The restoration of Mangere and Wairua Rivers

Environment River Patrol

This project focuses on the restoration of Mangere and Wairua Rivers to protect the habitat and fisheries from impacts of unfenced farming and population.

Over the years, the banks and water quality of the rivers have degraded through stock use and animal carcasses polluting the waterways.  For several years, ERP-A founder Millan Ruka has voluntarily patrolled the waterways recording the subsequent degradation.  Millan has made many submissions to the Northland Regional Council, environmental authorities, the farming industry and iwi in respect of water quality under the Fonterra Diary Accord, the Hikurangi swamp drainage system, among other concerns.  ERP-A works on changing government policy to improve waterways.  Monitoring water to gain evidence of what is happening is the key to influencing decision making.