Waiatarua Stormwater Upgrade

Works Overview

Wetland Solutions was able to complete this project on-time and within budget. The project also enabled the implementation of provident planting techniques to facilitate the natural succession process.

Works included:

• Restoration (6ha)
• Ecological Weed control
• Plant supply (91,650)
• Planting & maintenance
• Animal and pest control

Background

New Zealand's largest urban wetland restoration project.  The principal function of the reserve is a huge stormwater treatment system that removes pollutants from the waterways and includes a network of drains, weirs, bunds and sediment traps.

Waiatarua Reserve plays a key role in trapping sediments contained in storm water run-off from the surrounding catchment areas, including the Orakei Basin.

Each year, about 130 tonnes of sediment and contaminants are washed out of the reserve into the Orakei Basin, causing long-term environmental damage and poor beach water quality.

Purpose

• This award winning project was designed to solve the problem of deteriorating water quality in the Orakei Basin and the Waitemata Harbour.

• To remove more than 80 per cent of contaminants in the stormwater run-off, which passes through the reserve (wetland) in Remuera.

Scope

• Stage 2 - planting native trees to provide year-round feed for birds, constructing new pathways and extending the network of weirs, drains and sediment traps built in stage one.

• Stage 3 – transformation of the centre of the reserve from a boggy swamp into a beautiful wetland, featuring viewing platforms, boardwalks, seating and educational signs.

• Ongoing maintenance – ecological weed control and plant replacements.

Open Wetland Waterways

Buffer Zone

Flood Plain

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