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www.waikatoriver .org.nz
A joint project between NZ Landcare Trust and
Waikato Raupatu River Trust to develop a guide for
managing willows and alders in Waikato wetlands
and waterways was launched last month.
The launch took place at Lake Koromatua which
has been the subject of extensive willow clearing
over the last 20 years.
Project lead from Waikato Raupatu River Trust,
Terina Rakena, says the development of the guide
was a great example of organisations working
together to bring together the best knowledge
available for the benefit of lakes and waterways.
Willows and alders can form dense forests and
in many place have replaced native wetland and
river-bank vegetation in the lower Waikato region
in particular. However, if they are well managed
they can also contribute to bank stability and offer
positive benefits to wildlife.
The guide is available in hard copy format and
can also be downloaded from the web through
, and
Left to right:
Melinda Dresser
(NZ Landcare Trust),
Terina Rakena (Waikato
Raupatu River Trust) and
Nardene Berry (NZ Landcare
Trust) at the launch of the
Willow and Alders Guide
which received funding from
the Waikato River Authority.
Lake Waikare is facing a number of environmental
issues that result in severe dis-colouration at various
times of the year.
Hamish Dean (Kessels Ecology), Jenni Vernon
(Waikato River Authority) and Tawera Nikau (Nikau
Trust) inspect an area cleared and recently replanted
on the lake edge.
Guide to managing
potential pest trees launched
Attention for Lake Waikare
The Nikau Family Estate Trust is about to start their second Waikato River Authority funded project on the
edge of Lake Waikare. While there is still the need for an over-all strategic plan for the restoration of Lake
Waikare, the Authority has funded the Nikau Trust to carry out targeted projects. These have involved
clearing pest plants and undertaking native planting on the southern edge of the lake. Lake Waikare is one
of the most significant lakes in the Waikato catchment.