In Te Hakapupu catchment, East Otago, historic farming practices and more recent forestry operations in the catchment have led to an increase in sediment in waterways and wetlands, degrading cultural and biodiversity values. Whirika is working with mana whenua, farmers, foresters, regulators, and other stakeholders to develop an integrated management and monitoring plan to achieve Rūnanga and community goals.
We have developed a modelling tool that helps with identifying parts of the catchment where the risk of erosion and sediment run-off is greatest. This information is being shared with communities, landowners, and forestry owners/managers to find practical ways to reduce the impacts of sedimentation throughout the catchment. Best practice management approaches and tools are subsequently being developed collectively through facilitated workshopping and site visits.
