With a burger in one hand and torch in the other, Mountains to Sea Wellington and the Whangaehu Bideford Catchment Community Group (WBCCG) gathered around the Taueru River and got to know each other and the awa a little better.
Nestled in the northeast of Masterton, the Taueru River meanders through the Wairarapa region, its waters weaving through hills and valleys before joining the Ruamāhanga River.
As the BBQ was sizzling away, WBCCG members prepared themselves for a night of spotlighting and exploring in the Taueru River with Mountains to Sea Wellington’s Catchment Coordinator Maddy Glover. With full bellies they ventured to the river’s edge, the water level looked low and filled with algae. Despite the effects of a dry summer, the river proved resilient, teeming with life. From bullies to mayflies, the Taueru revealed its hidden treasures to eager eyes. A highlight of the night was seeing a few one-year-old tuna in the awa that must have recently made their way into Aotearoa’s waters.
“I never knew there were so many things living in this waterway - I have spent years coming here for the Horse Sports and swimming in this river but it’s so cool to see all the animals.” shared one group member.
As dusk settled in, we grabbed our torches and wandered along the river. Big sinuous eels moved through the water or lay sluggishly on the bottom as we explored the waterway. As the group reflected on the impacts of the summer heat on the waterway, seeing the eels sparked conversations of a renewed hope and ideas to help improve their habitat.
“I can see now the importance of planting our river to provide some shade,” shared another group member, as they explored ideas to enhance fish habitat.
As the event drew to a close, participants departed with a renewed appreciation for the Taueru River and a deeper understanding of their role in its preservation. With events like these, the community stands united in its commitment to protect the awa.
An excited parent shared “My kids and I have a whole new appreciation for the river. I am going to get some nets and go explore the waterway in my backyard!”.
This mahi has been done as part of Wai Connection, a Mountains to Sea Wellington project and in partnership with the Wairarapa Catchment Collective. To learn more about the Wai Connection project in Wairarapa, flick Maddy.glover@mtsw.org.nz an email!
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