Community groups in South Auckland and Otago are leading ambitious efforts to restore the health of their local waterways - planting hundreds of thousands of native trees, removing sediment and rebuilding habitat for native species.
WWF-New Zealand’s Community Conservation Fund, in partnership with the Tindall Foundation, is supporting two projects this year focused on protecting and restoring Aotearoa’s freshwater ecosystems.
In South Auckland, the Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust is restoring the mauri of heavily impacted urban waterways. Since 2016, the Trust has planted more than 200,000 native plants and manages over two dozen restoration sites.
Funding from our Community Conservation Fund is supporting eco-sourced native plants for community planting days, helping improve water quality and rebuild habitat for native fish and birds.
“What makes this work especially powerful is the strong community effort behind it. Local volunteers, schools and community groups regularly work alongside the Trust to care for their local awa” says Katie Jones, Otara Waterways and Lake Trust Manager.
“Together, they are not only restoring ecological health but also strengthening community connection and local pride. WWF’s support is helping to sustain this long-term, community-led restoration, one plant at a time.”
In Otago, Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust is restoring Wai Whakaata-Lake Hayes, a taonga impacted by sedimentation, nutrient run-off, and habitat loss.
“Our project restores balance through riparian planting, pest and weed control, sediment-reduction initiatives, and ongoing monitoring that strengthens the lake’s natural ability to regenerate while improving water quality and biodiversity,” says Kaiwhakahaere Taiao Alice Lord.
To date the team has planted over 150,000 native plants, removed over 5,000 tonnes of sediment, and restored habitat through clearing 10 tonnes of willow.
The mahi is grounded in whakapapa and kotahitanga, with whānau, rangatahi, kura, and volunteers participating in planting days and environmental education.
As Alice reflects, “Wai Whakaata is more than a lake - it is a living reflection of our community. When we restore the whenua and waterways, we restore our connection to each other and to future generations.”
The WWF-New Zealand Community Conservation Fund supports communities to run projects that conserve and restore Aotearoa’s natural environment, while also educating New Zealanders about its importance.