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.
Welcome to The Manuherekia Voice - the new collective and collaborative newsletter for MCG, Thomsons and Waiora... (CLICK HERE TO READ MORE)
We’re excited to bring you the first edition of our combined newsletter, now featuring updates from the Manuherekia Catchment Group, Waiora Manuherekia Project, and the Thomsons Catchment Project.
This new format will get all the interesting and useful updates to you in one go so you can keep up to date on the important work happening across our catchment.
About the Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG)
MCG has always been about farmers leading the way in creating sustainable solutions for our catchment, especially concerning water quantity and quality. While we began with a focus on sustainable water practices, our work now extends far beyond that. Together, as a community, we are working with New Zealand's experts to ensure that what we do benefits the environment, the river, and the community. Supported by government funding, our initiatives include the Thomsons Catchment Project and the Waiora Manuherekia Project, all contributing to environmental resilience and vibrant communities.
Waiora Manuherekia and Thomsons Catchment Project are a part of MCG
Both the Waiora Manuherekia and Thomsons Catchment Projects fall under the umbrella of MCG, amplifying our collective efforts towards better water quality and biodiversity.
The Waiora Manuherekia Project, running from July 2024 to June 2025, is focused on connecting our community to the Manuherekia River and enhancing its health through various environmental initiatives.
The Thomsons Catchment Project, launched in October 2022, is a farmer-led initiative working towards improving water quality and supporting biodiversity in Thomsons catchment. A key milestone in this project is the Orkney Wetland, a five-hectare area that has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem, now legally protected through a QEII National Trust covenant, ensuring its long-term conservation.
Through these projects, we are committed to creating a sustainable, thriving environment for our future generations. We’re grateful for the support from the Ministry for the Environment, and we look forward to continuing this journey together with our farmers, scientists, and the community.
Stay tuned for updates on the exciting developments in our catchment and thank you for your ongoing support!
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Celebrating a Year of Progress
It’s been another incredible year for the Thomsons Catchment Project, with our team, farmers and the wider community pulling together to achieve some amazing milestones for the health and future of our environment. Here’s a look back at what we’ve accomplished together.
Wetland Protection
One of this year's standout moments was the renaming and protection of the Orkney Wetland, a five-hectare restored habitat in the Manuherekia catchment. On 24 October, the wetland was officially safeguarded under a QEII National Trust restoration agreement - an innovative covenant for early-stage restoration projects. The milestone was marked with a gathering at the site, where QEII CEO Dan Coup praised the McLeod family and the Manuherekia Catchment Group for their dedication to conserving this ecosystem.
Once a small, willow-surrounded area, the Orkney Wetland has evolved into a vibrant habitat with over 40,000 native plants and rare bird species. Named after the McLeod family’s farm, itself a nod to Scotland's Orkney Islands, the wetland plays a vital role in flood control, water filtration, and preserving New Zealand's rare wetland ecosystems.
QEII chief executive Dan Coup (right) and landowners Pete and Robyn McLeod sign the paperwork to legally protect the Orkney Wetland, formerly Thomsons wetland.
Restoring Our Waterways
In April, we rolled up our sleeves and planted wetland islands, designed to provide safe nesting spots for waterfowl and improve water quality by naturally filtering nutrients and sediment. The Thomsons crew embarked on a remarkable journey to plant more than 2,200 native plants across the wetland. Weed control has been a crucial part of this restoration.
From April to July, we also undertook successful upstream runs to remove trout and perch, which compete with native galaxiids and other fish. These efforts are already creating a safer space for our native aquatic life to thrive - we are very pleased to see plenty of galaxiids, upland bullies and eels currently thriving in the creek. Speaking of galaxiids, don’t miss out on our new factsheet ‘How to Protect Our Unique Galaxiids’ which is now available on our website at mcg.org.nz/thomsons-resources. This factsheet is designed for landowners and farmers with waterways running through their land to help with some simple and practical tips to protect these nationally endangered fish, which are only found in this region.
Soil Management Field Day
On 26 June, local farmers gathered for our Soil Management Field Day, with soil scientist Professor Jim Moir from Lincoln University offering handy soil management tips and insights into the unique soils of the Manuherekia Valley. The event included field visits to two local farms, where farmers saw firsthand how soils respond to both irrigation and dryland practices. The Visual Soil Assessment (VSA) demonstrations were a hit, providing practical techniques to boost soil health while protecting the environment.
A big thank you to Professor Moir, the Naylor and Manson families, and all the farmers who made this field day a
success.
Fencing and Planting Transformation
Thanks to the tireless efforts of local farmers, we’ve seen significant progress in fencing and planting along waterways this year. These projects not only protect our streams but also create much-needed habitat for native species. Each stretch of fence and every native plant is a step towards a healthier, more resilient catchment.
Community Efforts
September’s community planting day brought people together for an impressive hands-on effort to restore riparian and wetland areas. The turnout and enthusiasm were a testament to the passion this community has for protecting and restoring our environment. Thank you so much!
Watching Nature Rebound
We’ve made huge strides in biodiversity monitoring this year. Our bird monitoring group is already tracking the return of native species to the catchment. Meanwhile, our predator control team has been hard at work, monitoring for pests and keeping stoats and ferrets at bay to give our native wildlife a fighting chance. These two groups have achieved so much in less than a year - thank you for your hard work and commitment.
School Engagement
The senior pupils at Omakau School have continued their monthly water monitoring around the wetland throughout the year, supported by Becky Clements from the ORC. Now in its second year, this activity continues to spark curiosity and empower students to explore and better understand their natural environment. It's an incredible opportunity for hands-on learning and fostering a deeper connection to science and nature.
A notable moment in November was the visit from Poolburn School students to the Orkney Wetland. The students got the chance to participate in bird monitoring activities and learn about the predator control efforts underway. This visit further strengthened the community's involvement in the restoration process and highlighted the educational potential of the wetland as an outdoor classroom. It was a great opportunity for the younger generation to connect with conservation efforts and see firsthand how the wetland is evolving and being cared for.
Resilience Through Challenges
This year wasn’t without its challenges. From blazing sunshine to snowstorms and flooding, we’ve seen it all. But through it, the dedication of our farmers and community has stood strong. Together, we’re proving that collaboration, resourcefulness and commitment can overcome even the toughest conditions.
Coming Up
With predator control, bird monitoring, and community engagement thriving, the Thomsons Catchment Project crew is making a tangible difference. And we’re not done yet — 2025 promises even more opportunities to build on this momentum. Looking ahead, we’re excited about plans to create new walking trails, which will allow more people to enjoy and appreciate the flourishing wetland areas - plus there’ll be further pest control efforts, more planting, and ongoing wetland restoration.
Here's a sneak peek into what's on the horizon for 2025:
December: The next stage of fish removal will begin, continuing the efforts to protect native species and improve the wetland’s health.
January: We’ll be collaborating with Fish & Game for bird monitoring to help us track the progress of our bird populations.
February: Join us on 2 February to mark World Wetlands Day and celebrate the amazing volunteers supporting the Thomsons Catchment Project.
Farmer Engagement: We plan to continue farmer visits, providing valuable insights and sharing progress with the community.
Wetland Walkway: The development of the wetland walkway is set to continue, with a platform and signage being built in preparation for the official opening later in the year.
And as we move into February through to April, community involvement will remain key, as we anticipate launching our Backyard Gardeners group — supporting local community members in growing native plants to contribute to ongoing restoration work.
To stay in the loop with everything that’s been happening and what’s ahead, keep an eye on mcg.org.nz/thomsons-project or follow us on Facebook for frequent updates. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey.
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