The partnership consists of more than 50 groups actively working to improve the health and recognition of their local waterway. We are proud to showcase their mahi here.
Mona Vale Weir RemediationThe Mona Vale Weir, a fish passage barrier in the Ōtākaro-Avon River, was replaced in 2023 with a rock riffle. A post-remediation study shows a non-statistically significant increase in migratory fish upstream of the riffle. Ōtākaro-Avon Catchment Christchurch City Council |
Control your garden weeds to protect waterwaysTo help boost biodiversity in the Ōpāwaho-Heathcote catchment, the ŌHRN are delivering two free posters to homeowners showing common local weeds and how to tackle them. Request yours now. Ōpāwaho-Heathcote Catchment Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network |
New climate change report for the Heathcote catchmentThe Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network has published a report that assesses the effects of climate change on the river and its catchment. The report highlights the need for preparation for the changes that are here now, and those that are coming. Ōpāwaho-Heathcote Catchment Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network |
The Mother of All Clean UpsThe Mother of All Clean Ups is an estuary clean-up held annually on Mother’s Day. In 2025, 3.3 tonnes of rubbish was collected and disposed. The event was founded by the Avon-Heathcote Ihutai Estuary Trust and is now funded and operated through the CWP. Ihutai-Estuary and Coastal Catchment Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust |
Operation Nurdle: Clamping Down on Problem PlasticsNurdles – small plastic beads – are a big problem for waterways. In 2024, Environment Canterbury dropped into 15 businesses to check up on how they are managing plastic contamination. Christchurch-wide Environment Canterbury |
Whaka-Ora Pest ProjectRoughly 4500 pests have been eradicated in the Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour area in the two years that the Whaka-Ora Pest Project has been running, using a large network of local volunteers and about 750 traps. Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū-Banks Peninsula Catchment Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour |
Bringing back the birdsThe Ōpāwaho-Heathcote River Network is rolling out an extensive pest trapping programme along the banks of their awa to encourage the return of native birds. Ōpāwaho-Heathcote Catchment Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network |
Pest Weed Removal Along the Ōpāwaho-HeathcoteFrom November 2025, the OHRN is undertaking a long-term project to eradicate a pest plant, reed sweetgrass (Glyceria maxima), to prevent it from competing with native plants and taking up much-needed capacity in the catchment’s retention ponds. Ōpāwaho-Heathcote Catchment Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network |