This planting season Waikato RiverCare planted 38,675 plants across eleven projects. This year’s project planting got off to an excellent start with river and ground water levels significantly lower than at the same time last year. Big thanks to this year’s plant suppliers Kauri Park Nurseries and our lead planting contractors Native Awa Limited on a job well done over the last six weeks. Our plant suppliers Kauri Park did a great job working around weather and tight delivery timeframes to get plants on projects when our planting contractors, Native Awa, needed them. Native Awa did a fantastic job getting plants from delivery drop points onto planting zones with their specialist ATV equipment and plant layout (species appropriate spacing).

Our public planting event at the Te Onetea Stream Extension project was a success. It was a day full of learning opportunities for the students and for some to see how well the plants are doing from the first stage of the Te Onetea Stream project that they planted. A massive thank you to all those that donated to the Te Onetea Million Metres programme, our fantastic planting volunteers last week who did such a great job in getting 2,203 plants in the ground in just over three hours.

Waikato RiverCare completed our first marae planting at Tūrangawaewae marae for our project partners Waikato Tainui and Place Group, a big thanks to marae committee, marae residents and the team at In-form Landscaping Ltd for their assistance in delivering this project.

Successful planting at Waikato RiverCare’s biggest ever project involving stock exclusion, forest remnant restoration, wetland creation and habitat planting for waterfowl plus block planting of retired hill country. The 12ha project on the Black farm received its first planting of 18,740 plants and was funded by WCEET with significant landowner co-funding.

Lots of infill planting completed at some of our well established projects including Lake Ohinewai, Opuatia Wetland, Hopuhopu project, Taupiri Ki Waenganui, Te Awa and Huntly Waterworks. Waikato RiverCare is very fortunate to have funders and supporters that recognise the value of sustained post planting works and the added value projects receive with enrichment or in-fill planting, particular the Waikato River Authority, WCEET, Genesis Energy, Waikato Regional Council and all our valued landowners and administrators.

A section of Te Onetea Extension prior to weed control

Te Onetea Extension post weed control and digger works

Volunteers getting plants in the ground

It is always an exciting time at Waikato RiverCare when new projects get off the ground, and 2018 sees work underway on not one but four new sites! This equates to almost 7km of additional riparian planting in the Waikato River catchment covering 6.87ha, plus a further 4.2ha surrounding an ephemeral wetland.

Last week Waikato RiverCare marked the start of the Gateway Project, located just north of Meremere on the Waikato Expressway, State Highway 1, with the installation of our sign and site preparation works. Look out for changes to our website making it easier to find out more about RiverCare projects when you spot a sign too.

Up she goes: the sign marking the Gateway project site is installed

Operations Manager Kevin Hutchinson is very excited about the Gateway Project, citing its proximity to previous RiverCare project sites, the opportunity to have a strong impact on invasive weed species, and the benefits for wildlife following planting in 2019:

“We are including significant numbers of native berry producing trees in this project to encourage birdlife back into the area, with the added benefit of spreading native plant seed to adjoining properties. Riparian planting should also enhance roosting sites in the sandbars over summer by providing nesting materials, shade, food, and reducing the impact of noise and runoff from the expressway.”

Mr Hutchinson stressed that the project could not happen without the generous support of Watercare, who are providing $46k towards project costs. Waikato Regional Council have also made a significant contribution to the project. The Operations Manager remains hopeful that additional funding will be secured for the site:

“There is the potential to increase the impact of this project by doubling its scope and linking all the way north to the confluence of the Waikato and Whangamarino Rivers. I have a plan ready to implement as soon as we have the funding for it and would love to hear any offers or suggestions in this regard!”

Other projects with site-preparation works underway include:

Mangatea Stream – generously funded by the Waikato River Authority with support from Waikato Regional Council and in partnership with the landowner. This is a high quality waterway with high indigenous and wildlife values.Hakarimata G – also funded by the Waikato River Authority with support from Waikato Regional and Waikato District Councils. Work has so far focused on securing the access way to the project with tree and woody weed control due to start shortly.Koheroa Road Black Farm – this project, which includes the protection of a 100 year old lowland forest remnant and the restoration of an ephemeral open water wetland, is made possible by Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust (WCEET) and the motivation of the committed landowner. Site preparation and comprehensive weed control will get underway shortly with planting scheduled for September this year.

With special thanks to:

The start of spring, usually an ideal time for planting, saw the banks of Waikato waterways completely inundated with high water levels following the wettest winter since records began with a year’s rain falling in nine months.

This was hugely disappointing for our eager volunteers from NZI, Spark, Watercare Services, Ohinewai School, Kimihia Primary School, Huntly College and Place Group, who were geared up for a planting day at Lake Ohinewai but saw the day, then back up day, come and go with no stretches of fine weather anywhere on the horizon!

Water, water, everywhere!

Finally, there was a brief break in the weather, and we were able to get the plants down to the planting site at Lake Ohinewai. On Thursday 5 October, at very short notice and during the school holidays, representatives from Million Metres (part of the Sustainable Business Network), NZI, and Spark made it out for a successful planting day that saw about 3,000 plants planted with the support of the fantastic crew from Te Whangai Trust. In recent weeks, planting projects have also been completed on the south bank of Lake Ohinewai. What a relief!

Huge thanks to everyone who was able to support us in this work, especially Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust (WCEET) for their generous funding of our restoration project at Lake Ohinewai, and WEL Energy Trust for their contribution towards the volunteer planting day.

Waikato RiverCare is excited to be once again supporting the Kilwell Lower Waikato Trout Fishing Contest this year. The contest, which takes place between Karapiro Dam and the Waikato Heads, began at 5am last Saturday 7th October and contestants have until 1pm Sunday 15th October to weigh in their prize winning trout. We are delighted to see contestants of all ages out enjoying the recreational benefits of our awa.

This fishing competition awards prizes to anglers for the “Heaviest Brown Trout”, “Heaviest Rainbow Trout”, and “Best Condition Trout” in different categories (junior, adult, women, and team). There are also plenty of fantastic spot prizes for entrants.

Waikato RiverCare are adding to the prize pool by providing native plants and apparel as prizes for competitors in an effort to encourage more riparian planting on the river. Anglers planting today will improve the future biodiversity and production of the river establishing lasting benefits for both sports fish and the native fishery. Thank you to Te Whangai Trust who supplied these excellent plants from their nurseries as part of their charitable social and environmental work.

All the best to all the contestants! With the extremely high river levels dropping just in time for the contest and the water temperature remaining ideal for brown trout it is great to hear of the high condition of the trout that have come in so far. For photos, videos and more information about the contest, visit the 2017 Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest Facebook page HERE.

Dylan Farrar fishing with Dad, Steven. Image supplied by Michael Lynch.

Lake Ohinewai, one of our WCEET funded projects, has undergone a huge transformation over the last year. It has been a big job to remove the abundant weeds that were present at the project prior to site preparation beginning. However, the team has done a great job, and, despite having to battle the weather, it is now ready for planting in August / September this year.

Waikato Weed Spraying and Spray Rig Ltd have been busy completing the weed spraying on site, which began in August 2016. This project also presented the opportunity to try out a new method that Waikato RiverCare Inc. had not used before. Due to the high value remnant vegetation on site, the use of Stiles Contracting Ltd’s specialised machinery was undertaken. The bobcat was used to accurately clear the targeted weeds while leaving non-targeted vegetation intact. Surface flooding on the project early in the year meant that works had to be postponed before it could be completed slightly behind schedule in April.

Click through the above slideshow to see the progress.

After Stiles Contracting completed their weed control, Broughtons Contracting Limited came through to clear the vegetation too large for the bobcat’s mulcher. We have been very impressed with Stiles Contracting’s machinery and the results it delivered on this project. Equipment like this provides new opportunities and methods in establishing projects in weedy areas containing high value vegetation that would otherwise be compromised using conventional site preparation methods.

Thanks once again to the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust for your support, not only of the Lake Ohinewai project, but of the many others that WCEET is contributing to.

Our thoughts and support goes out to those people in Auckland and the Coromandel who have been affected by the heavy rains over the weekend, where many homes and businesses have flooded.

The heavy rains caused a significant flood event for some of our projects with Waikato Regional Council’s water level logger recording a 3.5m rise in the Mangawara Stream in just a few short hours. Waikato RiverCare Inc. currently has four projects along the Mangawara Stream and all of them went underwater during the weekend.

Above left: The Tuna and Wildlife Project before fencing and flooding. Above right: The fence has been constructed but is now covered in water due to the rains over the weekend.

Fortunately, all planned earthworks on the Mangawara projects were completed in February, including much of the programmed weed control. However, fencing contractors had only just begun work on the Tuna and Wildlife project sites, completing the fencing on the first oxbow wetland and beginning on the second when the rains came.

Saturday morning saw contractors and Waikato RiverCare Inc. staff rushing to recover materials and machinery before the silt laden waters of the Mangawara Stream could carry them away. The contractors were able to recover their tractor and much of the fencing materials. However, a steady stream of ¼ round posts could be seen floating downstream towards Taupiri.

“It will be a busy week, assessing the damage and losses to the projects before repair works on the sites and fencing can begin,” says Kevin Hutchinson, Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s operations manager.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. would like to express their thanks to the Landon family for their efforts in helping out on Saturday morning and to the contractors for their speedy response which limited the adverse effects that this event could have caused for our projects.

The teams from Watercare and Waikato RiverCare Incorporated after signing the new agreement. Credit: Maxine Clayton

Watercare is helping to ensure the well-being of the Waikato River is in good hands, with a $50,000. annual sponsorship to Waikato RiverCare Inc. for their riparian planting.

Last week, Watercare officials, including chief executive, Raveen Jaduram, and water supply manager, Priyan Perea, met with Waikato RiverCare Inc. representatives, including Chairperson, David Klee, and Operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson, to sign the new agreement which provides $200,000 over four years. Watercare has been a long term supporter and foundation member of the trust, which has been operating for 17 years.

Watercare chief executive, Raveen Jaduram says that it’s important that Waikato RiverCare receives support for their important environmental work: “The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river, and since 2002, it has been part of Auckland’s water supply network. Waikato RiverCare is doing an outstanding job with their riparian planting schemes and we’re delighted to be able to help them pursue this work.”

The Waikato River provides up to 25% of Auckland’s water each day, which is treated at the Waikato Water Treatment Plant near Tuakau. Watercare has applied to take an additional 200,000 cubic metres per day to meet future demand from Auckland’s growing population.

Waikato Rivercare chairman, David Klee says: “We’re delighted to continue to build on our long and enduring partnership with Watercare. Being a charitable trust, we rely solely on the generosity of our supporters to help fund the work we do and this increase in funding will allow our organisation to continue on its current upward trajectory.

A big focus of Waikato RiverCare Inc. is to retire marginal grazing land adjacent to rivers, lakes and streams in the Waikato River Catchments and create buffers containing self-sustaining native plant communities. By doing so we can provide both biodiversity and water quality enhancements.”

The team at Waikato RiverCare Inc. thanks Watercare for their support and is excited to continue and grow this partnership for the well-being of the Waikato River.

Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s new WCEET funded project, Lake Ohinewai, is well into the pre-planting weed control stage with two very effective agrichemical applications having been completed over the last 6 months. This month Waikato RiverCare Inc. will engage Stiles Contracting Ltd’s expertise and machinery to clear the dead weeds on this 2.3ha project. Using this sort of machinery to clear weeds is a first for Waikato RiverCare Inc. The 100 HP Rubber Tracked Skid Steer machine has a 1.7m front mounted mulcher which will cut and mulch the unwanted vegetation from the project site. This will ensure that targeted and accurate vegetation control with little risk to non-target vegetation will be achieved.

Pictures of the Stiles Contracting machine in action. Credit: Nigel Stiles

Once the machine has been through and cleared the dead weeds, regular agrichemical applications will be completed to ensure the project site will be in the best condition for planting during our 2017 planting season. This year, Te Whangai Trust have once again won the contract to provide plants for all of Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s planting projects in August/September this year. Te Whangai Trust have been contracted to supply 39,189 native trees and grasses, including 11,730 to be planted at the Lake Ohinewai project. The site will continue to receive regular agrichemical applications for three years after planting to ensure the new plants thrive and weeds do not take over the project site once again.

This photo shows the pest plants to be removed surrounding the Kahikatea.

A new project sign was constructed at Lake Ohinewai in December 2016. The location on Tahuna Road allows both lanes of traffic to view the sign and lake in back ground and it has already generated a lot of interest in the project.

The new project sign has already garnered a lot of attention.

Two other WCEET funded projects are also progressing well after planting of the sites took place in August/October 2016. Taupiri Ki Waenganui had 12,523 native trees and grasses planted on the second phase of the project, while Mangawara Catchment Project 1 had 6,454 plants planted on site. Both sites are now in the post-planting weed control phase and will continue to get regular checks over the next few years.

A big thanks goes out to WCEET who have been great supporters of Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s work for a number of years.

It has been an exciting and busy time for Waikato RiverCare Inc. in the lead up to the Christmas season. From site preparation and maintenance, to fencing and sign installation, our contractors have been completing various works on over 10 different projects since our planting season concluded in October.

Following feedback received regarding Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s Te Awa River Ride project, it was time to do something about the dead trees along our project. Ecoarb were contracted to complete tree work on the Japanese Walnuts that had been dropping walnuts along the track, creating hazards for cyclists and pedestrians alike. The branches overhanging the pathway have now been cleared and created a safe passage for people enjoying the River Ride walkway. Thanks so much to the Waikato River Authority who have been great supporters of this project.

With the weather warming up, and the Christmas holidays right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to put your walking shoes on or get out on your bike with the family and explore the rapidly growing walk/cycle way. Be sure to keep an eye out for our Waikato RiverCare Inc. signs and plantings near Croall Crescent, Ngaruawahia.

Another recent milestone for Waikato RiverCare Inc. was the completion of a fence which encompasses the Landon Oxbow project. The project, which is located on the Mangawara Stream, is another project being funded by the Waikato River Authority. Waikato RiverCare Inc. has also partnered with the Waikato Regional Council on this project, with WRC coming on board to fund the construction of the fence. This funding is part of a new agreement with the Regional Council, which formalises the committment to work together on ongoing restoration efforts over the next five years.

The team from Barakat Fencing in action on the Landon Oxbow Project.

As per Waikato RiverCare Inc. policy, fencing of restoration sites is vital for the success of the project. Fencing ensures that stock access is removed, which in turns lessens the risk of bank erosion, protects the native plants from being eaten or trampled, and creates a safe habitat for birds and wildlife. With the fencing complete, the site is well on its way to being ready for the planting of 4,000 native trees and grasses in August next year.

From the team at Waikato RiverCare Inc., we wish you a safe and very merry Christmas, and we look forward to sharing our new and exciting plans with you all next year.

After some unfortunate delays due to heavy rain and flooding in October, Waikato RiverCare Inc. has completed another successful planting season. The 2016 planting season has been our biggest ever, with approximately 25,000 more plants purchased and planted than last year. A total of 58,375 plants were planted throughout 10 different projects. Four of these project sites received in-fill planting to ensure the continued development and success of established planting projects.

The planting of Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s largest project to date was also completed this season. Taupiri Ki Waenganui, which covers 5.63ha, had 12,523 plants planted at the site in September. This included 10,143 new plantings, as well as 2,110 in-fill plants to supplement the plantings completed last year by volunteers and Waterside Planters Limited.

Another highlight of the season was having over 80 volunteers help us out on three different projects over September. The volunteers included a mix of corporate, primary school, high school, and tangata whenua groups, they all did an incredible job and planted approximately 4,500 plants.

The crew from Huntly College planting at Te Awa River Ride project.

The 2016 planting season has not been easy to manage with interruptions caused by surface flooding, boggy ground conditions and torrential rain. The soft ground conditions required Waikato RiverCare Inc. to bring on additional contractors with side by side ATV’s and tractors with trailers to support the planting team in transporting the plants onto projects. The use of these vehicles meant that, despite the conditions, there was minimal damage to paddocks and the riverbanks.

Despite the challenges, the team from Te Whangai Trust, including their nursery staff, delivery drivers, planting team and nursery management, all did a wonderful job supplying great quality plants and planting them without issues or incidents. Te Whangai Trust has also won the contract to supply plants for the 2017 planting season, so we look forward to continuing working with them in the future.

We would like to recognize all of our sponsors, partners and volunteers for helping us to complete such a fantastic planting programme this year. Their support is what makes all this possible.

Waikato Regional Council has signed a new agreement with Waikato RiverCare Inc. for ongoing restoration efforts over the next five years.

Waikato Regional Council and Waikato RiverCare Inc. have worked together developing riparian projects on the lower Waikato River system for more than 17 years, successfully completing a number of projects between Taupiri and Rangiriri.

The updated agreement formalises the commitment both organisations share to work in partnership in establishing new projects and protecting completed projects. The agreement covers a period of five years with project funding aligned to the Waikato Regional Council’s 2015-2025 Long Term Plan. This year the council has confirmed funding of $80,000 to support restoration efforts by Waikato RiverCare Inc. on Waikato Regional Council land.

The agreement has already produced results, with the completion of the Opuatia project this September. It involved planting 10,000 native plants to create a buffer between farm land and the regionally significant peat wetland.

Plantings completed at Opuatia in September.

Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s Chairperson, David Klee is happy to see the partnership between the two organisations reaffirmed.

“The regional council has worked alongside Waikato RiverCare Inc. on a number of projects for many years and we look forward to developing this mutually beneficial relationship further,” he said.

The Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest has concluded for another year, and what a competition it was! Though the river conditions were the worst that competitors have experienced in the history of this contest, competitors and trout were only slightly down in numbers from last year.

The number of junior anglers were down from last year, however, the number of adult competitors entered increased. By the end of the 9 days, 114 trout had been weighed in, which is 11 shy of last year’s trout numbers. Softbait was once again the number one method used by anglers this year.

To celebrate another successful contest, competitors gathered at the Taupiri Tavern for the prize giving. Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s contribution of hats and native plants were again well received by prize giving attendees with all plants finding a new home at the end of the event.

For more photos of the competition, check out the 2016 Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest Facebook page HERE.

Congratulations to the winners and all of the participants this year. We hope to see you back again next year!

Waikato RiverCare Inc. is once again supporting the Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest which began last Saturday on the 1st October. Contestants of all ages have until 9th of October to catch trout between Karapiro Dam and the Waikato Heads. This fishing competition awards prizes to anglers for the “Heaviest Brown Trout”, “Heaviest Rainbow Trout”, and “Best Condition Trout”, including loads of mystery and spot prizes for entrants.

Despite the heavy rain and high river levels, contestants have not been deterred from getting out on the river to try their luck. So far 45 trout have been weighed in for the first 2 days of the contest with plenty more fish expected to be weighed in the coming five days of the event. The 2015 contest saw some impressive trout caught with 125 recorded at competition weigh-in stations. This year organisers hope the poor weather conditions forecast don’t discourage people from getting out and about with family and friends to their favourite fishing spot.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. is excited to be once again providing native plants as prizes for competitors in an effort to encourage more riparian planting on the river. Anglers planting today will improve the future biodiversity and production of the river establishing lasting benefits for both sports fish and the native fishery. Thank you to Te Whangai Trust who supplied these excellent plants from their nurseries.

All the best to all the contestants! For photos, videos and more information about the contest, visit the 2016 Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest Facebook page HERE.

Despite the wet and windy weather we had last week, a team of 57 volunteers came out to plant one of our project sites on Friday. As a reward for their enthusiasm, the rain stayed away and the clouds made room for a beautiful, sunny day!

Around 30 students, parents and teachers from Kimihia Primary School and Te Kura o Rangiriri joined us at the WRA funded Te Onetea Stream project, while volunteers from Spark and long-time Waikato RiverCare Inc. sponsors, Watercare Services, made up the rest of the crew.

The kids from Kimihia Primary were the first on site and set a brisk pace for everyone else with help from Te Whangai Trust staff who dug holes for the kids to plant trees in. As the rest of the crew joined in, the Department of Conservation’s marginal strip reserve was a hive of activity with 4,000 natives having been planted by the end of the day.

Once planting has been completed at the site by Te Whangai Trust, Waikato RiverCare Inc. will begin the next phase of the project – site maintenance. The project will receive its first post-planting weed spray in November, with regular sprays forecasted for the next three years.

Thank you to the Waikato River Authority, Te Whangai Trust, Watercare Services, Spark, Kimihia School and Te Kura o Rangiriri for helping us to do our part in improving the health and well-being of te awa and its catchments.

After the success of last year’s planting, the Kirkwood Whānau once again showed their keen spirit by gathering at te awa for another day of planting. Having planted 150 natives easily in September last year, the team of around 20 decided they could do more and 495 natives were planted along the next section of the Waikato River in Ngaruawahia over the weekend.

Part of the awesome planting team.

Thank you to the Waikato Regional Council for funding the purchase of plants for this project. The Council also contributed to the preparation of the planting site, by funding two agrichemical applications to reduce the presence of weeds on-site during the last year.

With the planting of the project site completed, regular visits to the site will be made and more agrichemical applications will be completed as required during the next three years. Another small in-fill planting is planned for 2018 to replace any plants that may not survive the next couple of years.

Thanks so much to the Kirkwood Whānau for all the awesome work they have put into this project. It is so great to see the mana whenua continuing to lead by example as they restore their whenua along the Waikato River. I’m sure the Whānau are looking forward to seeing how the plants grow and develop over the next few years, just as we are!

The site before the team got stuck into it!

Hard at work, making a positive difference to te awa!

Waikato RiverCare Incorporated has successfully completed its first Waikato River Authority funded project ahead of schedule and slightly under budget. The Hakarimata E project got underway in 2014 with new boundary fencing constructed to remove stock access to the river and planned project plantings.

Plants developing well at the Hakarimata E project, one year on.

This project provided Waikato RiverCare Inc. with a great opportunity to work closely with the Waikato District Council and Department of Conservation. Both organisations have reserve lands within the project scope and contributed financially towards boundary fencing.

The Waikato Regional Council also contributed to this project by providing pre-planting support for pest plant management within the project and assisting Waikato RiverCare Inc. with procurement of agrichemicals for the project weed management plan.

Weed control at the site was completed by local contractor Plant Talk Limited prior to planting in August 2015. Waikato RiverCare Inc. awarded project planting to mana whenua contractors, Waterside Planters Ltd, who did a great job planting the 7,266 mixture of native plants over four days. The tender for project plants was won by Kauri Park Nurseries who delivered the two truckloads of plants to the project boundary with the support of adjoining landowners.

Effective weed spraying in 2014.

To ensure planting success and prevent weed species establishing regular visits have been made to the project by contractors Plant Talk Ltd who have applied three rounds of agrichemical to the planting zone over the last eight months.

This month, another 710 native plants will be planted to replace a small number of plant losses experienced at the project. Some of the 710 plants are slower growing native species which will take time to mature but will greatly benefit the longevity and self-sustainability of the planting project.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. will continue site maintenance for another year to ensure the best chance of growth and the establishment of these plants. Management of the project will then be taken over by the Waikato District Council who will continue maintenance of the reserve planting. We look forward to watching this project develop as the plants grow and provide habitat for wildlife.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. would like to thank the Waikato River Authority for their excellent financial support of this project, our partners at the Waikato District Council and Department of Conservation, and the adjoining landowners that have assisted us throughout the development of this project.

The site is looking great and ready for the in-fill planting this month.

Sections of Lake Ohinewai and the Mangawara Stream will be getting some much needed attention from Waikato RiverCare Inc. thanks to new funding confirmed by the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust this June.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. will implement a three year planting project on the shores of Lake Ohinewai covering a total area of 2.3ha. This planting will complete ring planting around the entire lake. Lake Ohinewai was once widely used by the Ohinewai community and surrounding rural landowners for school activities and sporting events, and was a popular waterfowl hunting destination. However, lake use by the public has declined significantly due to the deteriorating water quality and highly visible algal blooms on the lake surface during the summer months. Completion of this project is one more step towards restoring this wonderful community resource to its former glory.

Woolly Nightshade control at Lake Ohinewai.

Site preparation on the Mangawara Catchment project has already begun thanks to funding received from the Mighty River Power/Tainui partnership. Pre-planting control has focused on eliminating grey willow from within the tree stand and Jerusalem Cherry which was carried in by birds. Project fencing for this 1.25ha planting has kindly been provided by the Waikato Regional Council. Quality fencing on a project like this is critical to ensure that the planting’s success is not compromised by grazing stock.

Grey Willow control on the Mangawara Catchment

The WCEET funding will cover the purchase and planting of 6,454 plants in August this year, as well as three years of site maintenance following planting. The vastness of the Mangawara Stream catchment contributes to its current poor condition with significantly degraded water quality reflecting the intensive land use occurring in all major feeding catchments. As with the Lake Ohinewai project, the planting and weed control at this site will help to improve the quality of surface flows into the Mangawara stream by trapping sediment, capturing nitrogen and supporting the stream bank under high flows.

A huge thanks goes out to WCEET for their continued support of Waikato RiverCare Inc. For more information on WCEET click on the image below:

Waikato RiverCare Inc. is humbled to win the Green Ribbon Award in the caring for our water category at the annual ceremony held at the Beehive in Wellington on Tuesday.

The Green Ribbon Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.

Waikato RiverCare Operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson (centre), with Vicky Robinson (left), CE of the Ministry for the environment, and Hon Maggie Barry (right), Minister for Conservation

Waikato RiverCare has been in existence for 16 years, in which time they have fenced 20,300m of riverbank and planted 183,250 plants with another 58,000 planned for this August.

Chairman, David Klee, and operations manager, Kevin Hutchinson, were in Wellington to receive the award on behalf of the organisation.

“It’s fantastic that Waikato RiverCare has been recognised for its efforts over many years to protect and enhance the wellbeing of the river and its catchments,” says Mr. Klee.

“None of these projects would have been possible without the ongoing dedication and support of current and previous committee members and their organisations.”

“It also needs to be acknowledged that an organisation is only ever as good as its staff, and I really need to thank Kevin for his dedication to the role over the past four years.”

Mr. Klee says that Waikato RiverCare is a great example of how a diverse group of organisations can

work together in collaboration to achieve a common goal.

“I am particularly pleased for all our volunteers who have dedicated so much of their own time over the years.”

Operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson, was quick to acknowledge during his acceptance speech, the input of all the past and present members and the work they have put into the organisation, plus the ongoing support of key sponsors and funders.

“I have only been operations manager for four years so can’t really take credit for all that has been achieved by Waikato RiverCare Inc. over the last 16 years,” he says.

“Waikato RiverCare is an excellent example of an organisation providing the frame work to draw corporate, government and community interests together to maximise limited resources and achieve tangible results on the ground.”

Waikato RiverCare Inc. has received funding approval from the Waikato River Authority to complete three new restoration projects. Two sites are located in the Mangawara Stream catchment and the third is located in the middle of Huntly Township just south of Tainui Bridge on the Waikato River.

Project work has already begun with the first round of site preparation completed by Spray Rig Ltd on all three sites.

Over the next 12 months contractors will focus on cleaning up the sites and controlling pest plants and weeds in preparation for planting in August 2017.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. is also doing some exciting work at the two Mangawara projects undertaking pest animal control, a first for the charity.

Last month the Landon family received four traps designed to trap rats, mustelids and hedgehogs, while still being safe to use around livestock and children. They have already started predator control at the oxbow project and caught rats within the first week! Two additional kill traps will be set up at the McConnell Road project and it is hoped that they too will be just as successful.

A significant challenge of the two oxbow projects is the close proximity of weeds to established mature native tree stands. Despite the challenge, these projects provide an opportunity to protect and enhance high value forest remnants and their surrounding wetland habitat which once covered the Waikato’s lowland. The preservation of these mature trees are a high priority for Waikato RiverCare Inc. as preserving these trees provides a link to the Waikato’s forest history and protects local plant genetics from being lost forever.

The Huntly Waterworks project currently has no native plant communities due to years of unrestricted stock grazing and the encroachment of pest plants. Recently the Waikato Regional Council fenced the planting zone of this project and started large scale pest plant control targeting the yellow flag iris. It’s hoped that by combining the resources of Waikato RiverCare Inc. and the Waikato Regional Council will successfully turn this site from pest plant jungle to flourishing lowland native forest.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. looks forward to bringing you more update’s as these exciting projects progress. A huge thank you goes out to Waikato River Authority and Waikato Regional Council for their continued support of Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s restoration work.

Waikato RiverCare Incorporated has just received the great honour of being selected as a finalist at the Green Ribbon Awards to be held at Parliament Buildings, Wellington, early next month. The prestigious awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses and communities to protect and improve our environment throughout New Zealand.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. was nominated in the Caring for Our Water category for the riparian restoration work undertaken along the banks of the Lower Waikato River and its catchments over the last 17 years.

It is fantastic that Waikato RiverCare Inc. is being recognised for its efforts over many years to protect and enhance the wellbeing of the awa, however none of the projects would have been possible without the dedication and support of our current and previous committee members and their organisations. A big thank you is also owed to our funders, sponsors and partner organisations that have supported the many projects undertaken by Waikato RiverCare Inc. These entities can rightly share in this award nomination. The time, in-kind contributions and financial support received has been a key element of Waikato RiverCare Inc.’s success and achievements on the awa and its catchments.

Watch this space as we keep you updated on the results!

In February, we brought you the story of Waikato RiverCare’s first use of a biocontrol agent (Tradescantia Beetle) at a project to combat the invasive and hard to kill weed Wandering Willie (Tradescantia fluminensis). With the support of Waikato River Authority funding, Waikato RiverCare has started another project first: pest animal control at an oxbow restoration project.

Brook and Connor Landon, owners of land adjacent to one of the project sites, are keen to start trapping to see what's lurking around the pond and trees.

The Waikato River Authority funded oxbow projects include two sites on the Mangawara Stream located on Waikato Regional Council administered scheme lands. Both projects have already received their first round of weed control focusing on key weed species known to impact the health and success of new plantings. A dry autumn and excellent ground conditions have allowed contractors to give both projects the best possible start. Additional weed control and fencing are planned later in the year once winter flood waters recede. Project planting at the sites is expected to take place in August 2017.

The impacts of pest animals on native vegetation are well known, particularly grazing animals like possum, wild goats and hares. Less well known are the benefits to plantings in controlling rats, mice, hedgehogs and mustelids. These animals are known to consume seeds, invertebrates and birds, which are all vital to the health and long-term sustainability of the planting. Following advice from the Department of Conservation Waikato RiverCare has purchased boxed double set Doc200 stainless steel traps which are specifically designed to kill the target pests while being safe to use in public areas, around young children, livestock and pets.

Reductions in animal pest numbers around the project should encourage birds to use the site with nesting cover and berry trees included in the planting plan. One of the leading benefits of increased bird use of the project is seed dispersal and the transfer of local plant genetics within the district.

Waikato RiverCare is extremely grateful to Waikato River Authority for their support of the mahi being done along the Waikato River and its catchments. A lot of Waikato RiverCare projects would not be possible without their support.

Yellow Flag Iris found here for the first time.

An infestation of the pest plant Yellow Flag Iris has been found by Waikato RiverCare staff in an oxbow wetland on the Mangawara Stream. This is the first confirmed find for Yellow Flag Iris in the Mangawara catchment and is particularly concerning given its location upstream of the main infestation on the lower Waikato River. Yellow Flag Iris is a very undesirable weed due to it forming dense stands that can displace native species and restrict access for recreational activities.

However, thanks to the vigilance of Kevin Hutchinson, Waikato RiverCare’s operations manager, this

infestation has been identified and eliminated before seeding.

Yellow Flag Iris, a native of Europe, Asia and North Africa, was introduced into New Zealand as an ornamental plant, but it has since spread to other sites around the country, particularly along the banks of the lower Waikato River.

Early detection and immediate control is vital in stopping the spread of this weed. The seed pods of this particular infestation were trimmed to prevent the spread. Continued observation of the oxbow will ensure Yellow Flag Iris has been eradicated from the Mangawara catchment.

For more information on yellow flag iris, please refer to Waikato Regional Council’s website.

With a little enthusiasm and willingness to get their hands dirty, the Kirkwood Whānau has shown what can be achieved on te awa. Last September, the whanau got together and planted 155 trees funded by the Honda Tree Fund on a small Waikato District Council reserve adjoining family land next to Turangawaewae Marae.

Whānau planting the first stage of the project.

Six months on and the plants are looking great! Regular rainfall over the summer has ensured that the plants have gotten the moisture they need to grow and thrive. Over this time the project has been visited three times by Waikato RiverCare staff and contractors to remove weeds from the planting zone and start tree weed control with another visit planned soon.

The second stage of this project is expected to take place in September this year with an additional 495 plants to finish the project. Thanks to the support of Waikato Regional Council, whanau who will have more trees to plant later this year! There is no doubt an enthusiastic team will step up to the challenge and do yet another stellar job planting.

Tau ke tuu meke mahia te mahi hei painga moo te whaanau. Mauri ora.

Thanks goes out to Honda Tree Fund, who’s grant enabled this project to begin, Waikato Regional Council, and, of course, the Kirkwood Whānau for actively doing their part to protect and restore the Waikato River.

Waikato RiverCare has just completed the last key milestone on the Hakarimata A Extension project. Barakat Contractors have done a great job constructing a 7-wire batten fence to exclude stock from the planting project. This project would not have been possible without support from the Department of Conservation who came on board with funding for surveying and fence construction.

The fencing comes at an important time for the project with the last scheduled planting of 742 trees funded by WCEET completed in August 2015. With successful weed releasing undertaken by Plant Talk Ltd last month, the new plantings are thriving alongside the initial 2,200 trees planted in 2014.

The Hakarimata A extension project was not just a main stem riparian planting but included the planting of a significant catchment stream along its northern boundary. This stream provides an excellent cold water source for fish in the summer months and additional habitat for native fish in the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve.

This project can be viewed by members of the public traveling on Hakarimata Rd just 500m from Ngaruawahia Township.

Waikato RiverCare Inc. would like to acknowledge the financial support received from the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust who made this wonderful project possible.

Waikato RiverCare have teamed up with Waikato Regional Council to recruit the Tradescantia Leaf Beetle to help out with a riparian restoration project along the Waikato River. The team at Waikato RiverCare are very excited about this endeavour as it is our first biological control release on a project. In this instance, it is the tradescantia plant that we hope to reduce with these beetles.

Prepping the beetles for release on the bonnet of the vehicle.

Tradescantia or Wondering Jew is a significant riparian weed on the lower Waikato River capable of stopping riparian regeneration by carpeting the river bank in a dense matte of vegetation. Science and observation has proven that the tradescantia leaf beetle is particularly fond of tradescantia and is unlikely to do much, if any, damage to other plants around its release site, making it a safe and ideal biocontrol agent.

Here are some more interesting facts about the tradescantia beetle:

This particular species of beetle is native to South America, however it was brought to New Zealand in 2007 for scientific study.Before its release in New Zealand, this beetle was not used as a biocontrol agent anywhere in the world.The main damage to tradescantia plants is caused by the beetles’ larvae which graze the outer layer off the leaves and will eventually skeletonise the plant.Adult beetles also do their part but chewing holes around the edge of the leaves and will sometimes consume whole leaves.

Although using the tradescantia beetle is not suitable for all of Waikato RiverCare’s sites, there is a huge emphasis in Waikato RiverCare on finding innovative, long-term, and sustainable ways to deal with problem weeds. Waikato RiverCare on its own can only do so much to reduce these pest plants. It requires working together with like-minded agencies toward a common goal to make a big difference. Waikato RiverCare is pleased to work collaboratively with agencies such as the Waikato Regional Council on long-term projects like this, and we look forward to continuing the great work with these agencies.

The Te Awa River Ride cycleway development is a fantastic opportunity for Waikato RiverCare Incorporated to display its work on the lower Waikato River and the benefits riparian planting provides to river biodiversity.

In August 2015 Waikato RiverCare completed its first planting alongside a popular biking and walking path in the Ngaruawahia area, planting 5081 trees and grasses. The planting project is easily accessible to the public using the cycle trail from either Waikato Esplanade Road or Thomas Street. The excellent project access is great for showcasing the benefits of riparian planting to the public, however project signage is proving to be a popular and easy target for vandals.

Vandals' handiwork on the Te Awa River Ride project sign.

Waikato RiverCare’s operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson, has had to replace project signs regularly due to signs being graffitied, pulled down and destroyed altogether.

Many people often do not realise that Waikato RiverCare Incorporated is not a government department or organisation and is reliant on sponsors and donations to fund its work on the river and its catchments. Waikato RiverCare does receive excellent support from Crown agencies including the Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Council and Department of Conservation but Waikato RiverCare is not directly funded by the New Zealand Government.

Waikato RiverCare is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity dedicated to improving the quality, biodiversity and health of the lower Waikato River and its catchments. The Waikato River is so central to the identity and wellbeing of all Waikato communities our riparian projects provide regional benefits for everyone.

However, every time a sign needs to be replaced due to vandalism, that’s another 25 native plants that will not be planted to improve the health and wellbeing of the river. Planning and accounting for sign vandalism requires Waikato RiverCare to pull money from projects reducing the amount of planting work able to be undertaken at a site.

You can help Waikato RiverCare by reporting any sign vandalism you see occurring, however please ensure your own personal safety at all times and don’t take matters into your our hands.

For more information on Waikato RiverCare and ways you can help out have a look at our website and visit our Donations Page.

It has been a big planting season for Waikato RiverCare this year, with 32,034 plants having been put into the ground at seven different RiverCare project sites over the last few months.

This season’s planting started in May, where 4,895 native trees and bushes were planted at Coalfields Road, a DoC/Fish and Game partnership site. The planting finished up in October, with volunteer groups from Genesis Energy and Spark spending a day putting 1,800 plants in the ground at Taupiri Ki Waenganui. Taupiri Ki Waenganui has been our biggest planting project this year, with Waterside Planters planting another 11,845 at the site in September/October.

Next season’s planting is looking to be an even bigger job with 47,870 plants forecasted to be put in the ground at 10 different project sites.

Thanks so much to all our funders, sponsors, and supporters for making this possible!

Last week Waikato RiverCare’s operations manager, Kevin Hutchinson, and Waikato Regional Council Land Drainage Zone Officer, Steve Edwards, visited the Lane property on Mangawhara Road. Although much of the Mangawara catchment is fenced to exclude stock from waterways, very little of the catchment has been planted. Ten years ago Christine and Bruce Lane concerned with bank erosion and silt loading in the Mangawara Stream fenced out stock on the 1100m of stream in their property and started a riparian project using a mix of native and exotic tree species.

The planting project is a real success story and credit to the Lane family who continue to plant and maintain the riparian project. The project has achieved and exceeded many of the Lane’s goals providing not only habitat and food for birds, better bank stability and shading for native fish but also a quiet spot to relax and unwind during those hot dry summer months. NIWA have electric fished the stream through the Lane property recording long fin eel, common bully, inanga and fresh water crayfish (kōura).

Christine and Bruce are active members of a land care group focused on promoting and showcasing the benefits of riparian planting to their neighbours in the Mangawara Stream catchment. Each year with assistance from the Waikato Regional Council plants are provided to landowners keen to establish new riparian plantings or infill established plantings on the Mangawara Stream.

If you have an interest in starting a riparian project on a stream or waterway (lakes included) resources are available to help you get started. Both Waikato RiverCare and the Waikato Regional Council have excellent resources available on-line covering everything from plant selection to avoiding common mistakes in establishing your project.

Waikato RiverCare thanks the Lane’s for their generous hospitality and wishes them all the best.

On a warm, but overcast day last week, a group of volunteers from Genesis Energy and Spark joined together to get their hands dirty at a Waikato RiverCare project site.

Just the beginning: The team being briefed on best planting practice.

Taupiri Ki Waenganui (waenganui = the middle, between, intervening space) is so named as it is the final link in a stretch of the Waikato River that is now completely stock excluded between Taupiri and Huntly on the true right bank, thanks to projects undertaken by RiverCare and partners.

Our wonderful team of volunteers donned their high visibility vests and took to the soil with spades. Approximately 1,800 holes were dug and filled with a variety of native shrubs and trees. We were lucky to have had some dry weather recently as the site was completely under floodwater just a few weeks earlier. This, however, caused parts of the ground to be quite hard and clay-like which was definitely a challenge for our team, but they kept on like champions!

Making it look too easy in rough conditions

Thank you to Genesis Energy and Spark for your enthusiasm and support for Waikato RiverCare. We really love the opportunity to give people the chance to get hands on experience of our projects! Thank you also to WEL Energy Trust and Trust Waikato for supporting us in organising this wonderful day.

Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, Waikato River Authority, and Waikato District Council have also been hugely instrumental in the entirety of this project, and their input is much appreciated. All have contributed greatly to, not only this particular project, but many others that could not have been undertaken without their support.

The Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Competition certainly started with a bang! By Wednesday, the half way mark in the 9 day contest, there had already been 56 fish weighed and entered, with 25 out of the 48 entrants having already caught fish. The end of the competition, which finished 2pm on Sunday the 18th October, saw 125 trout caught and recorded at the competition weigh-in stations.

Junior angler, Levi King, shows of his catch. Credit: Steve Sharpe

The quantity of fish in the river this year was up on previous years and have been of great quality. According to Mike Lynch, one of the competition organisers, we have seen “some deep bodied fish, which are of good colour and good eating. Softbaits are again working well, but bait and fly are all showing up in the results as well.”

Despite a disappointing turnout to the technique demonstration on Saturday, the organisers are feeling positive about the local’s abilities and techniques in trout fishing due to the obvious success, and all enjoyed an extra portion of fresh hot smoked trout!

Some of the competitors enjoying a well deserved drink at Taupiri Tavern. Credit: William Van Zyl

Prizegiving took place on Sunday, 18th October at Taupiri Tavern, where the main prizes were awarded to the winners, with a lot of spot prizes being given out as well. Wayne Rendall took out the Heaviest Brown Trout award in the Adult category with a 2.804kg trout. It was kept in the family with the junior category being won by Taylor Rendall with a 2.716kg trout. The Ladies’ category was very competitive with Shanae O’Hara catching the Heaviest Trout at 2.354kg and Tracey Farrar had the Best Condition Factor Trout with a score of 54.37.

The Grand Prize of the $1,000 Family Weekend Escape to Waihi Beach, which was awarded to the angler with the closest trout to the average weight of the fish caught, went to Steve Barayani with his trout weighing 1.322kg which was just 16g off the average weight.

Steve Barayani with his family. Credit: William Van Zyl

Waikato RiverCare also gave away native plants at the prize giving and encourage anglers to plant them at their favourite fishing spots. Planting natives on the banks of the Waikato River will increase water quality, fish habitat and biodiversity; with the added benefit of bigger, fatter trout for anglers to catch.

If you'd like to know more about the Lower Waikato River Trout competition, would like a copy of the full results, or are interested in hearing more about the work that waikato RiverCare is doing along the Waikato River, please send an email through to info@waikatorivercare.co.nz and we'll be happy to help out!

It was a wonderful, sunny day for the Kirkwood Whānau and mokopuna as they planted at a Waikato RiverCare project in Ngaruawahia. 155 trees were put into the ground, thanks to funding from the Honda Tree Fund. This grant, which was distributed by Waikato Regional Council, was awarded to Waikato RiverCare to restore this section of the Waikato riverbank and ensure native plants would grow and thrive in the future.

It has been great to to see the mana whenua so enthusiastically acknowledging the need to look after the awa and leading by example as they begin by restoring their own whenua along the Waikato River.

"Thank you Honda for sponsoring the plants!"

The work happening at this project compliments the Waikato River Authority funded work that is being done next door at Turangawaewae Marae. Waikato RiverCare has supported the project by providing project advice to marae members and helping with the project co-ordination. These marae members are working to achieve the visions of keeping the awa related traditions alive, enhancing the spiritual, cultural and recreational connections to the awa and improving access for all tangata whenua to enjoy the awa. These are similar to the visions that Waikato RiverCare and the Kirkwood Whānau hope to achieve.

Kirkwood whānau and mokopuna “clothing papatuanuku” beside Waikato awa at the bottom of their land

Waikato RiverCare has secured funding through Waikato Regional Council’s Small Scale Inititives Fund to plant stage two of this project in 2016. This funding will cover the cost of site prep and weed clearing as well as the purchase of another 495 trees to be planted next year. The Whānau are completely behind Waikato RiverCare with confirmed support of the continuation of the project and a promise of another great turnout of volunteers coming along to plant stage two next year!

Rangiwatea - "This is a big deal for our whānau!"

Waikato RiverCare is proud to announce its support of the 2015 Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest. The competition will take place over nine days in October and sees prizes awarded to anglers for “Heaviest Brown Trout”, “Heaviest Rainbow Trout”, and “Best Condition Trout”, including loads of mystery and spot prizes. The main prize is a $1,000 weekend for two in Waihi Beach and includes accommodation, meals and activities!

The competition is open to all Fish and Game licence holders with categories for Men, Lady and Junior (17 & under) anglers. In previous years up to 80 anglers have lined the banks of the lower Waikato River trying their luck at catching the elusive and cunning trout of the lower Waikato River. In 2013 anglers caught over 100 trout from the river during the fishing competition

2013 Competitor, Cooper O'Hara with his 1.39kg trout and proud Nana

Credit: William Van Zyl, 2013

Competition organisers will hold a free workshop on Saturday 10th October at the Tainui Bridge carpark (West side). Members of the public are encouraged to come to the park between 1-3pm and chat with expert anglers on fishing in the lower Waikato River and to learn new techniques for the processing and cooking of your catch. There will be smokers set up so you can taste the fresh cooked trout!

Waikato RiverCare has for the last 16 years worked closely with communities, landowners and government agencies on the lower Waikato River promoting stock exclusion from the river and the establishment of riparian projects. Waikato RiverCare’s work provides direct benefits to the river’s health and wellbeing including improved water quality, flood protection and wildlife habitat.

This year Waikato RiverCare is providing native plants to the Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Competition for all junior anglers and category winners in an effort to encourage more riparian planting on the river. Anglers planting today will improve the future biodiversity and production of the river providing lasting benefits for both sports fish and the native fishery. To learn more about riparian planting and Waikato RiverCare visit www.waikatorivercare.co.nz To enter the Trout Fishing Contest, you can pick up an entry form from Sweetman’s Reel Fishin’ Huntly, visit www.reel-fishin.com to complete a form online, or find one .

August marks the start of Waikato RiverCare’s busy 2015 planting programme. By the end of this year’s planting season, Waikato RiverCare aims to have planted 31,749 plants on six different projects throughout the Lower Waikato River catchment. Local contractors, Waterside Planters Limited, based at Taupiri have been engaged to undertake the project planting which is expected to be completed by the first week of September.

The team from Waterside Planters Limited enjoying a beautiful frosty Waikato morning after a wet start to the week

With the fencing excluding stock access to the site having been completed in May, Taupiri Ki Weanganui project is progressing well with 10,445 plants having been put in the ground already this month. Another, 3,200 plants are planned to be planted by a group of volunteers in October.

Phase 1 of Te Awa River Ride project in Ngaruawahia South is getting a makeover with 5,081 plants going in the ground this season. These plants will eventually create shade and a natural environment for cyclists making use of the new bike track. Phase 2 of this project is currently being prepped with weed control for the 2016 planting season.

Hakarimata E will receive 7,266 plants this season before a final planting of 710 slow growing, long-lived plants takes place next year. These plants include Kanuka, Titoki, Kowhai and Mahoe which will take some time to mature but will, in the long run, greatly benefit the stability and self-sustainability of the site.

Our special thanks goes out to Waikato River Authority, Waikato Ecological Enhancement Trust, and Waikato Regional Council for being key funders in these projects.

However, because Waikato RiverCare values sustainability, once a site has been planted, that is not the end of the job. Waikato RiverCare ensures that maintenance is kept up until the site is established and able to continue development on its own.

Two new Waikato RiverCare projects have recently had fences constructed along project boundaries in preparation for weed control and planting.

A new 1150m long 4 wire electric fence and flood gate has been constructed by Barakat Contractors Ltd at the Taupiri Ki Weanganui project in May. Completion of this fence is a significant milestone for Waikato RiverCare which has successfully excluded all stock access from the Waikato River between Taupiri and Huntly on the true right bank.

Fence at Taupiri Ki Weanganui

At the Mangawara project bulls previously had unrestricted access into the stand of Kihikatea and Totora which was a popular spot for loafing stock to hide-out in on hot summer days. A new 4 wire fence was completed around the 1.35ha project by Waikato Regional Council contractors in April. Careful weed control within the stand is expected to take 12 months to minimise the risk to mature trees before planting in 2017 with the aim to create buffer zones and reduce the negative effects of wind on the stand.

Stock exclusion from a proposed planting site with the construction of a permanent fence is the first step to a successful planting project. Grazing damage caused by stock on new plantings is the leading cause of project failure and can be extremely demoralising and costly. Excluding stock from waterways has many other benefits including reductions in sediment volumes, phosphorus, nitrogen and faecal contamination.

Fence at Mangawara

Planting at the Taupiri Ki Weanganui project is expected to start in August this year with Waterside Planters Ltd planting the first 1.15ha of the 3.27ha project.

Arbor Day is a world-wide tradition celebrating the planting of trees to beautify, improve air quality, assist with reducing erosion and add to the biodiversity of regions around the globe. In New Zealand Arbor day is celebrated on June 5th and also coincides with World Environment Day, the United Nations’ platform for worldwide awareness and action for the environment.

In New Zealand as elsewhere, it’s a perfect time to ‘plant a tree’ (or trees!) in your own backyard, or as part of a local project. Every individual’s action adds to the collective power of positive environmental benefit - the UN’s appeal is that “Every Action Counts”.

It could be that Arbor day this year inspires you to start planning a restoration project either as an individual, on the farm, or as part of a wider group. If you have an interest in developing a riparian project on your property or at a site you participate in a recreation activity (eg whitebaiting, boating or hunting) do look around this website for helpful advice on turning that idea into action on the ground.

If you need some resources to start this process, Waikato RiverCare has published a booklet “Riparian Restoration Best Practice” and it’s available for download for free. Waikato RiverCare is also able to provide full project development and management services for restoration projects at competitive rates – contact us for more information.

Happy planting!

4895 plants have been successfully planted at the Department of Conservation / Fish and Game joint project at Coalfields Road, in the Whangamarino wetland area near Maramarua. Waikato RiverCare was pleased to be part of the team effort at this site, project managing the sourcing and planting of a selection of primarily native grasses and other wetland plants.

Mature plant stock was chosen for the site, to reduce potential damage by pukeko. The May planting also tied in with the start of Game Bird Hunting Season, which will assist in the reduction of bird damage to the new plantings as they establish.

The following plant species were used for their wetland restoration values: Carex virgata/secta (swamp sedge/pukio), Cyperus ustulatus (giant umbrella sedge), Carex geminata (cutty grass), Leptospermum scoparium (manuka), and Phormium tenax (flax/harakeke).

Several threatened bird species make the Whangamarino wetland their home, including the Botaurus poiciloptilus (Australasian bittern/matuku). This planting project will develop native ground cover around the Fish and Game constructed wetlands, creating a refuge for wildlife and encouraging bird nesting for the benefit of gamebirds and the many other wetland species.

With further restoration and planting being planned in the region by organisations such as DOC, Fish & Game and the Waikato Regional Council, Waikato RiverCare looks forward to the opportunity to be of assistance in future projects of this type.

If you have a native species planting project in mind, get in touch with Waikato RiverCare.

Project preparation began in March at two Waikato RiverCare restoration sites with the removal of mature exotic trees.

At the Mangawara Stream project, careful operation of a 12 tonne digger has removed patches of Hawthorn, Grey Willow and Crack Willow trees from within the 1.25Ha Totara and Kahikatea stand. The work focused on removing mature exotic trees from the drainage corridor under Council management within the stand and large woody debris likely to damage new fencing assets in a flood event. The Waikato Regional Council team involved in the day long operation did a fantastic job carefully working around the 100-200 year old trees to avoid long-term damage to the stand. This digger work has fast forwarded Waikato RiverCare’s restorations plans for the site by six months with additional weed control planned for later this year following fencing and stock exclusion from the stand.

Meanwhile, tree work at the Taupiri Ki Weanganui site got underway with the felling of mature pine trees located along the planned new fence line with Stevenson Properties Ltd and the Waikato District Council. This significant 3.27ha project completes stock exclusion between Taupiri and Huntly and includes a local important backwater wetland. The removal of the pine trees will make fencing a lot easier for Barakat Contractors this month without overhead branches to deal with and extend the life of the fence with significantly less chance of trees falling across the wires.

Lessee John Holland sees the removal of the pines as a win-win for both land managers and he will rest easier knowing his stock will be secure on the right side of the new fence. Waikato RiverCare plans to start planting at this project in August this year with a variety of native eco-sourced plants.

Both projects are excellent examples of getting tangible results achieved on the ground through collaboration and the sharing of resources. Project funding has been provide by groups such as the Waikato River Authority, WCEET and the Tainui/MRP partnership with significant in-kind support from the Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Council and landowners.

The photos below show the Mangawara site before and after digger work.

The photos below show the pine harvesting work at Taupiri Ki Weanganui:

The recent confirmation of funding from the Waikato River Authority, with co-funding from Waikato Ecological Catchment Trust and Mighty River Power – Tainui Partnership, has resulted in action stations at Waikato RiverCare this month.

Two new sites, Te Onetea Stream project and Hakarimata ‘F’, located on the Wills family farm on Hakarimata Road, Ngaruawahia, will be planted in Spring 2016, using the newly allocated funding.

The Te Onetea Stream project is located only 1 km from the Rangiriri village just off State Highway One, on the true left bank of the Te Onetea Stream. The project area is located next to one of the Waikato’s busiest boat ramp/car parks and is an extremely popular site with both hunters and fisherman, providing not only bank fishing opportunities but boat access onto Lake Waikare. The project is a large one, with a significant amount of pre planting preparation required to address a number of key weed species found at this location. The project has excellent opportunities to add significant biodiversity values to the area.

The Hakarimata F project is accessed through the Will’s family farm on Hakarimata Road which is only 4km downstream from Ngaruawahia township on the true left bank of the Waikato River. This 440m long project is located next to Waikato RiverCare’s completed Hakarimata B project. Linking these two projects will create a 1000m corridor of vegetation which has benefits for birds, insects and fish while reducing weed abundance and distribution with the added benefit of improved river bank stability.

Kevin Hutchinson, Waikato RiverCare’s Operations Manager is already getting preparation underway on these sites and looking at efficiencies of plant ordering for next spring. “The WRA, WCEET and MRP/Tainui support for these projects will enable some really important riparian restoration and add to the biodiversity and amenity values of the Waikato awa”, Mr Hutchinson said. “The collaboration between Waikato RiverCare and other agencies, including DOC, the Waikato District Council and private landowners, has enabled these sites to be made available for restoration purposes; a great example of different organisations working together.”

The long term relationship between Watercare and Waikato RiverCare has been further cemented with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding, outlining an additional 3 years of financial support. Watercare has sponsored Waikato RiverCare since 2006, and has always been hands-on in their support, with many volunteer days contributing to the progress of sites over the years. Waikato RiverCare’s restoration work assists in enhancing the quality of the Waikato River by reducing run-off and river bank erosion through fencing, and increasing biodiversity and habitat for native species. With Watercare supplying around 370 million litres of drinking water to the people of Auckland from 30 sources, including water from the Waikato River, the relationship between the two organisations has a mutual benefit. The support from Watercare assists Waikato RiverCare to continue its work restoring self-sustaining native plantings to the Lower Waikato River and its associated catchments.

The photo shows Ben Wolf from Waikato RiverCare and Suzanne Naylor from Watercare.

Waikato RiverCare is delighted to announce that recent discussions between the Waikato District Council and Stevenson Properties Limited has resulted in agreement between the parties to fence the last remaining section of riverbank accessed by stock on SH1 between Taupiri and Huntly townships.This project is an excellent example of the way the Waikato River draws landowners, community groups and government agencies together to work out solutions that benefit for all parties and protect the future health and wellbeing of the awa.Waikato RiverCare is particularly pleased that the agreed fence line will protect a locally significant river back water/wetland and allow for its planting and restoration within the 1100m long project.Significant Milestone for Waikato River RestorationWaikato RiverCare has been undertaking habitat restoration works on the 5km section of river between Taupiri and Huntly and to date has completed four major projects covering over 3km of riverbank which has seen stock proof fencing and weed control implemented, as well as over 24,000 plants being planted.Waikato RiverCare’s operations manager Kevin Hutchinson plans to get fencing underway as soon as ground conditions allow on the new site, with the aim to have the first pre-planting preparation work completed before Christmas.

Infill planting has been taking place at several Waikato RiverCare sites between Ngaruawahia and Rangiriri this week. The Operations Manager is being supported with assistance from two volunteers keen to do their bit to help improve the health and wellbeing of the awa.

The slow growing and long-lived Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) and Totara trees (Podocarpus totara) are being planted to help build a platform of resilience to Waikato RiverCare’s established planting projects. The trees have been purchased using funding from Enveco, a long term supporter and funder of Waikato RiverCare’s work to improve riparian health with plantings. Waikato RiverCare appreciates Enveco’s contribution to the infill planting programme as their funding provides for both the purchase of plants and the required follow up maintenance to achieve long-term success.

Earlier this month project visits confirmed they are in excellent condition with significant plant growth already. A mild winter has caused little frost damage and there has only been one significant flood event, limiting the accumulation of flood debris on projects and damage to plantings.

Low river levels over winter have allowed vegetation to establish on the terraces, which are normally inundated over winter. This should assist with river bank stability.

Unfortunately the mild winter also benefits the weeds: two key weeds, yellow flag iris and alligator weed, are out early and making the most of high sunlight levels before willow and alder come into leaf. Weed control is already underway, with spot spraying completed at Ngaruawahia esplanade, Hakarimata A extension, Raahui Pookeka A, Taupiri A, B and D. Large scale project weed control is planned for next month at the Te Awa and Hakarimata E sites.

During July Waikato RiverCare’s Operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson, arranged for new signs to be erected at the Taupiri D and Hakarimata A extension projects, and an updated sign to be installed at the Taupiri boat ramp. The updated sign at the Taupiri boat ramp is positioned higher up the river bank than the previous sign, above most river flood levels, and is more prominent to road users.

Project signage at the Taupiri D site has been located on Waikato Regional Council lands and is positioned towards north bound traffic on extra-long posts to place the sign face above grazing stock. The sign’s location is framed by a back ground of growing riparian plantings and the Huntly power station. The third sign is located at the Hakarimata A extension project and is visible to all road users and looks great surrounded by the recent plantings. The clear signage informs the public about Waikato RiverCare’s restoration projects, as well as displaying the logos and acknowledging the support of the key sponsors whose support allows the projects to be undertakn.

Planting started on Friday, 9th May, at Waikato RiverCare’s Hakarimata A Extension project, near Ngaruawahia. Close to 1500 native plants were planted by a team of 22 volunteers from Genesis Energy and Telecom.

Through thunderstorms and rain the hardy bunch of helpers steadily worked their way down the site, planting around two thirds of the site’s river edge. The work done by the group of volunteers was a showcase of social and environmental responsibility, and has made a great contribution towards getting more than 6000 plants into the ground at this location. The planting days have been funded by grants from Trust Waikato and WEL Energy Trust.

The project site, which is funded by the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust (WCEET), will be further planted by school groups from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Bernard Fergusson and Glen Massey schools over the next two weeks.

Around 150 students from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Bernard Fergusson and Glen Massey schools turned out for two planting days at the Hakarimata A Extension project in May.

The students planted around 1100 plants, using eco-sourced natives including Cyperus ustulatus, Carex secta (Purei), Mahoe Melicytus ramifloru, Karamu coprosma robusta, Ribbonwood Plagianthus regius, Kanuka Kunzea ericoides and Harakeke Phormium tenax

With the balance of the current planting completed by local contractors at the end of May, this site is looking fantastic.

Barakat Contractors have recently completed 591 metres of fencing at Waikato RiverCare’s second Waikato River Authority funded restoration project, located only 2.8km north of Ngaruawahia Township off Hakarimata Road.

The restoration project covers a total length of 520 metres of Waikato River bank involving reserve lands administered by both the Waikato District Council and Department of Conservation.

One of the priorities for this project has been surveying and identifying the legal boundary of the reserves. Key to this work being completed has been co-funding support from both the Waikato District Council and Department of Conservation. The two parties have funds to secure the reserves from stock access and protect Waikato RiverCare’s and the Authority’s investment in this planting project.

Waikato RiverCare has received excellent support from the adjoining landowners for the project which started with clear goals and aims to exclude stock from accessing the river, address the significant weed issues found within the riparian zone before replanting the reserve in native plants.

Over the next 12 months Waikato RiverCare will engage the service of contractors to address a number of weed issues found at the Hakarimata E site. They include removing the hawthorn bushes for burning in winter and gun spraying black berry and climbing weeds found under the crack willow canopy.

Planting at this project is expected to start in September/October 2015.

The Hakarimata A extension planting project is currently being prepared for planting in May this year, with all tree work and weed control now completed.

The 318m long by 10m wide planting project, located on a Department of Conservation reserve just two minutes drive north of Ngaruawahia on Hakarimata Rd, has been supported by funding from the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust

There are 6,200 plants going into the ground at the site. All plants have been sourced from local nurseries using eco-sourced seed. Three volunteer community planting events in May are planned with the support of local schools, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Bernard Fergusson and Glen Massey, along with staff from Telecom and Genesis Energy.

With the excellent support received from neighbours to the project and community enthusiasm for planting, the project is progressing very well.

Fingers crossed for fine weather in early May.

The Waikato River Authority has confirmed funding for the first joint initiative between Waikato RiverCare and the Te Awa River Ride Trust. Both organisations are excited to be working together and developing this opportunity. Both Waikato Rivercare and Te Awa River Ride Trust have well established project track records and strong community, iwi and corporate support.

Te Awa River Ride Trust is constructing the Great New Zealand River Ride, which, once complete, will travel 70 kms along the Waikato River, from Ngaruawahia in the north to Horahora, south of Cambridge. The newest section, between Hamilton and Horotiu, opens December 14th 2013.

Waikato RiverCare’s project starts at the northern boundary of Ngaruawahia Golf Club and ends at the car park on Waikato Esplanade Rd.

This project will restore riparian ecosystems along the 1400m of riverbank adjoining the 3m wide cycle track.

Both Waikato RiverCare’s and Te Awa River Ride Trust share similar aims with this project, in their intention to restore and protect the Waikato River. The project aims to contribute to improvements in river health and wellbeing, improve public access and recreation opportunities and develop capacity for future restoration work and on-going site maintenance.

Preparation of the first section of track between Ngaruawahia Esplanade and Croall Crescent is expected to start in February 2014 with completion expected be in June 2014. Waikato RiverCare expects to be in the position to start pre-planting preparation in this 500m section in November 2014, with project planting expected in early September 2015.

Waikato RiverCare is pleased to welcome a new Advisory Member to the team, Don Scarlet.

Don is Mighty River Power's Key Relationships Manager and has considerable experience and knowledge on current environmental issues. He is a ‘go to man’ with an impressive network of contacts developed over 27 years working in the Waikato region. Don is an active member of a number of community environmental interest groups and has acted as an environmental advocate and chair of action groups in his local community. He is a Trustee of the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, Secretary of the National wetland Trust, Chair of ROTAB Investments (the Raukawa Trust Board’s Asset holding company), was a Crown Appointee on the Guardians Establishment Committee and is a director of Hamilton Waikato Tourism.

Don is passionate about getting communities involved in environmental projects and has had a long association with Waikato RiverCare. His support and advice particularly in developing partnerships has enabled Waikato RiverCare to successfully increase its effectiveness and project involvement on the lower Waikato River.

In his Advisory role, Don will bring his considerable experience in riparian restoration to assist Waikato RiverCare in restoring the banks of the lower Waikato River, increasing biodiversity and enhancing the mauri of our great river.

Waikato RiverCare's biggest ever native tree and shrub planting project has just been completed at Huntly, with more than a kilometre of Waikato River bank planted, thanks to $60,000 of funding assistance from the Waikato River Authority (WRA).

The Raahui Pookeka A project – carried out between 2 and 6 September 2013 with almost 11,400 trees and shrubs planted – is the biggest project ever undertaken by Waikato RiverCare.

“The health of the river and the local Huntly community will reap significant benefits from this work, with planting covering an area 1100 metres by 14 metres,” said operations manager Kevin Hutchinson.

Contractors completed planting 11,400 trees and shrubs on September 6th at the site which is located between the southern boundary of Huntly Township as you drive on State Highway 1 and the Waikato District Council water treatment plant on Jackson Road.

This planting will help keep stock out of the river, reduce erosion and contaminants as well as provide the public with a recreational asset.

The lower Waikato River is a key area of concern for the Waikato River Authority when it comes to protecting and restoring the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River.

“We’re very grateful to the WRA for recognising the value of the project and providing us with the funding we need to get the job done,” said Mr Hutchinson.

The planting brings the amount of river bank fenced and planted by Waikato RiverCare over the past 12 years to 16 kilometres.

“Over the next 10 years we are hoping to plant another 30 sites from near the Te Rapa dairy factory to just downstream of the Tuakau bridge,” said Mr Hutchinson.

To view the Maori Television news article about the site planting, please follow the link:

http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/national/raahui-pookeka-project

Signage at Waikato RiverCare sites is being updated and has recently been installed at our Taupiri B, Hakarimata C and Meremere sites.The clear signage assists the public in identifying where Waikato RiverCare is undertaking restoration projects.

The signs also clearly display the logos of our key sponsors as it is their support which makes the restoration of all our sites possible.