Waipu River Restoration Project.

In May, over twelve hundred native trees were planted along the banks of a tributary of the Waipu River, on an area of the Goddard farm. Originally estimated to require up to two full days for completion, the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers allowed for the entire planting to be accomplished in a single day.
The large turnout included over 60 dedicated volunteers, including students, teachers, and parents of One Tree Point Primary School. Working alongside the students were conservation leads from Whitebait Connection, Patuharakeke Taiao unit, Piroa Conservation Trust, Waipu Waters and various other local volunteers.
This planting initiative marked a crucial step in the ongoing Northland Īnanga Spawning Habitat Restoration Project, spearheaded by Whitebait Connection, funded by the Ministry for the Environment and a freshwater project led by Piroa Conservation Trust/Waipu Waters, and funded by Westpac.
The decision to plant along the riverbank comes from a recently discovered īnanga spawning site. By planting the riverbank, the project aims to enhance bank stability and establish an effective filtration system, safeguarding water quality before it reaches our precious waterways. Additionally, the long-term benefits of this effort will provide essential shading for our vulnerable native fish and invertebrate species inhabiting the river while creating a corridor for our indigenous bird species.
The need for more riparian planting opportunities comes as communities are facing rising water levels, increased flooding, and ongoing pressure from changes in land uses that are degrading our waterways through sedimentation, high nitrogen levels, and pollution.
Currently, our native freshwater fish are at risk of declining due to these pressures that have been exacerbated by human and animal activities.
By raising awareness about the importance of riparian planting, encouraging community participation in restoration efforts, and implementing sustainable land-use practices, we can create a network of healthy riparian zones that benefit both people and the native freshwater ecosystems we depend on. 
Many hands make light work!  If you are interested in helping out your community, jump on our websites at https://www.whitebaitconnection.co.nz/ and or get in touch at [email protected]