Waipara Rivercare Group was formed in 2021 by people living in the Waipara area wanting to look after the river and communicate with local residents and stakeholders such HDC, Environment Canterbury (ECAN), landowners and recreational users.

The group liaised with ECAN about a major willow-control programme to clear the river’s main flow channel of willows from just above the SH1 bridge to the coast. The effort was completed in late 2023. There is no funding for follow-up work, or work further up the river, both of which are needed.

The main issues of interest to the group are:

• Weeds, particularly old man’s beard
• Educating recreational users on the river, particularly about inappropriate vehicle use
• Care of the ecology in the river itself and the immediate surrounds
• Willows in the river

Waipara Rivercare welcomes people to join its mailing list, attend meetings and share ideas and concerns.

Contact: Coordinator, Rima Herber – [email protected]

More information about the Waipara River catchment, its fascinating geology, flora and fauna, and ecological challenges can be accessed at waiparariver.org.nz