Habitat Restoration on the Otago Central Rail Trail

A great example is the Waiora Manuherekia Project, led by the Manuherekia Catchment Group, which has enabled transformative environmental work in the Manuherekia catchment with recent enhancements at the Lauder Creek Bridge evident for riders on the Otago Central Rail Trail to enjoy.

Community members, regional stakeholders and Minister Hoggard joined the Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) and Waiora Manuherekia project team last week to celebrate the project's first anniversary.

Clare Hadley, Waiora Manuherekia Project Lead, says the project launched in July 2024 thanks to generous funding from the Ministry for the Environment.

"We had to move quickly and stay laser-focused on our vision to connect the community to the Manuherikia River and carry out environmental work to help improve and enhance this unique and special resource," Clare said.

Minister Hoggard, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety and Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare, Skills) and for the Environment, opened the celebration event and emphasised that collaboration was key to success.

Thousands of people live and work close to the Manuherikia River and its tributaries or receive water from the river directly or indirectly. The river sits at the heart of the region and connects the community through access to water for wellbeing, recreation, economic activity and spiritual connection.

In less than a year, the project has achieved significant environmental outcomes:

• Treated 70 hectares for weeds
• Planted 7.75 hectares with 15,000 plants on riparian, lake and wetland areas
• Built or repaired 67.7 kilometres of fencing
• Worked with 12 landowners to support 14 wetland restorations through a contestable funding process
• Supported willow removal
• Created soil and landscape mapping to support farmers
• Connected with the community through training sessions, events, school competitions, newsletters and celebrations

"This is only the start," Clare said. "“I am confident the momentum will continue, and with a community as motivated as ours, we know great things will continue to happen.”

Colin Stevenson, Manager Otago Central Rail Trail Trust, said “People planting these kowhai and other native plants and accept that they will never get to see the true full benefit from the project, but are happy for this to be enjoyed by future generations”.