Restoration
Each year, we identify and undertake habitat restoration projects and grow a volunteer network which fosters a healthy community spirit. We work with local groups, schools, and businesses to support communities in looking after our lands and waterways, to create a stronger link between the environment and people.
Our Projects
Since 2008, we have identified and undertaken habitat restoration projects in the Upper Clutha basin, and have grown a volunteer network which fosters a healthy community spirit. We work with local groups, schools, and businesses to support communities in looking after healthy lands and waterways, to create a stronger link between the environment and people. Our planting projects create islands of new native bush and enrich existing areas to provide precious habitat for our native wildlife.
As well as propagating plants for our own projects, we also provide eco-sourced plants for projects run by other local community groups and not-for-profit organisations. We are happy to work with groups to discuss how we can best help them achieve their re-vegetation goals. If you are interested in sourcing plants from us, get in touch!
We have planted tens of thousands of eco-sourced native plants in and around Wānaka since our inception. Some of our planting projects are ongoing (like the Millennium track) and others are completed (Waterfall Creek) as the plants are now fully grown and can look after themselves.
Current Projects
Completed Projects
Bullock Creek Wetland
2016
2020
2,527

Although started by Fish & Game Otago and Te Kākano, the project is now fully led and managed by the Friends of Bullock Creek. The project required an initial clean-up of the wetland and then re-vegetation with the appropriate native plants began. The creek is an important community asset and the public walkway is a great way for everyone to enjoy the wetland. more plants are planted every year by Friends of Bullock Creek and they source their own native plants.
Supporters: In collaboration with Fish & Game. The project is now led and managed by the Friends of Bullock Creek.
Glendhu Bay
2012
2022
1,440

This project was co-initiated with Ridgeline Adventures to introduce more native species to the area with hope of creating a new link to other native habitats along the foreshore. The forest area between the Mt Aspiring viewpoint car park and the Holiday Park currently sees the best forest remnant on the entire southern shore with the only stand of rohutu and several other species found nowhere else (i.e. karamu, mingimingi).
Supporters: QLDC, Ridgeline Adventure, Challenge Wānaka
Hāwea River
2018
2021
790

The project was part of the Wānaka Water project.
This site is on QLDC land by the Hāwea River track, downstream from the Camphill Road bridge. The aim was to help filter water that is draining into the river from nearby dairy operations.
Supporters: QLDC, part of the Wānaka Water project
Waterfall Creek
2009
2015
764

This project re-introduced indigenous species into the Waterfall Creek riparian zone, focusing on the vicinity of the Millennium Walkway bridge and down-stream to Lake Wānaka, comprising approximately 1.5 hectares of land. The project was significant in size and scope and was undertaken in three phases. It was one of Te Kākano’s first projects.
Supporters: Ministry for the Environment, QLDC
Wishbone Falls
2018
2023
1,999

The project was part of the Wānaka Water project.
The site is in a stunning location near beautiful waterfalls. The planting is along the waterways on an easement. The aim of the project is to improve the water quality as most plants are riparian plants.
Supporters: The project was part of the Wānaka Water project in collaboration with WAI Wānaka and local farmers.