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School students contribute to Wainono planting project

Last month Makikihi Primary School students and Environment Canterbury staff spent an afternoon planting native trees.

This collaboration is part of the Wainono Restoration Project and is jointly funded by landowners, Environment Canterbury and the Ministry for the Environment.

Environment Canterbury is coordinating a range of similar projects in the catchment aimed to achieve better water quality for the Wainono Lagoon and improved environmental outcomes on farms.

The planting was the final task for works done on local landowner Colin Hurst’s property in the Wainono catchment. Earthworks were undertaken to return a modified drain back to its original course, trap sediment and prevent bank erosion and soil loss during big rainfall events.

“The overall aim of this work is to reduce the sediment that comes down these creeks and into Wainono Lagoon,” said Graham Sullivan, Environment Canterbury Regional Manager Biodiversity and Biosecurity. “The planting, once established, will ensure bank stability, help soak up nutrients and filter sediment during any runoff events and enhance the biodiversity of the area.”

Once the native species start growing, the Makikihi Primary students will be able see and monitor the growth because the project site is near the school and visible from the road.

“It would be very good if we could continue this; the children really enjoyed the planting and being so close to the school I think added another connection,” said teacher Tina Ivamy.

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