The Waiora Manuherekia Project has worked with 14 farmers to restore wetlands over the past year, but there is still the opportunity for others to get involved.

Following the completion of its wetlands 2025 project, the group has been able to reallocate their funding to offer additional ones to farmers.

The initial 11 applications involved the Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) collaborating with farmers and working on weed control, fencing, replanting native species and other restoration activities to enhance and protect the ecosystems on their land.

Administrator Emily Hart said in order to have the biggest impact, MCG is looking to work with farmers and growers that can put in the time and ongoing commitment.

“We’re happy to help with funding but need their help to make it happen within timeframes we’ve got,” she said.

Those involved in the project included; Jeremy Anderson (Hills Creek South), Anna and Ben Gillespie (Lauder), Ro and Karl McDiarmid (Hills Creek), Tiff and Bevan McKnight (German Hill), Sandy Sutherland (Hills Creek), Chanelle and David O’Sullivan (Cambrians), Andrew and Tracy Paterson (Chatto Creek, Chimney Gully, Buster Creek), Callum and Dayna Paterson (Kirk Creek headwaters), Chris and Jaimee Pemberton (Becks Creek) and Ky Farming at Thomsons Creek.

Read more about the wetlands projects here

The Becks Creek project before the habitat restoration began. Image: supplied

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

The project is focused on connecting the community to the Manuherikia River and enhancing its health through various environmental initiatives.

In just over a year, the wetlands 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
• Supported willow removal
• Created soil and landscape mapping to support farmers
• Connected with the community through training sessions, events, school competitions, newsletters and celebrations

More information (and the EOI form) can be found here: Funding Available For Wetland Restoration | Manuherekia Catchment Group