Our stories

Young Farmers' planting day

10 July

More than 1,000 natives were planted in the Waitarakao catchment on Saturday 8th July, thanks to a collaboration with local farmers Kevin and Karen O’Kane, and the contestants from the Young Farmer of the Year competition and their families.

A drizzly morning did not deter planting efforts, with 60 people getting involved. We look forward to watching these plants grow and enhance the biodiversity of this catchment.

Community involvement ramps up

15 June

More than 40 people attended a drop-in event at C-Bay Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre on Tuesday evening (13 June). This was a chance to chat with the team, ask questions, and share stories and ideas for the future of the threatened coastal lagoon, and wider catchment.

It followed a similar event at the Timaru Artisan Farmers Market on Saturday. Many braved the chilly morning to find out more the project – and the free, Our Waitarakao bags were a bit hit.

Our Waitarakao project lead, Chris Fauth, says some great conversations are being had - kicking of several months of engagement.

“We’re really enjoying hearing what people like about the environment at Waitarakao. There’s a wide range of interests, including around natural hazards, water quality and environmental quality – both in the lagoon and up the streams.

“What’s impressed me is we’ve had lots of people asking what actions they can take, and how they can get involved.

“This is the start of what will be a big process, and it’s been really positive so far.”