Reflecting on a remarkable year for the Thomsons Catchment Project
Kia ora, koutou katoa
Can you believe it's the end of the year already? I'm thrilled to share a quick recap of the fantastic journey we've had with the Thomsons Catchment Project and to say a big thank you to all who have been a part of it. It's been quite a ride, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together!
This time last year, we were just getting started on the wetland project. Fast forward twelve months, and we now have a thriving wetland with an astounding 41,000 carex secta that we planted in just nine days! And that's not all – the main fish barrier on Thomsons Creek is up and running. And just this week we've installed the two perched culvets in Thomsons Creek. These will protect our galaxiid population upstream from potential threats downstream.
Habitat Restoration Team planting carex secta in November 2023.
We’ve also been busy working collaboratively to install more than 37 kilometers of riparian fencing and plant 4000 carex secta – a joint venture with 16 landowners in the catchment. Special shout-out to our water monitoring crew from Omakau School – they’re turning into quite the experts! Working with them is an absolute joy.
Water quality testing with Becky Clements and Omakau School
Oh, and we’ve held some awesome field days during 2023, including a workshop on constructed wetlands in September with expert Chris Tanner, hosted by our friends at Otago Catchment Community. All our events were educational, enriching and fun!
It turns out we've been doing a bit of everything in 2023 – from weed spraying to releasing plants, and even running our own Facebook page (we're getting the hang of it!). It’s been an amazing team effort led by our incredible committee, consisting of Anna Gillespie, Hamish Stratford, Roger Williams, Jan Manson, Elliot Morgan, Andrew Paterson and Mark Groundwater. Kudos to our dedicated support team of Fiona Kissell, Haines Battrick, Brendan Sheehan, Jo Wakelin, Lee Cowan (and her team) and Jo Henderson. You’re all brilliant!
Committee member Roger Williams with Will and Zac
Special recognition goes to our landowners where the wetland or fish barriers have been built; Pete and Robyn McLeod, Mike and Amanda Williams, Elliot, Jardene and Richard Morgan. None of what has been achieved, would be possible without your support.
Our journey wouldn’t be as successful without the invaluable support of organisations and groups backing us up.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Cody, Simon and the S&B Civil team, Andrew Kerr and the crew at Breens, McKeague consultancy, Landpro, Matakanui Combined Rugby Club, Otago Regional Council (special shout-out to Richard Saunders, staff and Councillors, Pete Ravenscroft, Becky Clements, and the consents and science teams), DoC, Fish and Game Otago, Dean Olsen (Freestone), Omakau School, Lucy Francke from Enviroschools, Chris Tanner & NIWA, Chris Robinson Central Excavating, Mark and his team from East Otago Excavation, Mark Edgar and the team from Whitestone contracting, the planting crews from Habitat Restorations and Matukutiki Natives, Blue Mountain Nurseries, Blueskin Nursery, PGG, Goldpine and Farmlands, Carolyn and the team from the Omakau Golf Club, G&C Contracting, CO Rail Trail Trust, Otago Catchment Community, fencers Pete Shaw, Willy Lake, and Bill Biggar, Sue & Pete at Omakau Holiday Park, Sian from Gardening Central and most recently Adam Finlay, Lloyd Harris and Andrew May.
If I've inadvertently left anyone out, your support hasn't gone unnoticed.
Planting kĹŤwhais and checking water quality with Omakau School
We had a blast on 13 December planting 35 kōwhais in our wetland with five enthusiastic senior pupils from Omakau School – Sophie, Milly, Charlotte, McKenzi and Pip. The planting of these native trees, grown by Matukituki Natives, was made possible through funding from DOC’s Project Gold Fund. A huge thanks to Haines Battrick, Zaria Battrick and Brian McGrouther for their valuable assistance and supervision. Planted strategically below the rocky hill, we're excited for a mini kōwhai forest to sprout next to our wetland.
On the same day, the Omakau School squad, led by Becky Clements from Otago Regional Council, conducted their monthly water quality testing at the wetland. The calm and sunny weather was a bonus. The kids enjoyed a day out collecting samples, contributing to our ongoing monitoring efforts – our kind of day out!
As the year comes to a close, high school is calling, so we bid farewell to our dedicated senior legends Will Gillespie, Wiremu Harraway and Zac Dougherty, from Omakau School who have been instrumental in water quality monitoring this year. Shout-out to the year 7 crew gearing up to take over next year – we can't wait!
Planting kĹŤwhais and checking water quality with Omakau School
Carex planting across the catchment
November saw ten landowners jump on the chance to plant 4,000 carex secta alongside the creeks and in wetlands. Massive thanks to the Habitat Restorations team for their support during the planting. And of course, we extend our gratitude to all the landowners involved for their commitment to enhancing our local environment.
Planting carex secta in November 2023
As we wrap up 2023, I want to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who has played a role, big or small, in our achievements. Merry Christmas to you all, and here's to an even more exciting year in 2024!
Warm regards,
Nicola McGrouther
Project Manager, Thomsons Catchment Project
