Waiau Toa/Clarence weed control – 10 years on and going strong
This year’s annual community hui on biodiversity and weed control on the Waiau Toa/Clarence River marks a decade of continued whanaungatanga (collaboration) and weed management progress.
Since 2014, we’ve worked collaboratively with local landowners, Boffa Miskell, Land Information New Zealand, Department of Conservation, Ngāi Tahu, Marlborough District Council and the Kaikōura Water Zone Committee to fight invasive plants and pests ‘ki uta ki tai’ – from the mountains to the sea.
The Waiau Toa holds significant cultural and historical importance to Ngāti Kurī, the tangata whenua, with mana whenua and mana moana in Kaikōura.
The catchment boasts huge biodiversity value, supporting a variety of dryland ecosystems and freshwater environments.
Weedy invaders pose a threat
A major threat to the ecosystem of the Waiau Toa braided river system is pest plant invasion.
Woody weeds like gorse and broom can constrain the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the awa/river and threaten the natural environment by displacing native vegetation and increasing protection for predators like cats and stoats.
These changes, in turn, reduce suitable nesting conditions for native braided river birds, like the tarapirohe/black-fronted tern, that only nest on the open gravel banks of our our braided awa found predominantly in Waitaha/Canterbury.
Ten years of collaboration
Led by Kaikōura Water Zone Committee facilitator Jodie Hoggard, and hosted kindly by the Murray family in their bull sale shed, a group came together to reflect on ten years of collective mahi. Topics discussed at the hui included:
- An overview of our progress in the catchment – where we are after ten years of investment and collaboration.
- A summary of the weed and pest control work carried out during the 2023-24 season.
- Status update on the Clarence Waiau Toa Riverbed Weed Management Strategy review.
- Progress report on future priorities for weed eradication, containment and investigation.
- Looking ahead to what’s next for the 2024-25 season.
Community hui reflected on 10 year's of collaboration
Partnership is key to success
Facilitator Jodie Hoggard says that working together with a common goal is why this project has been so successful.
"The Waiau Toa/Clarence weed control mahi is a great example of what’s possible through cross-agency collaboration with landowner support.
"It’s amazing to reflect on the progress made given the enormity of the Waiau Toa/Clarence catchment and the pest and weed issues present.
"Working collectively has proven to be an effective way to operate, allowing us the maximum impact and biggest bang for buck on our investment," Jodie said.
Significant braided river catchment
The Waiau Toa/Clarance River system is renowned for being one of Aotearoa’s last remaining wild braided rivers. This is due to its mostly unmodified network of channels and minimal development in the catchment.
The area is home to over 125 species of threatened or at-risk flora and fauna, some of which are only found in this unique area.
Beyond the natural values of this landscape, the Waiau Toa/Clarance River is enjoyed widely by recreational users for its abundance of hiking, rafting, cycling, and hunting opportunities.