As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on what an incredible journey this year has been. We’ve loved connecting with you all, and it’s inspiring to see our community continue to grow alongside the amazing projects happening across our region.

In our newsletters you will find:

🧭 Inspiring stories from the field

🛠️ Practical resources to support your mahi

📅 Upcoming events to get involved in

💰 Funding opportunities currently open for applications

Most importantly, this newsletter is about you. If you have a story, a tip, or a trick to share, we’d love to hear from you. Your contributions help strengthen connections and spark inspiration for others committed to conservation across the region.

Sian, Tyler, Martin & Christina

P.S Our next edition will be in February 2026. If you have something you want to share, send an email no later than Monday 2 February 2026.

FEATURE STORIES

A Community Effort to restore the Somme Parade Walkway

In early 2025, a vision began to take shape along the banks of the Whanganui River. Led by dedicated volunteer Mandy Brooke, and supported by the Whanganui District Council, contractors, Ngā Tangata Tiaki, local hapū, and Port Whanganui, the Somme Parade Walkway Revegetation Project is breathing new life into a treasured stretch of riverbank.

With funding from the Horizons Regional Council’s Kanorau Koiora Taketake programme and the Whanganui River Enhancement Trust, plus practical support from the Department of Conservation, who loaned spades, vests, and lent a hand with planting, this project is truly a collective effort.

In just the past three months, volunteers have poured in 130 hours of planting, weeding, and rubbish clearing. Almost 1,000 native plants that have been sourced from Minimoor, Prison, and Tarapuruhi Bushy Park nurseries have already been planted. The species mix were selected from a tōtara forest understory – this planting is on free draining pumice soils, and tōtara forest is the most likely ancient vegetation for this area. There were already mature totara planted at the far end of this walkway. Plentiful clusters of kōwhai have been planted along the pathway as well as many lower growing species to maintain the sense of space and views from above.

Volunteers, recruited mostly by word of mouth, have tackled steep banks and fragile soils with care, ensuring erosion is minimized. They work in blocks of two hours, and currently work two sessions per week clearing weeds and rubbish along the upper bank of the full length of the walkway. The plan is to continue when needed to clear the weeds around the establishing plants. 

Already, the difference is visible. Passersby pause to acknowledge how much cleaner and more cared-for the space feels. Volunteers in high-vis vests not only ensure safety along the busy footpath, but also signal to the community that something important is happening here.

As weeds are managed and rubbish cleared, the walkway will continue to transform. Next winter, more native plants will be added, building on the foundation laid this year.

The Somme Parade Walkway Revegetation Project is more than just planting trees, the vision is a thriving riverside walkway lined with diverse native plantings that restores connection. While honouring and reconnecting Te Awa Tupua to the city, and creating a space that future generations will cherish.

To receive occasional email updates for volunteers, sign up here. The team will be taking a break over the summer period till approx. March/April 2026.

Connecting Conservation Workshop - An Inspirational Day

At the end of November, we proudly hosted our very first Connecting Conservation Workshop, a day designed to bring people together, share knowledge, and strengthen the collective effort to protect and restore our environment.

The workshop began with amorning session where participants gathered to hear inspiring presentations and exchange resources. We heard from Weber School, who shared their journey of restoring the creek that flows beside their school grounds. Their story was not only a showcase of student-led action but also a reminder of how young people can lead the way in caring for our environment. 

The kōrero brought together people from different groups and backgrounds, sparking new collaborations and planting the seeds of future projects. It was a powerful reminder that when knowledge and passion are shared, the possibilities for positive change multiply.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to practical skill-building at Ferry Reserve. Our pest plant advisor Abi, demonstrated different equipment and methods used to tackle invasive species.

A short walk through the reserve added another layer of learning, as participants identified native plants and pest species in the field.

The success of the day was made possible by the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone who joined us. It was inspiring to see so many people eager to learn, share, and contribute.

This event was just one step in a larger journey. We look forward to offering more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and skill-building in the future. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community, one that celebrates biodiversity, protects our natural spaces, and empowers people to take action.

Restoring Indigenous Wetlands at Pukeroa

This year the team at Matter Farm  kicked off their long-term biodiversity restoration programme, proudly supported by the Kanorau Koiora Taketake – Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant. Together they planted 2,400 native trees and shrubs across 1.6 hectares of riparian margins and erosion-prone areas on their sheep and beef farm.

Situated within the Mowhanau headwaters, the project contributes directly to the wider catchment’s vision: improving freshwater quality and building ecological resilience throughout the Mowhanau Stream. 

Plant species were selected using the Manawatū Riparian Planting Guide to ensure a mix of shrubs, grasses, and trees that create habitat, stabilise banks, and filter runoff before it enters the waterway. These plantings are already taking hold, with improved ground cover and early signs of reduced sediment entering the stream.

One of the year’s most memorable achievements was the incredible level of community involvement. Across two planting days, they welcomed 110 volunteers from across the region. Participants included local residents, Horizons Regional Council staff, catchment group representatives, and two enthusiastic school groups—WCS international students and boarders, and Westmere School Year 7–8 students, supported by their dedicated teachers.

Their enthusiasm and hard work added enormous value, transforming the project into not just an environmental initiative but a genuinely community-driven effort in stewardship and learning.

Collectively, this year’s progress has laid a strong ecological foundation while strengthening community connection to the land and to the health of the Mowhanau Stream. With continued maintenance, further corridor planting, and additional volunteer days planned, we are excited to build on this momentum and contribute meaningfully to the long-term goals of the Mowhanau catchment: healthier water, resilient biodiversity, and a thriving landscape for future generations.

A Special bird on the Whanganui Estuary

The Whanganui River Estuary may not be large or widely known, but it plays host to an extraordinary annual visitor. Each summer, a small number of Arctic waders arrive here, resting and feeding before embarking on their epic journey back north to Alaska to breed.

In December 2008 we noticed a kuaka/bar-tailed godwit with a white flag engraved with the letters AJD. The flag had been fitted by Massey University as part of their effort to track these international birds. Since 2008 I have observed AJD and learned a lot about him, even writing a book in 2021, called ‘Feats Beyond Amazing’. Many questions were raised that indicate these birds are a wonder of nature, achieving things we still cannot understand. How can a small bird fly non-stop from Alaska to NZ, 12,000 kms down the length of the Pacific Ocean? How can they navigate over trackless oceans? How do they know the time, mostly migrating north from NZ on the same day, and hour, every year?

AJD is now back for his 18th season on the Whanganui River Estuary, and we expect him to depart once again on 25 March 2026. He is known world-wide and interested people have come from Alaska, Korea, China, USA, Australia, and all over NZ, to get a look at our special bird.

A local group of our indigenous community have formed the ‘Whanganui Kuaka Collective 'with scholars from Victoria University leading the effort and bringing to our attention the connections of the Whanganui River, and its people, to the Arctic, through the annual migration of the Kuaka/bar-tailed godwit. Their purpose is to demonstrate indigenous leadership in global conservation.

Many people are unaware that these international migrants share our estuary. Human activities, such as exercising the dog, fixed fishing lines, and 4x4 vehicles tearing up the foreshore and pose risks to the kuaka’s fragile habitat. Education and awareness are vital, and simple steps like installing informative signage can make a real difference.

AJD’s story is more than a tale of one bird. It is a reminder that our small estuary is part of a vast global network, connecting Whanganui to Alaska and beyond. Protecting these birds means protecting our shared future.

Story by Paul Gibson

Image: The colour changes in AJD occur in males only, and takes place over the last couple of months before they migrate. Males are also smaller than the females.

Stop the spread of the Gold Clam

Corbicula fluminea (more commonly known as gold clam) is an exotic freshwater clam which is native to easter Asia and widely established in Europe, North and South America.

It was first found in New Zealand at Bob’s Landing area of the Waikato River near Lake Karāpiro in May 2023, and later found in the Waikato River from Lake Maraetai Landing to Tuakau, and more recently found closer to home at Lake Rotomanu in Taranaki on 12 November 2025.

The good news is we have no evidence of gold clam in the Horizons Region, and we want to keep it that way. 

🐚 Why is gold clam a problem?

• Fast breeders: They reproduce quickly and thrive in a wide range of temperatures.

• High densities: In the right conditions, populations can explode around lake and river edges.

• Competition with native species: They outcompete our freshwater species for food and space.

• Infrastructure risks: Gold clam can clog electricity generation plants, irrigation systems, and water treatment facilities.

• No proven eradication: Once established, they are extremely difficult to remove.

🚣 How do they spread?

One of the fastest ways freshwater pests move between waterways is through recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Even tiny fragments or larvae can hitch a ride on wet gear.

✅ What can you do?

Help protect our region from gold clam, didymo and other freshwater pests by following the Check, Clean, Dry steps every time you move between waterways:

• Check: Remove any plant material, mud, or animals from your gear.

• Clean: Wash equipment thoroughly with hot water if possible.

• Dry: Ensure everything is completely dry before using it again.

📸 Think you've spotted a gold clam

• Take a photo if possible

• Note the exact location

• Report it by calling 0800 809 966 or completing the online form  here  

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

This is a selection of funding that is currently open for applications. You will need to read through each one to understand the application process & criteria and make sure to answer the questions with the specific information they need to assess your application.

ALL YEAR FUNDERS

This is a selection of funding that is available to apply for all year round, you will need to to read through each one to understand the application process & criteria and make sure to answer the questions with the specific information they need to assess your application.

Mātauranga Kura Taiao Fund - For whānau, hapū and iwi to preserve traditional Māori knowledge and its practical use in the management of indigenous biodiversity.

Ngā Whenua Rāhui - For protection of the natural integrity of Māori land and preserve mātauranga Māori.

ENM Environmental Initiatives Fund - For small grants less than $1000 For Palmerston North city only for biodiversity protection and enhancement

Whanganui Community Foundation

Four Regions Trust - For Whanganui, Rangitieki and Ruapehu only no specific fund categories

Pub Charity - For providing some enduring or demonstrable community benefit

The Lion Foundation 

RESOURCES 

This section is for sharing some great web links to information, consumables or equipment that you may have to share or you may have a question that would be worth asking others. Send us an email with any of this information and we can share it here.

Environment Network Manawatū Calendar 

Predator Free New Zealand 

Manawatū Estuary Dune Garden - It's an easily accessed ephemeral dune wetland area within the Ramsar site, with rare and endangered plant and invertebrate species.

Arnim Littek is a regular visitor with many observations of activity at this site.  If you would like to know more or receive his regular updates email him here.

Manawatū Estuary Information and Advice - Every week day morning EXCEPT Tuesdays, 9am to 12 noon at the Senior Citizens Hall, 207 Seabury Ave, Foxton Beach

iNaturalist

iNaturalist has become an incredible international resource, go and explore the many opportunities this resource can provide.

• Post a picture to get experts providing you with identification. 
• Look at your area and see what people have found there. 
• Join a group and collaborate.

Click the “explore” tab and then click on the map to scroll to the location you are after. You can click on one of the markers to see what’s there, or focus on an area and then click grid to see everything that has been found.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 

JOIN THE TRIBE | Tōtara Reserve Indigenous Biodiversity Enhancement

The second Tuesday of every month between 10am -2pm at the reserve.

We will meet you at the Kererū Campground office block for a 10am start for the health and safety briefing, and then you can participate for as long as you can up to 2pm

We will be doing a variety of different tasks during the year so keep an eye on our events tab for full details and any updates to meeting locations.

All essential equipment required will be supplied, including gloves and Hi-vis vests, so you just need to dress appropriately to keep warm, dry and protected from the sun and bring some sunscreen, water and lunch.

If you have any questions please about volunteering at Tōtara Reserve please email us on here

Need help with something??

email us on BiodiversityCommunityTeam@horizons.govt.nz