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A new Rodney Local Board fund is helping improve water quality in Rodney’s streams and harbours.
The Rodney Local Board has so far awarded almost $230,000 to 30 applicants in the Makarau, Mahurangi and Upper Kaipara catchments.
Through the Rodney Local Board Healthy Harbours and Waterways Fund, nearly 46,000 native plants will be planted along riverbanks and 322 km of new fences will keep stock out of waterways.
Fund applicants receive up to 50 per cent of their entire project cost, provided they supply or source the other half of the project’s budget.
Board deputy chair Phelan Pirrie says that funding fencing and riparian planting around waterways makes sound environmental and economic sense.
“The fresh water issue is very important and this funding from the local board has opened opportunities to partner with landowners, industry and community organisations to maximise results,” he says.
“What started as a goal to plant 10,000 plants will now be realized five-fold.”
Mahurangi Catchment landowners and successful applicants Pat and Daphne Schollum, of Mahurangi West, want to continue restoring their wetland and waterways, which they’ve been doing for over 10 years.
“Thanks in part to this initiative, we can personally see the farm streams and creeks are cleaner and healthier leading into the Mahurangi River waterway,” Pat says.
Partnering with the local board on this initiative are Fonterra, Forest Bridge Trust and Te Uri o Hau, who through the Te Arai Native Nursery are donating nearly 18,000 native plants.
