What we’re up to

A range of introduced fish occur in most of Waikato’s lakes and waterways. Once established these fish impact heavily on the aquatic ecosystem and on water quality generally, particularly koi carp. The Department of Conservation recently undertook a pest fish survey on the National Wetland Trust of New Zealand managed Rotopiko (Lake Serpentine) lake complex with reasonably low numbers caught. To date there are no records of koi presence in this lake but we are using advanced DNA sampling to confirm their absence and are working through the consent process to construct a fish trap on the lake outlet to prevent them getting in. Read more about what's happening in the area 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/catchment/lakes-areare-ruatuna-rotomanuka

We also caught up with Hayley Devlin before International Women in Science day. Hayley is the Research Technician for our strategic partner, CAREX, part of the University of Canterbury Freshwater Ecology Group, to find out how she got involved in science. https://www.livingwater.net.nz/im:1897/

Today is International Women in Science Day which highlights the need for full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. We caught up with one of our super star scientists, Dr Katie Collins - Department of Conservation, Science Lead Freshwater Technical Advisor to find out how she got involved in science and how she wants to help younger generations get involved. https://www.livingwater.net.nz/im:1897/

Finding game-changing and scalable solutions that will allow farming, freshwater and healthy ecosystems to thrive side-by-side is what get us out of bed every morning. https://youtu.be/tgkp1xB0jk4

MEET THE TEAM: Each month we introduce you to one of our hard working Living Water people, this month is Sarah Yarrow, Living Water National Manager, we asked her to answer a few questions for us. The best bit about my job is: Working to put nature back. And being able to wear gumboots, my favourite footwear. Most people don’t know that I: make fruit wine, its quite strong…. In my spare time I: spend time with my dogs (2 silly staffies) and love hiking in the hills behind Nelson If I wasn’t working here, I’d like to: run an animal sanctuary Before working at Living Water, I: 18 years with local and regional councils doing lots of things related to water, environment and sustainability

Watch our step by step guide on how to build a low cost wetland. Wetlands improve water quality, create habitats for wildlife as well as enhance the attractiveness and value of rural properties. livingwater.net.nz/catchment/wairua-river/low-cost-wetland-construction

Happy #WorldWetlandsDay the theme for 2020 is wetlands and biodiversity. All of our Living Water catchments are home to wetlands and their plant and animal life. Waituna and Pūkorokoro-Miranda both have RAMSAR recognised wetlands. We're working hard to ensure these precious areas are protected and restored by working with our partners to improve freshwater ecosystems in farming landscapes. Read more 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/how-were-working/ Living Water recognises that land and water management is a complex challenge. We are using ‘systems thinking’ (a holistic approach to understanding linkages and interactions between the components of a system) to help frame how we tackle the challenge. We are then making purposeful connections ...

This Sunday is World Wetlands Day, wetlands are necessary to improve water quality, reduce the impacts of flooding and provide habitat for wildlife including many of our threatened plants, birds and freshwater fish. Head to a wetlands celebration event near you to learn more and get involved with the protection of our precious wetlands 👇 https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/events/national-events/world-wetlands-day/events

The Ararira/LII catchment has some unique features including headwater springs, an extensive network of drains and waterways, and two wetland areas – Yarrs Flat and Yarrs Lagoon/Ta-rere-kau-tuku. The catchment’s network of highly modified waterways and remnant wetlands provide some habitat for native fish, bird and plant species. We're working to transform the drain and water network into a healthy freshwater ecosystem in this productive agricultural landscape. To celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2, we're highlighting these precious areas. Read more 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/catchment/ararira-lii-river/

Waituna Lagoon is part of the 20,000 hectare Awarua Waituna Wetland catchment and is home to a rich array of native wildlife and is a nationally important site for migrating wading birds. To celebrate World Wetland Day on February 2, we're highlighting these precious areas. Living Water is working within the Whakamana Te Waituna Partnership to improve the health of Waituna lagoon. Read about the projects 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/catchment/waituna-lagoon/

The Waikato Peat Lakes and surrounding wetlands are rare ecosystems - classified as ‘acutely threatened,’ as part of World Wetlands Day on February 2, we're highlighting these precious areas. Living Water is focused on three specific lakes in the area – Areare, Rotomānuka and Ruatuna. Improving water quality of these lakes will help mudfish, bittern, fern birds, dab chicks and long-finned eel return. Read about our projects in the area 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/catchment/lakes-areare-ruatuna-rotomanuka

Our Wairua catchment is a biodiversity hotspot, the floodplain is characterised by two large wetlands (Otakairangi and Wairua), as well as dozens of small, isolated and fragmented wetland and riparian forest remnants. It also includes a very important tuna (freshwater eel) fishery. With Sunday February 2 being World Wetlands Day, we're highlighting the work being done to help protect these precious areas. Read more 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/catchment/wairua-river/

As we approach World Wetlands Day on February 2, we're celebrating our wetlands. The Pūkorokoro-Miranda catchment flows into an internationally significant 8,500 hectare coastal wetland that is protected under the Ramsar Convention, Living Water’s key focus is restoring and reconnecting a rural freshwater ecosystem and sensitive coastal environment to help protect these precious wetlands. Read more about what's happening in the area 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/catchment/pukorokoro-miranda/

Last week we said ma te wa to Matt Highway, Fonterra Manager for Sustainable Dairying who leaves us for DairyNZ, we asked him to share some highlights of working in the Living Water partnership: 👉 Plants for Good – so great to be part of this national planting programme! 👉 Discovering that hydroseeding native plants might be able to establish native plants cheaper than conventional planting 👉 Building some massive detention bunds in Northland and seeing that it's likely we can reduce N, P, Sed 👉 Working out a process for us and others to achieve scale of environmental projects

If you're in the Waikato region, head along to Waikare Golf Club to celebrate World Wetland Day, this family friendly event gives you the chance to talk to Department of Conservation rangers about all things wetland - native flora and fauna, trapping, tracking, and pesky pests. Learn about the internationally recognised Whangamarino Wetland situated in Te Kauwhata. https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2020/celebrate-world-wetland-day-2020/te-kauwhata

Got some questions about Living Water? 🤔 Check out our updated FAQs 👇 https://www.livingwater.net.nz/assets/LW%20FAQs%202020.pdf