Braided rivers
The distinctive braided rivers of the South Island, with their wide shingle beds, numerous snaking water channels and highly variable flows, provide a unique habitat for several of New Zealand's endangered wildlife species. They are a defining feature of the eastern side of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the Southern Alps.
Similar extensive braided river systems exist in Alaska, Canada, and the Himalayas, and New Zealand's braided rivers are spectacular examples of this type of river. Their distinctive wildlife makes them unique worldwide.
Waimakariri River
Loss of habitat
Braided river and wetland habitats are threatened by weed invasion and introduced predators that eat native birds, lizards, fish and insects. Recreational users may also drive on bird's nests and keep birds off their eggs and chicks.
Many of these habitats are also under threat from development and human pressure including lowland coastal wetlands and high country wetlands.
The survival of several species living in the upper Waitaki catchment area of inland South Canterbury is under threat. Most at risk is the black stilt/kakī, one of the world's rarest wading birds. Only continued, intensive management of the wild and captive populations has averted extinction.
Threatened species
There are many threatened species found within braided river and wetland habitats. Some of these, including fish like the lowland longjaw galaxias and birds such as the kakī, are critically threatened.
Other threatened species that are highly specialised or depend on braided river or wetland ecosystems to survive are the upland longjaw galaxias and bignose galaxias, the wrybill/ngutu pare, black-fronted tern/tara, black-billed gull/tarāpuka, the robust grasshopper, and a range of small low-growing plants.
Many other less threatened native birds, lizards, fish and invertebrates live and breed in the same habitats. Braided rivers also provide a pathway between freshwater wetlands and the sea for many of our migratory fish like the longfin eel/tuna.
Project River Recovery
Project River Recovery (PRR) is a braided river and wetland habitat restoration programme in the upper Waitaki River, New Zealand. Its objective is to maintain and enhance braided river and wetland habitats in the upper Waitaki Basin.
Project River Recovery is funded by Meridian Energy Limited (previously the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand) under a compensatory agreement that recognises the adverse effects of hydroelectric power development on braided rivers and wetlands.
The project includes a variety of tasks including weed and predator management, survey and monitoring of native plants and animals, research, and promoting the natural values of braided river and wetland ecosystems.
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