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 has secured funding for a rabbit proof fence, through the ORC Eco fund and plan to carry out control work before increasing the number of native trees.
To learn more about WAI Wānaka’s involvement in setting up and facilitating Urban Catchment Groups, click here.