Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Recently, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) senior biodiversity advisor, Jenna Hughes-Games set fish traps to see what was living in Papaka Stream, before starting work removing some willows.
She found a small population of Canterbury mudfish living in a pond almost completely covered in red Azolla rubra, a native aquatic fern.
The discovery meant the team adjusted their plans and made sure no work took place where the mudfish were found.
Working together to restore Papaka Stream
Gemma and Hayden are teaming up with Our Waitarakao to carry out the work. Our Waitarakao is a partnership project between Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, the Department of Conservation, Timaru District Council and Environment Canterbury.
The Our Waitarakao team will supply Gemma and Hayden with expert advice, assist with the facilitation of works and help fund the cost of the native plants. The plants will be sourced from local nurseries.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/funding-supports-farming-couples-vision-to-make-stream-a-haven-for-native-birds-and-plants/