Fenceposts for restoration projects in the catchment 

The Motueka Catchment Collective undertook a community consultation survey in November 2023. One of the questions was to ask what the community would like support with for their environmental or restoration projects. Here’s the summary report – https://motuekacatchment.org.nz/2023-community-survey-results/.  One of the more highly requested areas was support with fencing as you’ll see on page seven of the summary survey results report.

To address this demand, the Motueka Catchment Collective asked for applications from landowners and residents for fencing off areas to protect native plantings and existing established native areas, wetlands, streams, and areas of erosion. Fencing waterway margins is an important step in protecting freshwater from nutrients, faecal matter and sediment. It creates a buffer between water and the land. Fencing riparian zones will create a habitat for birds and freshwater species and will also help maintain and improve water quality.

There were nine successful applicants who were provided with a total of 920 free recycled half round fence posts sourced from Repost – https://www.repost.co.nz/half-rounds, ranging between 20 and 250 posts each. The other fencing gear such wires, screws, etc were to be supplied by the landowner/resident. Two of the completed projects are summarised below with pics. Some of the landowners have still to erect their fenceposts but will do so before the end of the year. 

Fencing project 1 

The Quinn’s have recently completed a restoration project of a wetland on their property on the Motueka River West Bank Road, also supported by MCC. They’ve planted around the wetland and have started building a fence so stock are unable to access the area. They were provided with 100 fence posts for this project. Here’s a pic of the work.

Ka rawe Lisa and Mark!  

Fencing project 2 

Tony Shuttleworth has a property on the Motueka River West Bank Road. Tony applied for 30 fence posts and has recently erected these. He says:  

Thanks for the use of these recycled posts. They have been used on our property on Motueka River West Bank Road to fence off three areas around a stream that runs through the property into the Motueka River. This is to keep livestock out of the waterway and to protect the planting of approximately 200 native trees and shrubs along the stream’s edge.                                

Well done Tony!