Stay connected with The Manuherekia Voice – our collective newsletter bringing you updates from the Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG), the Thomsons Catchment Project,
and the Waiora Manuherekia Project.
From the GM: Keeping the Momentum Going
We’re excited to bring you the second edition of Manuherekia Voice, a Manuherekia Catchment Group newsletter that shares updates from exciting projects happening in your back yard, including Thomsons Catchment Project and Waiora Manuherekia. Our aim is to keep everyone connected, informed, and engaged in the important work happening across our catchment, so please share this newsletter with anyone you think might be interested.
As we look ahead, you might hear a lot about 30 June — the official end date for the government funding that kickstarted the Thomsons Catchment Project and Waiora Manuherekia. But these dates don’t mark the end of the work. They simply signal a shift. Keeping weeds down, willows out, and wetlands protected will require ongoing commitment from all of us. Nature doesn’t stop, and neither can we.
At the same time, while the Otago Regional Council’s Land & Water Plan is in limbo and the Government is reviewing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, change is still coming. Regulations aren’t disappearing — understanding what’s ahead and preparing now is the best way to ensure your farm and our catchment stay in a strong position.
To help navigate these changes, we’re hosting a panel session on 28 April to provide insights into what’s happening and what steps you can take. I encourage you to come along, ask questions, and stay ahead of the curve.
I’m also excited that MCG will be sending a representative to Thriving Southland's AgriTech and Innovation Day on 1 May so we can take a look at other things we can bring to you. Watch this space!
This week many of you will receive the final invoices of the season. Thank you as always for your contribution. Your commitment has brought us this far, and it will be just as critical in the years ahead. Let’s keep moving forward together.
Clare Hadley, General Manager, Manuherekia Catchment Group.
The Manuherekia Catchment Group team had a fantastic day at the Central Otago A&P Show on 8 February, meeting with locals, farmers and visitors keen to learn more about the work happening across the catchment.
Our stall was buzzing with activity, from discussions with MP Mark Patterson to hands-on engagement with initiatives like the Waiora Manuherekia River of Dreams competition and the popular Lab-in-a-Box, which gave visitors a unique look at the science behind our waterways. The plant giveaway and survey spot prizes kept things lively, with great conversations about the future of the catchment.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat, shared their thoughts, or took part in our competitions — we loved hearing from you!
Pictured above (L-R): Anna Gillespie (MCG Co-chair), Mike Kelly (Committee Member), Clare Hadley (MCG General Manager), MP Mark Patterson, and Phil Dowling (Committee Member).
There’s been incredible progress at Orkney Wetland and throughout the catchment in recent months. From a fantastic turnout for World Wetlands Day (thanks Otago Regional Council for your support) to final construction touches and the installation of the new Orkney sign, it’s been an exciting time for both the team and the wider community. The wetland is now fully connected, with creeks flowing through nearly a kilometre of ponds, and Carex secta plantings thriving.
Clyde School visit to the wetland and Thomsons Creek.
It’s been a busy few months for the Waiora Manuherekia Project, with exciting progress across our community initiatives. From celebrating creativity in the River of Dreams competition, to bringing science into schools with Lab-in-a-Box, and supporting farmers with wetland restoration funding, we’ve seen fantastic engagement from across the catchment.
Our willow removal efforts are helping to restore key waterways, improving both biodiversity and access for the community. Meanwhile, the Alexandra Riverside Park project is taking shape, with recent work opening up stunning new views of the confluence of the Manuherekia and Clutha/Mata-Au Rivers.
As part of our ongoing wetland restoration efforts, new fencing is being installed across some key wetland areas in the Manuherekia catchment. These fences play a crucial role in protecting fragile ecosystems.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved. Your efforts are helping to create a healthier, more connected future for the Manuherekia.
In this edition, we feature articles about:
River of Dreams Competition Wrap-Up
Lab-in-a-Box
Mapping our catchment
Supporting Wetland Restoration: Funding Update
Willow Removal: Restoring Waterways for the Community
Alexandra Riverside Project Update
Drones in Action: From Demo Day to Real-World Use
Lab-in-a-Box – Waiora Manuherekia project science engagement initiative.
By signing up for any of our three newsletters — MCG, Thomsons or Waiora — you’ll automatically receive The Manuherekia Voice, our collective newsletter covering all the latest updates across the catchment.
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