It is very easy to take for granted those things that are passively part of our daily lives, like the river that meanders through parts of our city.  Taking a few moments to appreciate all that it brings to our lives is important – for the river and for us.

The Ōpāwaho Heathcote River commences its meandering journey as pure, freshwater springs in the Christchurch suburbs of Middleton, Hillmorton, Hoon Hay and Halswell.  They rise to the surface from shallow aquifers charged with water from the Waimakariri River and rainfall percolating through rafts of glacial outwash gravels from the Southern Alps.

While the flow from these springs has often previously been confined to farm drains in this region, now these sources of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River are increasingly treasured and their banks enhanced by native plantings.  Along the way, retention ponds created on floodplains previously used as farmland, provide not only flood protection but also habitat for freshwater ecosystems including birdlife.  The planting of native grasses and sedges in and around these ponds and the provision of paths for recreation provides areas in Wigram, Hoon Hay and Halswell where families, small groups, individuals and their pets all find a space to enjoy.

From the Cashmere Valley, water from the Cashmere Stream joins in to double the size of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River at the Shalimar Drive bridge. Its meander continues through the residential suburbs of Somerfield, Thorrington, Beckenham and St Martins. The banks of the river are more confining and steeper here, the river running fast and shallow enough in places to create minor rapid runs for macrobiotic life and to also create the sound of running water for us to enjoy.  Large exotic trees dominate the riverbanks, providing shade to the river and to those who sit and walk on the riverbank. The river provides a focus, a view to be treasured, a moving natural feature to create charm in the midst of suburbia.

The river passes and waters several major and minor reserves on its edge: Ashgrove, Ernle Clark and Farnley.  These reserves, whether regenerating bush or replanted areas of native vegetation, create habitat for adjacent ecosystems of the river as well as providing recreation spaces for local residents; places for sculpture, for quiet contemplation or just the eating of lunch in the midst of a busy city or paths for fitness and exercise away from traffic.

Unseen springs, as well as more visible tributaries, often piped, swell the flow of the river as it flows between Hansen Park and King George V Reserve and swings under the Opawa Road bridge. Twice daily, the flow below here is held up by the incoming tide, floating matter moving up and downstream with the flow.  The surrounding land here is often lower, the river rising on the high tide to very close to the top of the riverbanks. This is prime breeding grounds for inanga but the river is home also for tuna, both long and short-finned, as well as mullet.

As the river passes between the recently replanted Connal and Laura Kent Reserves into Woolston, the effect of increased salinity subtly alters the atmosphere of the river, its banks now more heavily planted in harakeke and native species tolerant of the salt, its water murkier due to the intrusion of saltwater. Yet, still the riverbanks provide recreational amenity and peaceful points for watching the water move by and for appreciating life.  After it meets the Barrage Gates, the water swirls languidly to enter the Woolston Loop which is gradually losing its industrial grip of the river with increasing regeneration along the banks.  People fish in the Cut, walk and sit on its manmade sides and feed the gulls.

Through tentative saltwater margins, the river merges itself into the tidal estuary at Ferrymead loosing its sediment load onto the mudflats where crabs scurry to scavenge their meal while the tide is right, and where grey herons stalk.

There is so much beauty and serenity that we take for granted as this awa passes through our city and our lives.  We should take a moment to stop and appreciate this taonga of our city .