September 9, 2011

Team work key to water quality

Planting is underway around the Pukemiku Stream near Pahiatua as part of collaborative efforts to clean up the Manawatu River.

The Pukemiku Restoration is a joint initiative between Horizons Regional Council, Tararua District Council, Fonterra, Fish & Game and landowners to improve water quality and create a thriving natural habitat for native fish and birds.

Horizons biodiversity manager Alistair Beverage says he’s delighted with the response from landowners and looks forward to an increase in fish life as water quality improves.

“It’s fantastic to see everyone from Fonterra to landowners to Tararua College students rolling up their sleeves and getting involved”, he says.

“We’ve planted 1,700 flax and cabbage trees in this area so far, but plans are in place to fence and plant right out to the main road.”

Fonterra environmental manager for the central region Murray van der Maas says collaboration on the stream’s restoration stemmed from work on the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord.

“We all want improved water quality in the catchment and by working together on projects like this we can make a real difference to the environment.

Landowners have been as keen as mustard and the enthusiasm from the community is just great”, he says.

The Pukemiku site was chosen for its proximity to the Pahiatua township and the group hopes to extend the project out to other tributaries within the Mangatainoka Catchment over time.

The Mangatainoka River is a major tributary of the Manawatu River.

ENDS

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