Skip Content

Several tonnes of debris were removed from the Huihuitaha Wetlands at Lake Karapiro by Taumatua kaimahi on a river clean-up project last week.

Tumutaumatua Leesah Murray on river clean-up duty.

The river clean up project was the final activity for a two-day noho that was themed “Looking After Our Communities - acknowledging the past and protecting the future.”

Above: Strategy and Performance Lead Lindsay Baxter (left) and Kaiwhakarite matua Charmaine Heta share the load.

The uepū cleared out willow and privet branches from the sides of the Waikato River Trails boardwalk on Horahora Road so native plants can grow there and thrive.

The Waikato River Trails is a combined walkway and cycleway along the Waikato River.

Senior Analyst Richard Te Moananui channels his inner eco-warrior.

It runs for 100kms and passes through the South Waikato and Taupo.

Waikato River Trails Trust general manager Glyn Wooller says restoration work for the Huihuitaha Wetlands was part of a broader riparian restoration project to plant 12,000 native trees each year.

“The whole point of this wetland restoration and our wider riparian management around the river is to increase biodiversity,“ says Glyn.

He says once the native plants are established more native birds will return.

Glyn is looking forward to working with the eco-warriors from the wānanga again on future conservation projects.

“The team brought a great sense of fun to the task while achieving an awesome result.”

Above Image: A big bonfire for the tonnes of debris collected.

Kaiwhakarite matua Charmaine Heta from Te Puna Mātauranga says the conservation project was an excellent community service initiative and team-building opportunity.

She thoroughly enjoyed the physical work and describes the overall experience as “uplifting”.



 Back to news & events

Published On: 30 June 2015

Article By: Alice Te Puni



Other Articles

  • 24 April 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education since the opening of O-Tāwhao Marae. Join us for a special Taringa podcast episode and livestream on Facebook.

  • 22 April 2025

    From kaupapa to K-pop

    Discover the inspiring journey of Shelley Hoani, who earned her Doctorate in Indigenous Development and Advancement with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Learn how her passion for education, Rangahau, and K-pop has shaped her life and career at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

  • 09 April 2025

    Rangatahi carving their own way forward

    Discover how Tāmaki rangatahi are carving their way into a brighter future through the Mahi ā Toi Academy at Rutherford College. Learn how this programme blends traditional Māori art of whakairo with modern tools, fostering a strong connection to whakapapa and Māori culture.

  • 9 April 2025

    Finding strength and a future through social work

    Discover the inspiring journey of Tessa Thompson, a social work tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how the Manaaki Tāngata programme and dedicated kaiako helped her overcome challenges and pursue a career in social work. Explore her commitment to making a positive impact on her whānau and community in Kawerau, and her aspirations to mentor rangatahi.