Urban streams important to conserve
Across Wellington local environment groups are working tirelessly to maintain and restore neighbourhood streams. Trelissick Park Group Treasurer Frances Lee says the Kaiwharawhara Catchment is of huge importance to the area. ?In Kaiwharawhara stream there is fish life and amphibious life, it?s a living stream. ?The fish life is very important, we have two fish ladders installed to help them up waterfalls, and one is in need of repair at the moment from rain, logs, and sediment washing the stones downstream,? says Mrs Lee. One of the group?s biggest concerns is people washing their cars and paintbrushes near storm water drains, as Kaiwharawhara is the only stream that runs to the harbour without a storm water pipe. ?I would encourage people to call the pollution hotline straight away, because it?s very hard to find the source of these things. ?The history of the stream means it was badly polluted by a tip at Ian Galloway Park, which leaked into the stream, we don?t want to keep polluting it,? she says. Meanwhile, Korokoro Environment Group spokesperson Ruth Mansell says the benefits of keeping pollution out of the harbour and providing a space for fish to spawn is vital for the eco-system. ?It?s very precious our stream, it?s the largest in the Western Hills and has native fish that live in it ? the quality of the water is very good,? says Mrs Mansell. Her group is in frequent contact with Greater Wellington, DOC and Massey University about protecting and enhancing the streams environment. They are currently discussing building a fish ladder to help spawning fish move up stream more easily. ?The new development of a fish ramp will help them get upriver; they are currently obstructed by a small dam about half-way up. ?Making sure the rivers banks are lined with plants is another factor in improving the stream,? she says. Fellow Korokoro resident Ken Marner recently led his BNZ co-workers on working-bees to plant 400 trees and grasses at the mouth of the river.
