Project Title: Whangarei Urban Awa Project

Project Description:

The Whangarei Urban Awa Project is a 3-year project between Northland Regional Council and the Ministry for the Environment aimed at improving surface water quality in the Whangarei urban area.

E.coli from faecal matter, and sediment are the 2 largest water quality issues in Northland. Every year numerous rivers, streams and swimming holes are unable to be used for recreation due to high E. coli counts and high sediment levels.

This project aims to improve this by fencing stock out of waterways in the 4 water catchments near to Whangarei  –  the Kirikiri, Raumanga, Wairohia and Lower Hatea.

Additionally, riparian planting will also contribute to improved water quality and amenity value for local waterways. Ultimately, the project will contribute to improved swimmability and biodiversity in Whangarei’s urban rivers and streams.

We are so grateful for the funding we have available from MfE and Northland Regional Council and want to make the most of this opportunity. The funding available will support fencing and some planting but the funds for planting is quite limited so we are keen to maximise the amount of planting we can accomplish in partnership with Million Metres.

The project aims to plant 15,000 native plants over the 3 year period, starting with 5,000 native plants this year. 

The funding raised through Million Metres will go towards the cost of plants and getting them in the ground and looking after them over their first few years. 15% of the funds raised will go to Million Metres for maintenance and administration of the website and assistance with fundraising.