The Manuherikia Catchment Group in Central Otago has been allocated $1.9 million to fund work, the results of which it intends sharing with other groups.
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard visited the catchment group in Central Otago this week to announce the funding and to view work being done, such as restoration of the Thomsons Creek wetland near Omakau.
The 12-month funding comes from the Ministry for the Environment’s At-Risk Catchment Fund, part of Jobs For Nature programme.
Catchment Group co-chair Anna Gillespie said it will fund a community clean-up, removal of willows from key locations, native plantings, a focus on river care and spatial GIS mapping among other projects.
She said benefits extend beyond the Manuherikia group.
“We believe that by delivering the actions for improved water quality and the associated cultural, economic and social benefits, we’ll provide case studies and pathways for farmers, communities and catchment groups across NZ.”
Central Otago District Council mayor Tim Cadogan said the funding will bring the community together to constructively focus on the Manuherekia and achieve intergenerational gains.
