Lake Ruatuna gets another boost

Living Water, the partnership between Fonterra and the Department of Conservation, has called on charitable organisation Te Whangai Trust to help restore part of New Zealand’s threatened peat lakes system.

The team from the Miranda based Te Whangai Trust carried out extensive planting work at Lake Ruatuna, near Ohaupo.

Te Whangai Trust development manager John Walters said the trust takes on long term unemployed and gives them an insight into developing a work ethic that is both sustainable and beneficial to themselves and their community.

‘‘The main aim is to get these people back into employment.’’ he said.

Department of Conservation ranger Mike Paviour said Te Whangai’s work in the restoration delivers multiple benefits.

‘‘We’re thrilled to have Te Whangai out here on the peat lakes. We get a real buzz out of working with these guys … especially because of the whole social factor,’’ said Paviour.

Te Whangai Trust, the Pu¯korokoro Miranda based charitable organisation trains its participants in sustainable agriculture, horticulture and environmental management, preparing and helping them gain full time employment.

‘‘It’s not just the environmental restoration and biodiversity aspect we like – but the holistic view of what Te Whangai stand for and what they’re doing to help people,’’ said Paviour.

By the end of the project, the team will have placed 20,000 new native trees in the ground, includ- ing significant planting on the newly formed silt traps, which help prevent sediment entering and polluting the lake.

‘‘Engaging the same team who raise and care for the plants to also invest their time into the restoration work connects all the pieces …people, place and restoring our environment.

‘‘It’s good business. You have a good job done, at a good price and all parties gain in multiple ways, including future generations who’ll get to visit and enjoy these wonderful conservation areas,’’ said Paviour.

Earlier this year, Te Whangai won the Ministry for the Environment’s Green Ribbon Award for its biodiversity training programme tag-lined Nurture the land, give life to the people.

The Living Water project jointly run between DOC and Fonterra focuses on improving biodiversity and water quality by working with farmers and the community on innovative projects.