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Digging in for stream protection
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 8 July, 2013
Digging in for stream protection
The last 2,450 plants have been planted along the Pukemiku Stream near Pahiatua as part of a team effort to clean up the Manawatu River.
Over 20 people mucked in for a final planting day on Monday 8 July, including representatives from project partners Horizons Regional Council, Tararua District Council and Fonterra.
Horizons freshwater coordinator Lucy Ferguson says the Pukemiku restoration is a joint initiative between Horizons Regional Council, Tararua District Council, Fonterra, Fish & Game and landowners to improve water quality and create a thriving natural habitat for native fish and birds.
“Over 3km of fencing and 5,950 native plants have gone in around the stream as part of the project over the past two years. We’ve now fenced and planted right along this stream down to where it joins with the Mangatainoka River,” Ms Ferguson says.
“One of the great things about this project has been the collaboration between councils, industry and landowners.
Ms Ferguson says Horizons is continuing to work with farmers throughout the Manawatu catchment, with grants of up to 50 per cent off the cost of stream fencing being offered to sheep and beef farms and dairy run off blocks under the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord.
Lanowners in the Tararua and wider Manawatu catchment are encouraged to get in touch with Horizons’ freshwater team on toll free number 0508 800 800 to find out more about fencing and planting on their properties.
Fonterra Pahiatua Operations Manager Bill Boakes was one of around 10 Fonterra staff at the July planting day and agrees that collaboration has been a big part of the Pukemiku project’s success.
“We have about 10 people from the Fonterra team out here today planting alongside staff from the two councils and support from the landowners. As a proud member of this community, it has been great to be out here working with the team, to protect our waterways and contribute to our sustainability.”
The Pukemiku Stream was chosen for its proximity to the Pahiatua township. This stream feeds into the Mangatainoka River; a major tributary of the Manawatu River.
Tararua District Council asset group coordinator Kendyl Paget and Tararua District Council planner Nicole Gowing planting alongside the Pukemiku Stream as part of a joint planting effort.
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