Million Metres Blown Away by Te Onetea Stream Extension Project

We had the pleasure of hosting Alaina and Eryn from Million Metres on the 20th January, 2021.

Our catchup was initially to see how the Te Onetea Stream Extension project was progressing, which Million Metres fund, but since Alaina and Eryn were driving right past our new project (Lake Ohinewai Recreational Reserve), we thought it was a great opportunity to showcase what RiverCare had already achieved at this site and what the future plans were for the two water cell bodies next to Lake Ohinewai.

Lake Ohinewai Recreational Reserve

The weather was very changeable, with heavy burst of rain, so walking around the Lake Ohinewai project wasn’t possible.

Alaina had been involved with the initial planting at Lake Ohinewai by RiverCare in 2019 (funded by WCEET) so it was the perfect opportunity for her to see how the completed project was thriving and to view the new project—the cleared area and newly erected fence around one of the water cell bodies.

Lake Ohinewai is currently the only lower Waikato peat lake that is 100% ring fenced and planted.

Over the next 5 years, with funding from WRA and the Waikato District Council, RiverCare will be working hard to get the two water cell bodies planted and flourishing like Lake Ohinewai.

Te Onetea Stream Extension

We had a lovely walk around the project with Kevin (RiverCare’s operations manager) providing a detailed commentary about the project, the plants and sharing ‘did you know’ moments. Alaina was able to spot the smaller plants that were planted last year as part of the in-fill planting component of this project.

Both Alaina and Eryn were extremely impressed with how the completed project was flourishing.

Here is a snipped of one of Kevin’s DID YOU KNOW moments…

The poroporo bush, also known as kuru, has berries and leaves which are poisonous. The fruit can be eaten but only when really ripe. Traditionally, the poroporo bush was planted around Maori settlements. When the fruit was ripe, it was a source of fruit for children and the leaves were used to line hangis.

Te Onetea stream is a busy little spot and we’re delighted that the community now get to enjoy the fruits of our labour.