Ki Uta Ki Tai (Estuary Restoration)

The Floating Basin is a valuable saltmarsh estuary tucked in behind Westport Harbour. The estuary surrounds have previously been used to graze horses and sheep, but have become overrun with gorse and other weeds, as well as experiencing significant ponding and storm water flooding after rain and high tides. In line with other councils around the country, the Westport Harbour office has decided this area is no longer suitable for grazing horses and should be returned to nature.

In collaboration with the community and with significant help from the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance Restoring and Protecting Flora project, KNECT is helping give this area a biodiversity boost through weed control and native planting. We support this mahi by seeking funding, sourcing plants, organising community planting days and monitoring maintenance needs. Our Trustees are invariably there on the day with spades (and snacks!) helping get the mahi done as well!

This project offers a great chance for the community to get hands-on with helping our biodiversity. Being so close to town, it means schools and volunteers can easily get involved, and the Kawatiri River Trails give great views over this transforming ecosystem so the community can see change in action. The native plantings will provide improved habitat for īnanga to spawn in, as well as feeding birds such as kererū and tūī throughout the year.