Kerikeri’s Waiharakeke Stream sees native planting and crack willow removal

Children from Moerewa School visit the Waiharakeke Stream after work completed to clear crack willow.

Craigmore Sustainables has partnered with iwi and the community on a native planting and stream enhancement programme at its Opare Forest near Kerikeri.

The pest species crack willow had created debris dams in the Waiharakeke Stream, which runs adjacent to the forest’s northern boundary. This was increasing flood risks and creating swimming hazards for the township and blocking the migration path for native eels.

Forestry services provider PF Olsen, which manages the forest for Craigmore, has undertaken an extensive project to clear the willow.

The crack willow, which had invaded the stream, has a re-sprouting and suckering habit. It grows rapidly, creating dense thickets and replacing native riparian species.

Community planting team Te Papa Pa Orooro (Nga Tangariki O Ngati Hine) undertaking planting work.

Aerial surveys identified high-risk debris dams and, with input from representatives from the environmental group Ngā Tirairaka o Ngāti Hine and the Northland Regional Council, these were removed with minimal disturbance to the stream bed.

Children from Moerewa School have also been visiting the Waiharakeke Stream as part of a river health project. Their monitoring indicates the health of the awa (river) is improving.

Another further project is now under way with the community to plant 4900 eco-sourced mānuka, kahikatea and karamū trees in a streamside area devoid of native vegetation to help restore and enhance the riparian zone.

Native riparian areas perform a vital function, providing stream bank stabilisation, filtering contaminants, reducing water temperatures, and creating a habitat for other riparian species. Kahikatea-dominated forests once grew in these damp soils. The remnant trees have been surrounded by the newly planted seedlings, creating a link between established ancestor trees and their descendants.

So far, 19.8 hectares has been planted in native species on this property and a further 5ha will be planted in 2025.

Wiremu Keretene (Tāngata Kaitiaki/Tiaki for Area/ Rohe Moana of Ngāti Te Ara and Ngāti Kopaki) and award-winning community planting team Te Papa Pa Orooro (Nga Tangariki O Ngati Hine) have been undertaking the planting work.

Keretene sees the establishment of kahikatea forest as a legacy for his whānau.

“For us, there could be no better partnership, as this motivation strongly aligns with the commitment Craigmore makes to the community and agricultural sector to grow for the future.”

Craigmore Forestry general manager John Barker said Craigmore takes its guardianship of the forest seriously.

“As kaitiaki (guardian) of the forest, we are committed to ensuring that the river is free from obstructions, so the eel can move into the upper catchments of the stream.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the community for this stage of the project. It’s exciting to see progress with the extensive native planting programme underway,” he said.