Recently shortfinned eels and a rare banded kōkopu were found in the Waiparuru Stream which runs underneath Grafton Bridge. The discovery by two ecologists aroused public interest as the stream doesn’t connect with the sea. This makes the presence of the eels in particular somewhat of a mystery.
Now the Kaipatiki Project, with funding from the Waitematā Local Board, are hosting a workshop spotlighting the stream where people can learn about its ecology and how to get involved in helping to restore it.
Anna Dadson of the Kaipatiki Project says the skills taught in the workshop are transferable to other local streams as well.
“People will learn how to read the health of a stream and what steps are involved in helping transform them into places of dynamic biodiversity by identifying opportunities and challenges.
“There will be a Waicare water quality testing demonstration, restoration techniques including installation of logs and the importance of planting will be covered with Nikau and Ponga provided for planting on the day,” she said.
Waitematā Local Board Community Development portfolio lead Denise Roche says it’s vital that local boards support communities working to restore their local ecology.
“It’s quite extraordinary that the stream is supporting native fish and eels given it’s exposure to toxins and waste associated with being in the city centre.
“A lot of this is down to work done by the community and our local board is proud to support that,” she said.
The Stream Ecology Workshop is free and happening on Saturday 23 March, 10am at Grafton Gully. Meet at the corner of St Martins Lane and Symonds Street.
For further information, visit the Kaipatiki Project website.
