Our Precious Water
Looking after our streams and waterways
Healthy streams mean healthy harbours, healthy biodiversity and healthier communities. Everyone can have a role in looking after our water quality at home, in streams, or in reserves.
Thanks to Healthy Waters, Pest Free Kaipātiki’s work in the Flood Resilience programme empowers residents and community members in Kaipātiki to learn how to restore and better protect our waterways and the native species that depend on them. Whether you have a stream on private property or near a local reserve, stream restoration is easy, fun, rewarding, and incredibly beneficial for the environment.
How can I get involved?
> Are you a school that wants to teach your tamariki how to care for waterways in Kaipātiki?
> Do you walk our reserves and enjoy the sights, sounds and wildlife in our many streams?
> Do you often see muddy sections of waterways, eroding banks, smell bad odour and want to help prevent pollution?
> Do you have a stream running through your property and want to help make it a green, lush and healthy place for native fish, tuna (eel) and invertebrates?
Get in touch with us as we aim to provide anyone in our community with an interest in freshwater with:
-
Free freshwater monitoring workshops and training
-
Advice around native planting and protection of the stream bank
-
Access to the testing kit via Wai Care
6 helpful reminders to help keep waterways clean
Wash your car on the grass, not on the road - it goes directly into streams otherwise!
Be a tidy kiwi - place rubbish securely in a bin so it can’t be blown into our waterways.
Use rags to clean up paint or oil spills.
Never pour anything down a storm drain (i.e paint or car fluids). They are for rain only.
Don’t dump grass clippings or vegetation near streams - it leaches into the water.
Report any pollution you see or smell to Auckland Council’s Pollution Hotline 09 377 3107.
Case studies
Birkdale Neighborhood Weeding Bee
With support from our Community Flood Resilience 2025 programme, Jason brought together his neighbours to tackle restoration work on their shared stream. What started as a small group grew to include three neighbouring households, all working together to improve the waterway at the bottom of their properties.
The effort yielded impressive results: 50 native plants were established, significant invasive species were removed (ginger and arum), and the team discovered and managed a rare low-incidence pest plant that was threatening to spread through the stream. Beyond the tangible conservation outcomes, the project strengthened community connections and sparked renewed interest in local stream care.
Rewi Alley Reserve Restoration
Through Community Flood Resilience 2025, we achieved a major landscape transformation at the top of Rewi Alley Reserve, planting 1,600 native plants in a single intensive effort. This wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and passion of surrounding neighbours who volunteered their time and energy.
The project has generated lasting impact: a long-term volunteer group has formed to steward the reserve, and a second planting is already planned for 2026. These plantings will improve water filtration and absorption at the top of the Wairau catchment, all while creating a more beautiful, vibrant green space for the community!
Georgia's Stream Restoration Project
Georgia is a passionate steward of her property, where native forest surrounds a beautiful stream. During the pandemic, she had been working alongside a neighbour to restore the waterway, but the project stalled as life became busier. With the support of local neighbours, Conservation Volunteers NZ and targeted resources, the group was able to restart the restoration work and achieve significant progress. This collaborative effort has revived the momentum of the project and set the stage for long-term stream health and restoration on her land.