This update is to inform you that the first scientific assessment of the stream has now taken place, and our thanks for that go to Alice Jenkins, Catchment Coordinator for Te Awa Kairangi, (Hutt river) at Mountains to Sea Wellington. https://www.mountainstoseawellington.org/

Armed with a bunch of very impressive hi-tech electronic measuring equipment, Brian and I assisted Alice documenting and measuring key environmental conditions at the restoration site. This is the first of many monitoring sessions, so that at the completion of the restoration we can demonstrate the difference we have made. Alice said it is great to see that most measurements fall in the ‘good’ category – except for dissolved reactive phosphate which is ‘fair’. She predicted that the nitrate will also move to the ‘fair’ column when we test with the high range kit next time.

Plant Raising and Planting Out

Forest and Bird are continuing with potting of seedlings through to December. Lynne reports that for planting in February we have already done the flax and the rushes. There are still sedges in stock to pot on. For suitable trees we have Ribbonwood/Plagianthus regius and Kahikatea.

Another opportunity for a fun time out with the Forest and Bird folk is coming up on Thurs 23 October at Birchville Park from 5pm till 7pm, with a picnic provided. The activity is “planting/releasing”, which means some planting out of surplus plants from the nursery as well as the usual maintenance of previous plantings, e.g., clearing of weeds, etc., which is known as “releasing” i.e. making room for the plants to grow.

Birchville park is at 4 Emerald Hill Drive (turn left at Topaz Street on SH2 before Te Marua. All welcome.

The planting out morning at Macaskill Lakes  (Te Marua water works) was very enjoyable, and such events would be a great way for families with children to get an introduction to conservation without on-going commitment – though it could be addictive.

Cheers for now

Source: Haukaretu Stream Restoration Project

13/10/25