Landowners in a Taranaki block have halved the cost of protecting their waterway with a $2,000 grant.
The 29.29 hectare dairy block, named Ngatimanuhiakai 21B 2B, received Taranaki Regional Council funding towards fencing and trees, which have been planted on the banks of the Kapuni stream, protecting the quality of water that runs through the block.
Rita Hughes, one of the block’s 25 owners, says that dairy farming has become far more intensive in recent years, placing greater strain on the environment. “My husband and I have farmed across the South Taranaki region for over 55 years. We would keep up to 280 cows, but today farmers have as many as 1500 cows,” she says. “Over the years we have seen the river quality declining and we had no option but to improve and accept riparian planting.”
Riparian planting (planting on the banks of streams and rivers) results in better water quality because the vegetation and soil acts like a kidney to filter pollutants. Increased water clarity, controlled flood flows and better habitats are all typical benefits of riparian planting.
Ngatimanuhiakai 21B 2B planted a total of 1,100 plants, and erected fencing that will keep cows out of both sides of the Kapuni stream. The project was managed by Te Tumu Paeroa, in partnership with owners. With the Taranaki Regional Council grant, the cost of planting was reduced to $2,185.00.
Te Tumu Paeroa Portfolio Manager, Novena McGuckin, says that this is about respecting kaitiakitanga (conservation and protection) and nga tikanga taiao (regulation laws).
“This is the greatest outcome really. By working together, the whenua was enhanced and strengthened, regulation was met, and landowners were able to halve their planting costs.
“Going forth, landowners supported the retention of 30% of their annual distributions. This shows their commitment as uri (descendents) of their whenua to ensure that they have a reserve of funding for future land development.”