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Restoration funding put to work

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Board Members

Board Members

Waikato River Authority and Watercare Authority Boards agreed on how Watercare restoration funding will be utilised to protect the awa over the next 20 years.

The funding comes from a requirement in Watercare's 20-year water take permit for an additional 150 million litres per day from the Waikato River, which requires Watercare to provide $2 million to the WRA each year to fund river restoration work. Watercare's overall take from the Waikato River is now up to 300 million litres per day.

The WRA and Watercare Boards met in Hamilton March to examine how they might work together to help the awa. Watercare funds will be applied to the first $2 million of successful grant proposals received by the WRA in each of its annual funding rounds. This approach is administratively straightforward, highly transparent, and in compliance with WRA legislative requirements.

WRA Co-Chair Tipa Mahuta stated that "while the WRA does not support further water being taken from the Waikato River for Auckland, this new funding will further support positive outcomes for the Waikato River and her communities.”

She noted the WRA Board is particularly encouraging funding applications from the lower Waikato River catchment where Watercare's water take is located.

Watercare Board Chair Margaret Devlin said Watercare is proud to be contributing funding to support projects that protect and enhance the Waikato River.

"Watercare is committed to supporting the betterment of the Waikato River. These annual contributions and our arrangement with the Waikato River Authority reflect the importance of protecting and restoring the awa that plays a significant role in sustaining Auckland and allowing it to grow.”

Opuatia Wetland makes significant strides

The Opuatia Wetland, a site of national importance in north Waikato, has witnessed a significant reduction in the threat posed by the invasive plant pest, the Yellow flag iris, thanks to a successful joint project co-funded by the Waikato River Authority.

Situated in the Waikato Region, the Opuatia Wetland is home to one of the five remaining restiad bogs in the area, along with various other wetland types, including fen and marsh. Recognised as a high-value ecological site, its preservation is vital for conserving native flora and fauna.

Unfortunately, the Opuatia Wetland faced a crisis due to extreme floods in 2017, which, coupled with a decline in control measures in recent years, led to a rapid proliferation of the Yellow flag iris within the wetland. This invasive species out-competes native plants and threatens the ecosystem, particularly in seasonally flooded wetlands.

The Waikato Regional Council applied to the Waikato River Authority for funding to undertake a four-year plan to reduce the threat of Yellow flag iris with financial support from the Department of Conservation, and the Ministry for the Environment. The combined project received $431,000 over four years to implement strategic measures, including $61,000 from the WRA.

Michelle Hodges, Funding Manager at the Waikato River Authority, recently visited the Opuatia Wetland alongside the Waikato Regional Council staff. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress made in reducing the Yellow flag iris infestation, as well as the successful control of willow trees, and the replanting of thousands of native wetland plants.

Through this comprehensive initiative, the joint project has made significant strides in protecting the Opuatia Wetland and restoring its ecological balance. The collaboration between the Waikato River Authority, the Waikato Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, and the Ministry for the Environment demonstrates their commitment to preserving New Zealand's precious natural heritage.

Burton shapes the media landscape for the Waikato River Authority

Philip Burton, the founding communications adviser at the Waikato River Authority, concluded his 12-year tenure in July 2023. His invaluable contribution has left an indelible mark on the organisation.

During his tenure, Burton effectively utilised his extensive experience in media, public relations, communication and marketing to build the brand of the Waikato River Authority. His nose for news and profound understanding of the media significantly bolstered the Authority’s outreach efforts with online newsletters and website development, amplifying its reach across various stakeholders to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers.

Burton’s professional journey has been distinguished. Before his role at the Waikato River Authority, he served many regional and national clients, including a decade-long tenure as the GM for Communication and Marketing at the Hamilton City Council. He also worked as a news reporter for Television New Zealand and held a directorial position at Redman PR.

During his WRA tenure Philip was considered to be the consummate professional and praised for his professional manner, wisdom, and humour.

In recognition of his substantial service, WRA Co-Chair Tipa Mahuta expressed gratitude on behalf of the board. “Philip Burton has been instrumental in shaping the communication landscape of the Waikato River Authority. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for his years of service.”

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