Whakaoratia Tipu - Plant Rescue

Christchurch City Council, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand and Kōrero ki Ōtautahi have joined forces to celebrate te reo and te taiao.

Join us to help restore a wetland in this highly significant cultural and ecological area of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. Nuture the whenua and your reo at the same time - all levels and abilities welcome.

Waikākāriki was a significant site of settlement to Māori called Te Oranga. The lake was called Waikākāriki - wai meaning water and kākāriki referring to the colour green and a type of green lizard or a green parakeet/parrot.
Waikākāriki is a mahinga kai site as a tributary to the Ōtākaro River.  Traditional wetland species gathered here including tuna (eels), pūaihakarua (perch) and trout, whilst pūkeko, varieties of ducks, kotare (kingfish) and numerous woodland birds could all be seen at various times across the seasons.

We will be hand-releasing (that’s weeding) around restoration plantings, planted by volunteers. The work is half-treasure hunt as we rummage through long grasses searching for native plants that need to be cleared and given space to grow.
Maintenance is the most critical part of ecological restoration success. Without regular maintenance for the first three years, plants wouldn't survive due to grass competition. This work allows the plants to grow strong and resilient. 

It’s a great opportunity to give back to the environment while learning new skills and meeting like-minded people and practicing our reo about Te Taiao. We have bi-lingual planting guides and some resources on location to support your kōrero.

We provide tools, please wear sturdy hū/footwear and bring your own takawai/water bottle. Wear closed-toed shoes or boots and dress for the weather with layers.

Kia tupu, Kia hua, Kia puāwai.
grow, to prosper, to sustain. 

To access the planting site, please come in via Queensbury St off New Brighton Road and turn right onto Goodman Road. By bus: Route #7 Queenspark Stop