Restore an urban waterway

What is a waterway?

Waterways are streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. They are wetlands and wet areas such as springs and seeps. They run across urban and rural areas. For Māori, waterways are taonga and sources of mahinga kai.

The health of our waterways affects all New Zealanders. Read on to see how you can help protect these special places.

Our waterways are in crisis

82% of river length in pastoral farming areas is not suitable for swimming
94% of river length in urban areas is not suitable for swimming
76% of our native freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction
90% of New Zealand’s historic wetlands have been destroyed to make way for development and agriculture

Benefits of restoring your waterway

Re-planting the banks of waterways with native trees and plants has the following benefits.

Stabilises the banks of waterways and reduces erosion and sediment
Filters nutrients and pollution from industry, development, agriculture and roads
Improves stream health and water quality
Provides habitat and food for native birds, lizards and insects
Shades the waterway, cooling the water for fish
Sequesters carbon dioxide, helping to tackle climate change

Where to begin

If your business is located in an urban or suburban area, and you want to help regenerate a waterway on or near your site, check out these tips:

Gain permission: First find out who owns and manages the stream banks. It could be your local council, Department of Conservation or Waka Kotahi - NZ Transport. Check with them to ensure you have permission to take care of the waterway.
Clean up rubbish: A great first step to regenerate an urban stream is to clean up rubbish from its banks. Consider linking in with local community groups or Council organised clean-up events. Make sure your business and the businesses around you aren't contributing any rubbish to the waterway.
Weed control: Often urban waterways are very weedy sites. Removing weeds can help any existing native trees and plants regenerate. Your local council or community groups may be able to help with tips, best practices and ideas about what to plant.
Health and safety: Ensure you have a health and safety plan before beginning any restoration activities, especially around waterways.

Ready to get started? Head to the resource below for a step by step guide on how to restore your waterway.