The Right Wetland, in the Right Place, for the Right Reasons

We joined 30 Āwhitu and Franklin locals last month for the Āwhitu Wetlands Workshop, learning practical skills for rural landowners to make the most of wetlands on their property 💧

Over two days, participants visited five local wetland sites, learning how to create small, farm-scale constructed treatment wetlands (CTWs), and the restoration of natural wetlands. We learned how wetlands can be designed to trap sediment, filter nutrients and reduce contaminants such as E. coli, as well as how restore drained or degraded wetlands, with insights into what works in real farm settings.

The event was led by Dr Rebecca Eivers of Wai Kōkopu Consulting, a highly experienced wetland ecologist. A key theme throughout the wānanga was “the right wetland, in the right place, for the right reasons,” encouraging participants to carefully consider site conditions, restoration goals, and long-term outcomes before undertaking projects.

The wānanga also strengthened community connections between whakapapa, whenua, and community 🤝 One attendee reflected on the value of learning at an early stage of their property’s regeneration journey, and the importance of building a kaupapa whānau around environmental restoration. Another described the training as “extraordinary” with “many actionable insights”, while others praised Dr Eivers’ extensive knowledge, practical advice, and engaging delivery. Ka pai!

Feedback from participants:

“Thank you for providing this opportunity to us, such great learning at the early stages of our regeneration journey.”

“Extraordinary training, many actionable insights. I will fix my duck pond today!”

“Such a great, informative, well-run event. We gained a lot of knowledge and met some fantastic people that were like-minded. Dr Rebecca Eivers had great advice and extensive knowledge with practical tips. Overall excellent event.”

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who came along or supported this event: local landowners, environmental community group members (Āwhitu Landcare, Friends of Te Wairoa), Franklin Local Board, tangata whenua, restoration and conservation business owners, and local industry. And a huge thanks to the Ministry for the Environment for making this event possible!