Your stories
Tony Allan’s Story
Down here, we have some of the most spectacular lakes and rivers in the world. I caught my first fish in this lake, and I farm sheep and cattle beside it. Clean water is important for the stock and for the irrigation on the farm. I know clean water is also important for the fish in the lake so I am careful to use it efficiently and to protect the water quality. That way, I can continue to enjoy fishing here.
Auckland's Wai Care
Wai Care is a community based stream monitoring, education and action programme for community groups and schools throughout Auckland. It provides resources and group co-ordinators who give guidance for communities to monitor the water quality and health of their local stream. Wai Care also helps them to be involved in waterway management and to take action to enhance water quality in their local waterways.
All seven councils (Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere, Manukau, Papakura, Franklin and Rodney) involved in the programme have representation on the Steering Group, and provide funding for the co-ordinators roles. In 2005-06 the Wai Care was actively working with over 130 community groups, half of which were schools. The main strength of Wai Care is the focus on active participation, which is one of the strongest awareness tools available when it comes to making relevant the relationship between us, our actions and the environment. This is particularly the case in Auckland's urban environment, where people have increasingly less exposure to natural stream environments. Wai Care is a way for community groups and individuals to work closely with councils and contribute in a hands-on way to their environment as part of a 'big picture' programme.
Andy Palmer’s Story
For three generations my family has farmed, hunted and fished this land. As kids my brothers and I spent hours swimming, fishing and eeling in this creek. It was famous for its trout and salmon, but over time it became discoloured and overgrown. I knew that for my boys to have what I had, I needed to do something about it. My dad cleared out the old willows and blackberries, and I fenced off my stock and planted the banks with natives. That was seven years ago, and the creek is in better shape than ever. I’ve taught my boys to swim and fish in here but, best of all, I’ve taught them to look after water.
Arthur Rangiteka’s Story
This stream has been a life-source to my whanau for generations. As a child I swam in it, caught eels in it, and gathered puha from its banks, until run-off from a nearby farm made it unsafe. Losing access to our stream has affected us in so many ways, which is why I decided to do something about it. With the help of Environment Bay of Plenty, I’m working to keep our waters safe, so that generations to come can benefit from it. We need our lakes and rivers to live. Sometimes you have to stand up and fight for that. We only get one body of water, so let's look after it.