Action Plan funding helps protect native mudfish
A sanctuary for Canterbury mudfish will be protected, thanks to funding support from the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee.
Coopers Creek Wetland is home to many kōwaro (mudfish), but invasive exotic plants are threatening the species’ habitat.
Landowners Annabelle and Karl Thompson are leading a project to start weed control on a steep hillside, adjacent to the wetland, which is currently covered in broom, gorse and blackberry.
The goal of the project is to create an environment where native plants can thrive, seeds can germinate, and invasive plants are managed. In turn, this will buffer the wetland and provide habitat, shelter and food for birds, insects, lizards and the kōwaro (mudfish).
The water zone committee has awarded $3048 towards to project. The Waimakariri Biodiversity Fund, set up by the Waimakariri District Council, is also contributing $1558.
Waimakariri Water Zone Committee chair Carolyne Latham said it was important to acknowledge landowners undertaking these projects for their willingness to prioritise work that brought great environmental benefits.
“It’s actions like these, by every landowner in a catchment, that will help us deliver the outcomes we are looking for,” Carolyne said.
Water Zone Committee funding
Each water zone committee has been allocated $50,000 this financial year. The committees make funding recommendations on projects in their zone that benefit the environment or engage the community on environmental issues.
This support in turn helps the committees meet the goals in their Action Plans, which outline their tactics for delivering on the targets of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.
Waimakariri Water Zone Committee’s Action Plan priorities are:
- Maintain or improve existing indigenous dryland ecosystems
- Reduce the number of at-risk indigenous fish species
- Facilitate actions to enhance biodiversity and improve amenity and recreation outcomes
- Help implement better understanding on water use management and conservation.
Action Plan projects in Waimakariri
The Coopers Creek Wetland protection project is one of six supported this year by Waimakariri Water Zone Committee Action Plan funding.
The other projects are:
Springvale Wetland
The zone committee has allocated $20,000 to complete a multi-year pest plant control programme of the approximately 12.9ha wetland located in Summerhill.
These funds will pay for a specialised pest management contractor to undertake woody weed control in the remaining north-eastern section of Springvale Wetland. We will provide technical advice to ensure the final stage is executed successfully.
The project will target cherry, crack willow, hawthorn and elderberry for treatment. By restoring the wetland, the condition and density of native vegetation will increase over time, with woody weeds managed to low levels.
Rakahuri Wetlands weed control
The zone committee is supporting the commencement of a multi-year woody weed control project in the Rakahuri catchment.
Landowner Andrew Olorenshaw will receive $10,109 to hire an experienced pest management contractor to “drill and fill” and “cut and paste” non-native woody vegetation.
The key species being targeted include crack and grey willow, gorse, wild cherry and Himalayan honeysuckle.
The project will reduce the woody weeds within the wetlands and help grow native vegetation including harakeke/flax, tī kōuka/cabbage trees, sedge and juncus.
Mill Rd Ohoka Stream restoration
This project aims to restore 343 metres of the Ohoka stream by reducing the excessive aquatic weeds through freshwater investigations and native planting.
The committee has allocated $3843 which will be used to explore the aquatic habitats and water quality to find the best approach for increasing biodiversity. The funding will also go towards planting 200 native seedings with plant guards and weed mats.
The project will address the problem of a lack of native flora and fauna in this reach of the stream.
Waikuku Stream riparian enhancement
Planting indigenous riparian vegetation on the right bank of the lower Waikuku Stream is the focus of this ongoing project.
The $10,000 awarded to this project will go towards purchasing 2000 native plants and two years of maintenance.
The work means the bank will become more stable and increase shading for plant control and cover for fish species.
Environmental awards
The zone committee partnered with the Biodiversity Working Group and Waimakariri District Council to set up environmental awards. The awards celebrate individuals and organisations/ businesses contributing to better environmental outcomes within Waimakariri.
This project received $3000 to go towards prizes for the recipients.