In December, Regional Council staff and Te Wahapū o Waihī came together to break ground on a very special project – a first-of-its-kind wetland on the edge of the Waihī Estuary.

Known as the Cutwater Road wetland, this unique project is the first step in creating a ‘korowai around the Waihī Estuary’ – a protective buffer of wetlands that will help restore the health and mauri of this highly degraded area, which has been deeply affected over time.

This critical work is part of an overarching kaupapa to restore the estuary and retire 30ha of farmland, returning it to wetlands. These wetlands will ultimately improve water quality and support the revitalisation of the estuary’s biodiversity.