Transforming Waterway Management: The Ararira Catchment Management Plan

Overview of the Collaborative Effort

In 2020, the Selwyn District Council (SDC) partnered with Te Taumutu Rūnanga, the Department of Conservation, and the DOC-Fonterra Living Water Partnership to have a Catchment Management Plan (CMP) and Implementation Guide (IG) developed for the Ararira/LII River drainage district, that forms part of the Te Waihora catchment. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to reshape waterway management by integrating ecological and cultural values, while maintaining essential drainage services. EOS Ecology and Aqualinc partnered together to deliver this for the Project Team, with EOS Ecology playing a pivotal role in the plan’s creation, leading the development of the CMP and designing the IG document output to ensure lasting, positive change.

A New Vision for Waterways

The CMP and IG reflect a transformative approach to waterway management, balancing the region’s need for drainage with a deep commitment to preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of the Ararira catchment. Taking a catchment-scale perspective, we collated and analysed ecological and water quality data, and worked closely with the Project Team and other stakeholders to identify key issues and challenges, and design solutions that promoted both sustainable drainage and the health of local ecosystems. These strategies were crafted to foster a thriving rural community in harmony with a vibrant natural environment.

Implementing Practical Solutions

The plan’s reach extends across public and private lands, from Council-owned drainage networks to farm-level practices. EOS Ecology identified a range of solutions tailored to different types of waterways, addressing sediment management and enhancing ecosystem resilience. A suite of catchment-scale and reach-scale tools were developed to manage ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial waterways, thus helping to mitigate the catchment’s core issues while protecting the mauri (life force) of its waters.

Preparing for the Future of Te Waihora

The Ararira CMP and IG not only support the local ecosystem but serve as a model that can be applied to other drainage districts within the Te Waihora catchment. The blueprint we have created positions the Selwyn District Council to make informed, strategic decisions that will help to improve the health of Te Waihora and the Ararira/LII catchment. These documents prepare SDC to respond effectively to future needs, embodying an adaptable, sustainable approach that other regions across New Zealand can emulate.

EOS Ecology’s Role in Delivering and Disseminating the Plan

EOS Ecology’s team not only spearheaded the creation of the CMP but also contributed GIS expertise, developing spatial data to accurately map the waterways. The team’s design work made these documents accessible for public dissemination, with visuals that clearly communicate the path toward achieving resilient, healthy waterways. Following the successful handover of these plans to SDC in 2023, EOS Ecology continues to collaborate with Aqualinc on similar CMPs, expanding the impact of this vital work.