As part of the Wānaka Water Project, 24,000 native plants are being planted over five years (2018-2022) to restore riparian margins. This is led by WAI Wānaka in partnership with Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, landowners, QLDC, ORC and other stakeholders.
Riparian zones are the land beside a creek, river, lake or wetland. Planting native grasses, sedges, flaxes, shrubs and/or trees in riparian zones can improve the health of waterways by filtering nutrients before they reach the water, including nitrogen, phosphorus and bacteria such as E. coli.
Other benefits of riparian planting:
- Enhanced ecosystem health (including habitat for insects) and increased biodiversity
- Reduced sediment runoff and increased bank stabilisation
- Provides shade that decreases waterway temperatures (this reduces weed growth and provides stable temperatures for aquatic organisms)
- Potential recreational opportunities such as fishing and swimming spots
plants planted across 17 sites
of waterways protected
of riparian zones planted
plants to go!