Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust

01/10/2026

🌿 Waimakariri Environmental Awards 2026 🌿

Do you know an individual, youth group, organisation, or community project making a positive impact on the environment in the Waimakariri District? The 2026 Environmental Awards celebrate those championing conservation, restoration, sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental connection. Nominations and applications are now open, with entries closing at 5pm on 30 October 2026. Let's recognise the people and projects helping protect and enhance our local environment.

For more information on the awards and details on how to submit an application, check out the Waimakariri District Council link below:

Waimakariri Environmental Awards We're on the lookout for individuals or groups who undertake, champion, or inspire environmental protection, conservation, restoration or sustainability, within the Waimakariri District. There are numerous inspirational people,

18/09/2026

Selecting native plants that attract beneficial insects: A Canterbury Guide

Great new Canterbury Guide to our native plants and the beneficial insects they attract was launched this week.

WBT thoroughly recommends this superb guide – the product of five years’ science from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Canterbury farmers, primary industry bodies, local and regional councils, conservation trusts and planting design and establishment experts.

Available as a gorgeous 142-page paperback or on-line version at the below link.

Online guide found at the link below:
https://www.bioeconomyscience.co.nz/news-and-events/news/2026-news/new-guide-launched-to-boost-beneficial-insects-on-canterbury-farms

18/09/2026

An engaged crowd full of questions heard three Environment Canterbury staff update Waimakariri locals on the big stopbank revamp planned for the Ashley Rakahuri River and some of the superb biodiversity in the riverbed.

Look out for details on our third and final lecture on 28 September.

Picture 1: ECan river engineer Liam Allan updated locals on the $15 million budgeted on stopbank options to increase the river’s flood capacity from its present 2400cubic metres a second to 3900cumecs. Decisions on which option will be adopted by ECan are expected by the end of the year.

Picture 2: ECan braided river revival officer Amy-Grace McIlraith shows photos of the tiny native boulder copper butterflies found in the Rangiora reach of the Ashley-Rakahuri River.

30/08/2026

We had a fantastic planting day last Tuesday, with 850 plants going into the ground at two locations along Saltwater Creek in about three hours!

It was also great to see last year’s plantings growing strongly and to spot a large bed of freshwater mussels in the creek, a really encouraging sign for the local freshwater environment. Once established, plantings around a tight bend in Saltwater Creek where flooding has been causing erosion should help stabilise the banks over time.

Thanks again to everyone involved for helping improve and protect this special local waterway.

22/08/2026

🌱 A huge effort at our recent wetland planting day in Kaiapoi! With the help of the Student Volunteer Army, more than 850 native trees were planted, an incredible achievement and a continuation of the great restoration work already underway in this special wetland.

This site is especially important because bittern, a Threatened – Nationally Critical species, have been observed using the wetland. Planting days like this help improve and expand habitat, supporting the hope that these remarkable birds may one day visit the area in greater numbers.

Thinking about planting natives on your property, or keen to learn more about freshwater environments in your area? Get in touch with the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust at the email below for free advice. 🌿

[email protected]

13/08/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Blake Street Pollinator Path planting day! 🌿

Together, we helped create a beautiful plant pathway to welcome more pollinators and wildlife, from bees and butterflies to beetles and moths, into our urban spaces. It was wonderful to see the community come together, get hands in the soil, and grow something positive for the future. 🐝🪲🦋

We planted a variety of plants to attract pollinators including koromiko, coprosma, and muehlenbeckia. If you want guidance on plant selection for your own urban garden, feel free to reach out to the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust at [email protected]

02/06/2026

MainPower Waimakariri Biodiversity Fund now open!

We're thrilled to announce the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust has teamed up with MainPower for a third year to deliver the 2026 round of the Waimakariri Biodiversity Fund.

This contestable fund offers up to $10,000 to support local projects that enhance biodiversity in the Waimakariri region.​

​​Applications will close on Friday 3rd July 2026

Find our more and apply here.
https://www.wbt.org.nz/mainpower-biodiversity-fund

06/05/2026

Congratulations again to our top three Waimakariri Nature Photo Comp winners – David Dalgety, Ellie Morgan, and Lavina Pockson - who all received up a beautiful, high-quality framed print of their photos thanks to Cameo Fine Arts in Rangiora.
Thanks again to our other sponsors Potton and Burton and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for donating books and vouchers to our winners.