Hon Scott Simpson
Associate Minister for the Environment
20 July 2017
Government funding wetland enhancement project
Hohepa Hawke’s Bay has been awarded nearly $175,000 from the Government’s Community Environment Fund to restore and
increase a wetland adjacent to the Taipo Stream in Napier, Associate Minister Scott Simpson announced today.
Hohepa Hawke’s Bay is owned by the Hohepa Homes Trust, which has provided homes, education and vocational services in
Hawke’s Bay to people with intellectual disabilities since 1957.
“The wetland is an important natural habitat for many native and endangered species. The two-year Lower Taipo Stream
Environmental Enhancement project will increase the wetland by at least 6 hectares, providing additional habitat for the
nationally endangered matuku or Australasian bittern,” Mr Simpson says.
“Planting appropriate streambank grass plantings and other vegetation and creating better streambank slopes will improve
in-stream conditions, including lower water temperature from greater shading, and provide habitat preferred by
whitebait, keeping eggs moist and protected from UV light.
“The project aims to increase public awareness of the importance of preserving our precious wetland habitat. Information
kiosks and interpretive signage will be located at strategic points along the proposed wetland zone. Local school
children will be involved in the wetland development and use the opportunity to learn about practical environmental
enhancement.
“The Lower Taipo Stream Environmental Enhancement project will also provide paid and voluntary work opportunities for up
to 25 people with intellectual disabilities, who will be involved in land preparation, pest control, collecting seeds
and growing eco-sourced native plants, planting, care and maintenance of the wetland.”
The project will work closely with iwi, regional councils, the Department of Conservation and landowners throughout the
region in undertaking the environmental protection and restoration work. Lotteries, Fonterra and the Department of
Conservation have provided the project with additional financial support.
“This is a great undertaking by Hohepa Hawke’s Bay, creating a win-win opportunity through preserving natural habitat
for endangered species, raising New Zealanders’ awareness of environmental issues and supporting people with
intellectual disabilities in our local community.”
ends