The group is the first recipient of North Canterbury Fish and Game’s Working with Nature Award for outstanding efforts to improve local freshwater habitats.
The award recognises what Fish and Game describes as the dedicated efforts of a number of farmers to protect and give back to the Waikuku Stream.
North Canterbury Fish and Game’s environmental advisor Scott Pearson said the award was introduced to acknowledge the growing number of farmers who have taken their own steps to improve or protect streams and rivers near their properties.
“Fish and Game has been critical of the plight of many Canterbury streams and rivers, but at the same time we actively seek workable solutions to the problem.
“The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate some local success stories.”
Waikuku Water Management Group leader Bill Wilson said they were especially pleased to be the inaugural winners.
“The group felt it was time to payback something to our waterways which have been such a benefit to their families.
“Our members have focused on being a hundred percent compliant with their effluent management and getting recognition for their decades of water management over is hugely satisfying.
The group won the prize for devising an innovative way to decide who most needs the limited water resources available at any given time.
This allocation was critical over spring and summer when low flows in the Waikuku Stream require consented water users to carefully manage how much water they take.
By collectively sharing their water allocation, the group has found a solution that is more sustainable for both the environment and their farming operations.
“The results speak for themselves,” Pearson said.
“The salmon are now back in the Waikuku, with healthy numbers returning to spawn.
“What makes this all the more special is that this wonderful sight is now uncommon in lowland Canterbury streams.”
A field trip is planned for the coming spring.
