Kirimoko Catchment Group
The group’s goals include maintaining and enhancing the existing Kirimoko summit biodiversity efforts, fostering a sense of community connection and involvement in projects meaningful to the local Kirimoko community. As well as increasing and enhancing local biodiversity and recreational access through a combination of community and professional engagement.
These goals aim to create, regenerate, and enhance an area of ecological, social, and recreational significance for Kirimoko residents and the wider Upper Clutha. While also showcasing how a community can come together to protect and improve their local environment and neighbourhood.
The group kick started their efforts in 2022 with a Kirimoko planting event – a collaboration between Bike Wānaka, WAI Wānaka, Southern Lakes Sanctuary, Wānaka Backyard Trapping, Matukutuki Natives and Southern Ventures.
WHERE TO NEXT?
The group has a long-term focus of biodiversity enhancement and aim to increase both native flora and fauna. However, first they need to control the rabbit problem! See below a night shot of rabbits around the planting site, and a rabbit ring barked mature tree.
The Group secured funding for a rabbit proof fence, through the ORC Eco fund, which has now been completed and the group are focusing on raising the rest of the funds needed to install 3 x cattle stops and 1 pedestrian gate at the 4 entrances to the fenced reserve.
By doing this, the group can achieve total containment of the area, which will increase the efficacy of planned rabbit control efforts.
The group hold regular maintenance evenings over the growing season, which will begin again in spring this year. More details to come!
To learn more about WAI Wānaka’s involvement in setting up and facilitating Urban Catchment Groups, click here.