Braided River Revival / Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi

As part of this level of service we will:

• 16.1 Ensure partners are aligning work in braided rivers through the development and implementation of ki uta ki tai river revival strategies for braided rivers.
• 16.2 Actively manage Environment Canterbury-owned land to protect the natural character of rivers.
• 16.3 Manage and maintain regional parks to promote and protect a range of braided river values.

How did we do: We continue to promote and support the landscape alliance approach to braided rivers through collaborating with ngā Papatipu Rūnanga, community groups, the Department of Conversation and Land Information New Zealand on extensive weed control work in rivers, including alignment with flood resilience and berm transition work.  Recent examples include the Waipara River clearance at Stoddards Island, Rakitata and the Ashley River/Rakahuri.

The comprehensive multi-agency programme of work in the Rakitata includes Ko te Whakahaumanu o te Rakitata Awa / the Rakitata Revival strategy, which has been drafted for public consultation in July-October 2023.

The operational delivery of the predator control and outcome monitoring project around breeding colonies of black-billed gulls in the lower Waimakariri Regional Park has been completed. Predator control at Kowhai Bush River Protection Reserve in Kaikōura to protect indigenous forest birds (especially black robins) is ongoing and progressing well. Environmental weed control work at Kaikōura River Protection Reserves, West Melton Reserves, Ahuriri Lagoon, Kaitorete Spit and Stour River reserve is ongoing and progressing well.

We sponsor or support events to connect the community with braided river mahinga kai, biodiversity and recreational values in a regional park and in 2022/23 we ran, or were an active collaborator in, 26 events. In addition, we supported a further 29 events across our regional parks through either reduced or no permit fees and levies. These events included planting days, recreational events, and celebrations to mark the opening of new tracks and facilities. Overall, there were 89 planned events/activities in the park network. The Willows project in the Waimakariri River Regional Park is complete and the facility offers a safe and accessible recreational facility to the Christchurch public.

How are we doing: Community engagement has been delivered and a business case is completed. Progress has been made with the procurement of native plants and harvest and chipping prices for wilding conifers have been obtained. Stage 1 harvesting has commenced.