www.
waikatoriver
.org.nz
Hamilton City Council has been underway with its
gully programme for 12 years, reflecting a strong
and increasing community interest in
gully restoration.
Council received 155 applications for support with
gully restoration, and 142 of them were successful.
On average, successful applicants received 33
plants, plus herbicide gel or eco-matting for bank
stabilisation in some cases.
Council’s ecological developments project leader,
Leigh Cornes, says the
programme would not
be possible without
the ongoing backing
from the Waikato
River Authority. “Their
continued support has
allowed gully owners to
play a significant role in
the conversion of some
750 hectares of mainly weedy gully wildernesses
into native bush, bringing back native birds
into the city and improving the water quality in
Hamilton’s streams.”
The local authority support for this initiative
is considered crucial: many landowners,
although keen, need guidance on how to carry
out restoration successfully. The educational
component of the programme is essential for
success. In particular the need for rigorous weed
control before planting, and planting the right
plant in the right place is essential.
“Going forward we are undertaking a project with
Waikato University to identify where the private
gullies are being restored, with this information
we hope to close the gaps to create a whole gully
approach, creating green corridors throughout
the city and further build the communities within
these gullies.
“The enthusiasm from the community for
restoring their gullies is extraordinary. Residents
generally put in a great deal of time and effort
into restoring their gullies, and are very grateful
for the support they receive,” says Leigh Cornes.
The Waikato River Authority has been able to help
draw public attention to a riparian planting project
close to the Hamilton – Raglan road.
A project to plant the banks of the Tunaeke Stream,
a tributary of the Waipa River, has been undertaken
by Whaingaroa Habourcare on the property of
Diana and Don Johnstone near Whatawhata.
Visible from the road, the stream has been fenced
and 55,600 natives trees have planted. The project
was funded by the Waikato River Authority in 2012
and has now been completed.
The Johnstone’s gave permission for the Waikato
River Authority sign to be erected on one of their
farm buildings.
Graeme and Julie Blake overlooking the gully at their Frankton home -
an area they now refer to as “Tui Valley”
Council received
155 applications
for support with
gully restoration,
and 142 of them
were successful.
HCC’s flourishing gullies programme
Planting showing flourishing signs
