Transformative environmental work in the Manuherekia catchment was celebrated at a special 1st year anniversary event near Lauder on Tuesday.

Andrew 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.

The Waiora Manuherekia Project, led by the Manuherekia Catchment Group, was first launched in July 2024, thanks to Ministry for the Environment funding.

Project lead Clare Hadley said they had to move quickly and stay laser-focused on its vision to connect the community to the Manuherikia River, “and carry out environmental work to help improve and enhance this unique and special resource.”

 Thousands of people live and work close to the Manuherikia River and its tributaries or received water from the river directly or indirectly. 

The river sat at the heart of the region and connected 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.”