Funding sees increased planting across Waimakariri
Native hotspots across Waimakariri are receiving 7,000 plants to increase biodiversity, mahinga kai, water quality and community connection outcomes.
The plants are being provided by us, with Waimakariri District Council coordinating the planting which is being carried out by their staff and community. Increased native planting will support continued improvements to biodiversity, water quality, and mahinga kai values for eight sites in the district including:
- Arohatia Te Awa/Cherish the River Programme – Ruataniwha/Cam River
- Kaiapoi Lakes
- Kaiapoi River
- Silverstream Reserve
- Silverstream Village
- Taranaki Reserve
- Townsend Fields
- Whites Road Pit
Waimakariri District Council's Green Space Community Projects Officer Mike Kwant said the contribution of plants will help promote more native hotspots, increasing habitat for native birds, insects and animals, and increasing community connection to these areas.
"Biodiversity enhancement, recreational access, and water quality enhancement continue to be key priorities for our council, and our community," he said.
"Working with Environment Canterbury and the community in understanding where natural areas are most needed and valued is important work. To be able to get plants in the ground at these sites across two seasons has been a real success."
Silverstream Reserve
Volunteers, community groups, and contractors are all supporting the planting and maintenance of these sites.
Native planting supports increased habitat
Our Northern Zone Manager Andrew Arps said collaborative work like this helps support increased habitat for native species, and enjoyment for the community.
"Native bush and riparian plant species such as karamū (Coprosma spp), pittosporum, harakeke/flax, toetoe and tī kōuka/cabbage tree will be installed across the eight sites, to complement planting that's already there and represent what native plant species used to exist in abundance across the district.
"Creating hotspots such as these across our landscapes not only helps provide habitat for native birds such as korimako/bellbird, kererū/New Zealand pigeon, pīwakawaka/fantail and pūkeko but also creates spaces where the community can enjoy the very best that nature has to offer."
Silverstream Reserve
Last year we provided 12,000 plants and biodegradable guards to Waimakariri District Council and the community to plant at many of the same sites. The estimated value of this year’s contribution is $50,000.
"We're really proud to be able to say we're supporting these actions for two years running now," Arps said.
"The same community members who come out to help plant also dedicate significant time to maintaining these areas - these kinds of projects wouldn't be possible without these people, so thank you," he said.
Images provided by Waimakariri District Council.