Restoring Raupare

Led by local legend Brian McLay and the Raupare Enhancement Society, in partnership with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Karamū River Catchment Collective, the scheme focuses on restoring stream banks, planting natives, and protecting freshwater habitats. This week alone, 1.6 kilometres of riparian planting was completed with trees carefully placed to provide shade, stabilise banks, and cool the water for native aquatic life. Brian, known for his creative teaching methods (including sandpit aquifers), has inspired Twyford’s tamariki to become kaitiaki, or guardians, of the stream many of their families farm alongside.

Supported by local growers like Mr Apple, Freshco, T&G, Willowford Alma Alta and Alistair Yule the scheme exemplifies collective responsibility where farming, education, and environmental care go hand in hand. 

At a time when the region faces tightening water restrictions and growing environmental pressures, the Raupare enhancement work stands as a reminder that meaningful change begins when communities come together. 

Along the banks of the Raupare Stream in the Karamu catchment, children from Twyford School spent the morning planting riparian trees, learning about biodiversity, water quality, pest control and mulching. It’s all part of the Raupare Stream Enhancement Scheme; a community driven project improving ecological health in one of the region’s most productive growing areas. 

By working hand in hand to protect our waterways, we honour one of our most precious taonga, water, securing its health not just for today, but for generations to come. It shows that through collective care and commitment, even the smallest actions can ripple out to create lasting change.