella sedge, akeake and ribbonwood. This variety will help stabilise stream banks, improve water quality and enhance habitat over time.
“This project was all about community, and we were committed to reinvesting the funding locally,” said TLC Catchment Coordinator Kahlia Fryer. Central Natives supplied the plants and developed the planting plan, Floating Peaks provided biodegradable wool mats, and Takapau School led the planting effort as a fundraiser.
Silver Fern Farms, which owns the planting site and contributed funding to the project, also played a key role by preparing the site for planting. They partnered with the Takapau School PTA to provide a shared lunch, rounding off a highly successful day of collective effort.
FROM PLANTING TO EDUCATION
Taking a break from the planting, 15 Year 8 students from Takapau School took part in an on-site education session led by Enviroschools Te Matau ā Māui, deepening their understanding of stream health and biodiversity.
“We were thrilled to be involved with this project,” said Takapau School Principal Biddy Tully, who attended the planting day. “It was a valuable hands-on learning experience for our students who were able to help plant and then learn directly about the health of the awa they were working beside.”
Enviroschools facilitator Melissa Bloomfield guided students through a stream health assessment using SHMAK kits provided by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The group tested water clarity, pH, temperature and conductivity, collected and identified macroinvertebrates, and observed key features of the stream environment, including erosion, riverbed conditions and riparian vegetation.
“The tamariki were incredibly enthusiastic and didn’t hesitate to get their feet wet in the freezing water,” said Bloomfield. “They recorded their results, calculated scores for each measure and rated the overall health of the awa. We concluded that the health of the Pōrangahau Stream was very good.”
Biddy Tully said the impact of the day extended well beyond the planting itself. “Our tamariki came back to school buzzing and talking about what they had learned. It’s really special knowing that in years to come they’ll see the plants grow and remember their role in this project.”
CELEBRATING LOCAL ACTION
To recognise the collective effort behind the planting, a sign funded by Centralines is being installed at the site, highlighting the practical steps local farmers are taking to improve waterways. Silver Fern Farms has also constructed a viewing platform where the sign will be located, creating a safe and accessible place for people to stop and learn more.
The sign includes information and photos from the planting day, serving as a permanent reminder of the community commitment and collaboration that made the project possible.
WITH THANKS
-
Watch Our Water Maharakeke and Pōrangahau Catchment Group (WOWMAP)
-
Biodiversity Hawke's Bay
-
Silver Fern Farms
-
Centralines
-
Hawke's Bay Regional Council
-
Takapau School
-
The Takapau Community
-
Enviroschools Te Matau ā Māui
-
Central Natives
-
Floating Peaks
-
Wool Life NZ
-
Advance Landscape Systems
FURTHER INFORMATION & CONTACT
To find out more about the Pōrangahau and Maharakeke sub-catchment, head to the Mangarara sub-catchment page on this site.
To get in touch, please contact TLC Catchment Coordinator Pixie Seligman:
Email: tukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone: 027 721 2423