The project is focused within the community with support from Nelson Nature and the Landcare Trust, particularly in recognising, and restoring, the river’s natural values.
Much of the land in the Wakapuaka catchment is in private ownership, so work to improve water health issues such as E.coli and raised nutrient levels will focus on enabling the community to continue to care for its river. The project recognises previous work in this area and builds on the community's demonstrated willingness to care for their treasured waterway and encourage it to grow its strengths.
Nelson Nature will support this programme through monitoring water quality and quantity to identify issues that need fixing; helping with tree planting and fencing along the river; running a rainwater harvesting project; working with the school to strengthen student connections with the values of the river; supporting best practice septic tank management, and learning more about the history of community and the river that touches the lives of many.
Wakapuaka – Bursting with Life! was launched at a community barbecue and outdoor movie on Friday 9 March 2018 at the Hira Reserve.
