Environment banner image

Wharekopae River Restoration Project Update

We have just moved into Year 5 of our joint funded project (MfE, GDC and the Wharekopae Community), and things are looking positive.
Over the last year there have been several on farm projects funded to aid in reducing E.Coli levels in the Wharekopae River, these projects include stock exclusion fencing, a farm dam and water reticulation systems.
By the end of Year 5 we would have completed 14,574m of fencing, planted 2,550 trees, installed and/or fixed several farm dams and we have funded ten applications for water reticulation. We have also planted 650 trees at the Rere Rockslide, these plantings were done to enhance biodiversity and to help the community learn about planting and caring for native species.
We currently have 9 farms left in the catchment that need to complete their Farm Environment Plan (FEP), majority of the farms did not require a FEP under the Tairawhiti Resource Management Plan however use it a farm document to keep track of environmental issues and goals.
We are looking forward to the rest of this year, where we will be undertaking more biomonitoring, bat monitoring, fish counts, WQ sampling and engaging with the community where we can.
If you would like to know more about the project, feel free to contact the project manager Sandy Gorringe – sandy.gorringe@gdc.govt.nz

Wharekopae