Community events coincide with new Action Plan for river

A series of community events is being held across the Manawatū River Catchment from 4 to 16 March to coincide with the launch of the Manawatū River Leaders’ Forum Action Plan for the next five years.

Events get underway at 3pm Friday 4 March with a riverside clean-up in Palmerston North and include two farm open days coordinated by Federated Farmers, a Choose Clean Water public talk coordinated by Forest and Bird and a series of BBQ events scheduled for the official launch date of Friday 11 March.

Independent chairperson of the Manawatū River Leaders’ Forum Richard Thompson says bringing the wider community onboard with launch celebrations recognises the collaborative nature of the project.

“Since the launch of the first Manawatū River Leaders’ Forum Action Plan in 2011, signatories have undertaken over 370km of stream fencing, planted over 120,000 plants, removed 15 barriers to fish migration, completed 17 community projects and upgraded six wastewater treatment plants across the catchment. The 2016-21 Action Plan builds on this initial plan, which has seen signatories invest over $30 million in restoration and improvement measures.

“The vision of the Forum is to improve the Manawatū River and the mauri (lifeforce) of the Manawatū River Catchment such that it sustains fish species and is suitable for contact recreation in balance with the social, cultural and economic activities of the catchment community. Achieving this vision is a long-term project. No single action led to the river’s current state and no single solution will fix it.

“Through this new plan the Forum is renewing its commitment to continuing its journey together with the community to improve the river and catchment.”

Horizons Regional Council chairman Bruce Gordon echoed this sentiment.

“It’s pleasing to see signatories reaffirm their commitment through this refreshed Action Plan as we look to the next five years. We know we can achieve more when we work in partnership and it’s great to see relationships forged through the Forum now benefiting other collaborative projects across the region.”

The Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord unites 34 diverse signatories representing a wide range of stakeholder organisations including: Iwi/hapū, local and central government, Massey University, major industry, farming, environmental and recreational advocacy groups. These signatories are collectively known as the Manawatū River Leaders’ Forum.

For more information regarding the Manawatū River Leaders’ Forum and upcoming events please visit website www.manawaturiver.co.nz or see the Manawatū River facebook page.

ENDS

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