Kaipara Moana Fencing & PlantingWhangaripo Technical Workshop
Our first fencing and planting workshop for the 2025/26 season was held in November at Louise and Russell’s Whangaripo Valley property, where our Kaipara Moana Remediation Fencing & Planting Advisors—Katie, Angela, and Hamish—delivered a practical, science-informed session for local landowners.
The goal of the workshop was to build understanding of the tools, methods, and decision-making processes that underpin effective sediment-reduction projects. These approaches are central to improving the health of the Whangaripo Catchment and, ultimately, the wider Kaipara Moana.
Building Connections
We began the morning with whakawhanaungatanga, giving the 12 attending landowners—a diverse mix of dairy farmers, lifestyle block owners (with sheep, beef, and horses), and locals with a passion for conservation – an opportunity to introduce themselves, share their backgrounds, and identify common goals. This set a collaborative tone for the day and created space for open discussion.
Science-Based Planning in Action
The team walked participants through the technical components of KMR’s sediment reduction planning process, including:
- Digital mapping tools with erosion-risk layers
- The KMR Planting Guide
- Insights from the Te Paiaka Study, highlighting preferred species for stabilising streambanks and guiding planting zones
Angela also presented a case study from a local property, showing how a plan is developed and then put into practice on the ground.
Understanding the Stream Itself
We were fortunate to be joined by Sarah Dimitrijevic and Teātaiti Tapurau from the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. They shared valuable insights into the taonga species living in the Whangaripo Stream and discussed how sediment affects freshwater ecosystems. Their kōrero provided important context for why this work matters.
Practical Learning at the Stream Edge
Out at the stream, Hamish and Angela led practical discussions on:
- Identifying streambank erosion
- Managing high weed burdens
- Making effective fencing placement decisions
- How KMR support is tailored to landowner aspirations
This hands-on component allowed landowners to apply the information from the indoor session directly to real-world conditions.
Growing Momentum for Catchment Restoration
The workshop was warmly received, generating six new expressions of interest from landowner’s keen to begin their own KMR-supported fencing and planting projects. It marked a strong start to the season and reinforced the community’s commitment to reducing sediment, restoring streams, and protecting the health of Kaipara Moana.
Interested in Fencing, Planting, or exploring KMR Landowner Grants?
Our field advisors are here to help. Get in touch:
- Katie — katie@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz
- Angela — angela@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz
- Hamish — hamish@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz