Me Uru Rākau
We are engaging and enabling landowners and community groups to protect and regenerate priority ecological catchments.
A key part of this work is providing practical advice and support for biodiversity, water quality, mahinga kai, climate change mitigation and adaption, erosion control and connecting with nature.
In the first year of the Long Term Plan 2021-31 the proof-of-concept catchment was the Waiau Uwha in the Hurunui District. We have been working with communities to encourage them to participate in local protection and regeneration projects by providing technical advice, resources and removing barriers.
We support access to plants and required resources, such as fencing materials, to ensure they are available for projects at the right time and for the right time.
Through the Annual Plan 2022/2023, funding of the Me Uru Rākau programme was decreased by $1.3 million for the year 2022/23, resulting in a significant re-phasing of the work in this programme.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
As part of this level of service we will:
- 17.1 Community engagement and participation in catchment-based protection and regeneration
- 17.2 Increase biodiversity outcomes in project catchments
How did we do: A wetland vegetation clearance public workshop was held as part of the Fyfe Downs project with the landowners, contractors and our staff participating. Ecosourced native plants and biodegradable guards were provided for native planting projects facilitated by Amuri Irrigation Company.
Two projects were completed - basket willow control and Fyfe Downs willow control and workshop. All 2021/22 projects are in the completion stages, with photo points established and first monitoring scheduled.
Monitoring regimes vary across projects and include photo points, science staff monitored sites and inclusion in the Environment Canterbury project effectiveness monitoring programme. No active monitoring has yet taken place (as most projects are less than 1 year old). Photo points are installed on all completed projects and objectives and monitoring methodology are being identified for each of the new project sites.