Launch of Willow and Alder Guide

Invited guests gathered at Lake Koromatua on Thursday 19th February for the official launch of ‘Willows and Alders: Best practice guidelines for Willow and Alder control for riparian restoration for the Waikato River’. This innovative new publication was produced by NZ Landcare Trust and Waikato Raupatu River Trust with funding from the Waikato River Authority Clean Up Fund.

The guidelines were developed over a series of three think-tank sessions, which drew upon the knowledge and experience of people from over 20 different organisations involved in willow and/or alder control.

The event began with a welcome and karakia from Nicholas Manukau, Waikato Raupatu River Trust followed by NZ Landcare Trust Project Coordinator Nardene Berry who explained how the guidelines were developed. Terina Rakena from Waikato Raupatu River Trust then officially launched the new Guide.

Waikato River Authority Funding Manager Sean Newland acknowledged both organisations, commending them on how well they worked together to develop this resource. He felt the independent nature of the NZ Landcare Trust led it to be "the only organisation that could pull together everyone on a controversial issue like willow control because they are trusted to be independent".

Melinda Dresser from NZ Landcare Trust urged all attendees to distribute the new publication widely amongst their networks, ensuring as many people as possible have the opportunity to learn about the issues and management options associated with willows and alders.

Keith Smith from Hamilton Fish and Game Association led a guided tour of Lake Koromatua. He set the scene at the beginning by explaining back in 1998 the lake was expected to dry out completely over the next fifteen years, as the lake was hyper-eutrophic (very unhealthy) and water levels were unmanaged. Members of the Hamilton Fish and Game Association came to the rescue, and since then have been clearing the weeds (willow, blackberry, bind weed, gorse and woolly nightshade), replanting the lake margins with native seedlings they had grown, managing animal pests with traps, as well as addressing water quality issues by installing a weir and developing sediment traps on the drains that discharged into the lake.

The guided walk around the lake showed amazing willow control results over the last 15 years; seeing photos of the area beforehand and then seeing it today was truly inspiring.

Lunch was provided at the end of the walk and everyone had an opportunity to talk and enjoy the lovely food.

Everyone left with a copy of the guidelines and further copies can be requested from Nardene Berry or Melinda Dresser, email: waikato@landcare.org.nz or phone: 859 3725.

Alternatively you can download a copy from NZ Landcare Trust's dedicated webpage or the Waikato Raupatu River Trust website

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