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Last modified: 21 Nov 2023 5:11pm

Ahuriri Wetland framed by the background Little River Tail Sign

As part of the two-week series of activities following the SWELL Expo, Council’s biodiversity team hosted members of the community on an exploration of the ecological features and biodiversity of the Ahuriri Lagoon Walk.

Ahuriri Lagoon located on the Huritini/Halswell River between Tai Tapu and Motukarara has been undergoing a significant restoration since 2018 with the establishment of a constructed wetland after the area was drained in the late 1800s.

Being able to share the restoration project's work with the community was rewarding for Senior Biodiversity Specialist Denise Ford.

“In the past this area served as an important mahinga kai site for local rūnanga and food source for native wildlife. Now we are seeing the return of many of our indigenous species including birds, reptiles, fish and insects, all playing an important role in the ecosystem”.

Alongside the Council team was Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury Trust who have planted thousands of native seedlings around the lagoon with five local schools through their Kids Discovery Plantout initiative. A large legacy site of 20,000 indigenous plants, Te Pae O Ahuriri, was also planted as part of a Jobs for Nature project and forms part of their Greendot programme.

Te Ara Kākāriki Coordinator Letitia Lum explained the importance of Greendots to the Selwyn region. “Greendots act as a natural habitat stepping stone or biodiversity corridor, from the mountains to Te Waihora and the sea. These sites can extend the habitat of native birds, so they can re-establish a foothold on the plains. We hope the sites at Ahuriri Lagoon will help our native species thrive across the Selwyn region”.

The Ahuriri Lagoon restoration has played a significant role in attracting Selwyn’s native biodiversity, making it a valuable ecological asset for the whole community to enjoy.