Rakitata River restoration
Introduction
Restoration of the Rakitata River brings together Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua as manawhenua and kaitiaki of the Rakitata, government agencies and the community in partnership. Our collective mahi will support the long-term healthy mauri of the awa, ki uta ki tai.About the project
The Rakitata (Rangitata) River was once an area of incredible abundance, home to unique braided river plants and animals, habitats and ecosystems. Today, the mauri (life force) of the awa has declined. Human activities have caused losses in water quality and biodiversity. These activities include changes in land use, taking water for irrigation, pollution, encroaching on the river’s natural channels, and the presence of invasive plants and pest animals.
This project to restore the mauri of the Rakitata River is called Ko te whakahaumanu o te Rakitata awa. It began as a partnership between manawhenua and DOC through Ngā Awa. It now includes Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua, Environment Canterbury, Land Information New Zealand, DOC, Central South Island Fish & Game and Timaru and Ashburton District Councils.
Vision and mission
Tō tātou tūruapō, our vision: Together we value, protect and restore the mauri of the Rakitata ki uta ki tai, from source to sea.
Tō tātou kaupapa, our mission: We are restoring healthy braided river ecosystems where native taoka (treasured species) are abundant and healthy, and people and communities can connect and thrive.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Stay up-to-date on this project and ways to get involved by subscribing to the community newsletter.
Contact
Email us if you would like to join our mailing list, have questions or want to get involved: RakitataAwa@doc.govt.nz
