At 63 km long, the Papakura Stream in South Auckland is a significant freshwater system that has seen a lot of change over the years. This area was once covered in indigenous forests of kauri, taraire, and tawa, kahikatea swamp forest, and extensive flaxlands. Unfortunately, most of this original habitat has been lost, which has led to a massive reduction in forest cover and water quality, reducing habitat for native species and increasing the sediment, pollution, and nutrients entering the stream and making their way into the precious Manukau Harbour.

The Papakura Stream Restoration Project will restore and protect this waterway’s stream banks and wetlands, and in turn, the habitats of the species that call this area home. This restoration will include fencing off wetlands and waterways, large-scale native plantings, litter cleanups, plant maintenance, water monitoring, and community engagement with projects positioned on both public and private land. To date, more than 85,000 native trees have been planted, as well as large-scale invasive weed removal, predator control, and litter clean-ups. We also have lots of volunteering opportunities on this project to plant and care for these native plants.

This is a massive undertaking and we can't do it alone. Can you sponsor a native plant for the Papakura Stream Restoration Project?