Growing interest in the Waiwhero Creek and Wetlands
The Waiwhero Creek Freshwater Monitoring Group have been working together since 2025 collecting data using a Stream Health Monitoring & Assessment Kit (SHMAK). One of the primary motivations for the Group’s ongoing monitoring of Waiwhero Creek was the presence of the significant Waiwhero wetlands, which are renowned for their population of giant kokopu – a threatened species of galaxiid (whitebait).
Recognising the ecological importance of this habitat, the Group discussed how best to enhance their understanding and involvement with the wetlands & resolved to reach out to local landowners & wider community with a plan to gather more information about the wetland’s current state and values and to identify and encourage community members who might be interested in participating in future restoration initiatives.
The Motueka Catchment Collective supported the Group by holding a meeting on 5 March which was attended by landowners, community members & representatives from the Tasman District Council.
Trevor & Sam Knowles, whose farm has included the lower reaches of the Waiwhero wetlands for 6 generations since 1865, spoke to the continued work they have done
through the years & were heartened to hear that others in the Creek community wanted to support them going forward.
Helen Forsey, TDC Catchment Advisor, updated the community on what the Forestry Company & Ngati Tama are planning for the area & the poplar poles they have already planted to increase catchment resilience. What mapping work has been done already by TDC in the wetlands & how the Council can contribute to a community led Plan.
Keith Nolan, Resource Scientist with TDC spoke to the work he is currently doing to try to find the giant kokopu & identify other biodiversity in the area.
The Monitoring Group were very pleased with the outcome of the 1st meeting & the MCC will continue to support the Waiwhero Sub Catchment in the creation of their community led plan for evaluation & restoration.