News and Updates
We are active in the community organising conservation activites on the ground and running educational and networking events across Wairau. Here you can read reports and updates of our ongoing events.
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Profiling our Working Group: Alistair Bull
Read more: Profiling our Working Group: Alistair BullWe are incredibly fortunate to have Alistair Bull with us. Alistair is not only a skilled ecologist but also a talented web developer and the creator of our Wairau Information Hub | Tāmata.Al, the spotlight is on you! What inspired…
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To guard or not to guard?
Read more: To guard or not to guard?Grow guards can be helpful, sometimes critical, in increasing survival of new planted trees. They help with protecting from dry winds, frosts, rabbits, hares and pukekos, and rank grass. However, if your conditions allow, you can save money by not…
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All about Planting workshop, July 2025
Read more: All about Planting workshop, July 2025Participants from viticulture, farming, urban and lifestyle blocks came together at Clos Henri vineyard to hear all about planting, starting with a presentation from Wairau Nature Network coordinator Wendy Sullivan on planning, preparation, planting and protection. We then went on…
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How to run a successful working bee
Read more: How to run a successful working beeWorking bees are a win–win: you get valuable work done on your land, while participants enjoy a meaningful day outdoors, learning, connecting with others, and contributing to environmental care. To help make your working bee safe, enjoyable, and productive, here…
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Upcoming: Community planting day
Read more: Upcoming: Community planting dayCommunity Planting Day, 6 June 2026 9:30am -12:30pm Thomsons Ford Reserve has been adopted by the Wairau Nature Network as a demonstration site for restoration techniques and educational opportunities. We are excited about working with you to plant the first…
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Marlborough Chinese Community family day
Read more: Marlborough Chinese Community family dayWe had a wonderful afternoon with families from the Marlborough Chinese Community, exploring the Grovetown Lagoon and its forests on a sensory treasure hunt, visiting the bird hide, and enjoying a relaxed picnic in the late afternoon sun. It’s always…
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Plants for supporting kererū
Read more: Plants for supporting kererūThe kererū is vital to the survival of Aotearoa’s native forests. It is the only bird capable of swallowing and dispersing large native fruits (greater than 12mm in diameter) whole. Tree species such as tawa and miro rely on kererū…
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What’s in a name…
Read more: What’s in a name…What’s in a name? Quite a lot, as it turns out. We knew our new “mapping app” didn’t adequately describe the kaupapa or the significance of this new tool. It’s not just about displaying sites on a map – it’s…
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Profiling our working group: Helen Braithwaite
Read more: Profiling our working group: Helen BraithwaiteThe Wairau Nature Network working group is powered by people who have an immense wealth of experience. Next in our profile series is Helen Braithwaite, a true stalwart of nature whose behind-the-scenes efforts keep things moving without fuss. What inspired…
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From ditches to wetlands: Restoring and reconnecting waterways
Read more: From ditches to wetlands: Restoring and reconnecting waterwaysWhat a fantastic Connecting Waterways workshop we had! It had it all – the technical, the informative, and the aspirational. But the real highlight was hearing connections being made across our network. Those conversations and shared ideas are where the…
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Working with your neighbours to enhance habitat connectivity
Read more: Working with your neighbours to enhance habitat connectivityWairau Nature Network (WNN) helps weave together people, wildlife, and native ecosystems across the Wairau Catchment to enhance the health and connectivity of our natural habitats. One of the easiest ways to make a real difference is working with your…
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Planting green firebreaks to reduce wildfire
Read more: Planting green firebreaks to reduce wildfireFire season reminds us why smart planning in restoration matters. Green firebreaks are an amazing tool. While reducing wildfire risk, protecting forest remnants and infrastructure, they also enhance biodiversity and restoration timeframes. Watch this short extract (10 mins) from our recent…