South of Waikouaiti my farmer spotted a large area of new planting. It’s part of
Toitū Te Hakapupu: The Pleasant River Catchment Restoration Project :
Otago Regional Council is partnering with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki to restore and enhance the mauri and health of this important East Otago river system. For Kāi Tahu, the river was an important kāika mahika kai (food gathering settlement) where tuna (eels), pātiki (flounders) and īnaka (whitebait) were abundant. Today’s diverse community, whose own history, connection, and livelihood are tied to this catchment, are important collaborators in the success of this project.
