Step 1: Understand and make a plan

STEP 1: Understand and make a plan

Woman in beanie and hi vis crouching amongst Harakeke plants

Key things to consider up front

Before starting any work, get to know your waterway. Observe your stream or river. What do you see? Take note of its features, such as plants, water colour, water flow, aquatic life, erosion and bank steepness. Getting to know your waterway will help you identify issues and focus your restoration efforts.

Do you need to plant?

In some cases where native plants are existing or coming back in on their own, you may not need to plant the site. These are often near established native bush areas with good seed sources. Fencing the area, removing pest plants and starting predator control is all that is needed to support the regenerating bush. See SBN's Care for What You’ve Got resource if this sounds like you.
What are your goals/focus for your project?

There are a lot of different reasons to plant your stream or river. These could include providing habitat and food for native birds and fish, managing erosion and stopping sediment entering waterways, planting manuka for bees and honey production, and personal enjoyment and the aesthetic beauty of the planting.
Who can help?
Don’t underestimate the size of the job. Think about who can help with the project over the next few years. A long term commitment will ensure your project’s success. Think about whether you’ll need to seek advice from your local council, community or catchment groups, and don’t forget to get your friends, family and neighbours involved too!

There are a lot of different potential sources of advice:
- Farm advisors, consultants or processors
- Community or catchment groups
- Organisations (Dairy NZ, Beef and Lamb, Horticulture NZ, Zespri)
- Non-government organisations (NZ Landcare Trust, QEII National Trust, Fish and Game, Forest and Bird)
- Regional and District Councils (land management or biodiversity officers)
- Department of Conservation (rangers, etc.)
- Contractors (for pest, weed control or planting)
- Restoration and ecological consultants
- Nurseries
- Universities and research organisations
What’s your budget?

Think about the areas you'd like to plant and your budget. It may take multiple years to accomplish your planting. Don't be afraid to start small with an area that is a priority for you. That way you can learn and adapt as you go. Every site is different and you won’t know the challenges for your particular site until you scope and begin work.
Plant supply?

Make sure to get your order in to a local nursery early so they have time to propagate and grow your plants. For a large project you may need to order 1-2 years in advance.
Permission and consent?

If you’d like to plant a stream that’s on someone else’s land, you will need permission. Get in touch with your local council, Department of Conservation, or Iwi or hapū groups in the area to get permission. Even if the stream is on your property, your local council may need access with a digger to keep the waterways clear of sediment or weeds. Work with the council to ensure that your project takes this into account.

The three key stages of your project

In your planting plan, include the three key stages of your project: site prep, planting and maintenance. Factor in time and budget for each stage.

Are there weed or pest and predator threats or challenges? What site prep needs to be done before you can plant?

Include a plan to check on and maintain plants for at least 2-3 years. Who will maintain the plants and when? Put key maintenance dates in the diary. Don't underestimate maintenance because it can be a lot of work!

Native bush will be healthiest with long-term predator control. Include this in your maintenance plan.

Decide what to plant and where

Plants should be native and eco-sourced . Eco-sourced plants are adapted to their local area and are more resilient to local conditions. They have local genetic variations that are important to protect.
Put the right plant in the right place. Break your planting site into wet and dry zones. Some plants love having wet roots. Others prefer drier soil conditions.
Consider the orientation of your stream. One side may need to be more densely planted to effectively shade the waterway.
Consider the density of plantings. Higher densities often result in lower maintenance costs.
Regional councils and local nurseries can provide great info on the best plants for your area.
Make sure to order your plants in advance so they are ready in time.

Regionally specific planting guides and tools

Trees that Count has compiled a great list of planting guides by region
DairyNZ has developed great resources and region-specific planting guides

Person in gloves holding up Manuka seedling

Planning what to plant

Trees that Count has compiled a list of nurseries that may be helpful when eco-sourcing your plants.
Check out these resources to learn more about eco-sourcing and seed collection: ecosource seeds and this calendar for seed collection.

Make an affordable start

The five most commonly used waterway restoration plants are harakeke/flax, mānuka, kānuka, karamu/Coprosma robusta and tī kōuka/cabbage tree. These plants are all hardy pioneer species . Ti kōuka is good for stream bank stability, and harakeke is good in flood prone areas.

If there is existing bush in the area, birds will bring in seeds of other species to increase the plant diversity of your project. You can also add in additional diversity later when you have more funding.

Wildlife-friendly plant ideas

Predator Free NZ: If our native birds were gardeners what would they plant?
Forest and Bird: How to create a lizard friendly garden

Waterways

STEP 1: Understand and make a plan

Key things to consider up front

Do you need to plant?

What are your goals/focus for your project?

Who can help?

What’s your budget?

Plant supply?

Permission and consent?