Pest Plants
The Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network has published two free posters. Armed with these, you can play a role in combating the ecological effects of weeds on the river.
OHRN News
Source of Sediment
After heavy rain, the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River runs an uninviting shade of brown. If you trace the flow upstream, the trail leads to very clear culprits.
Tidal Barrier Revisited
The proposal for a tidal barrier to prevent flooding has been revived. We look at the issues it raises.
Eradicating Glyceria
This November, the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network commences a programme to eradicate a pest plant before it takes over much of the riverbank and chokes the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River.
The Other Whitebaiting Rules
The rules for whitebaiting have changed a little, but there are some other whitebaiting rules which have never changed.
Help Bring Back the Birds
We need your help! We are launching an initiative to control rats and mice along the riverbank, creating a habitat in which our native birds can return and thrive.
King Tides
The lower Ōpāwaho Heathcote River was higher than normal recently – it was a time of king tides.
Riparian Change
Efforts are being made to improve water quality and to reform the river’s urban-impacted riparian margins.
Naming the River
The river has always been known by a name that has been passed down through generations. New signs are now guiding our awareness of it.
Planting the River
The Urban Forest Plan, adopted by the City Council in 2023, is already changing the look of parks and reserves within the city. But how will the river be planted?
Controlling the Flood
The rain event at the end of April 2025 deposited over 140mm of rain on Christchurch over two days. Inevitable flooding of houses was largely averted by retention ponds. What happens behind the scenes?
Portlink Lessons
In the aftermath of the Portlink fiasco, the best we can hope for is to learn good lessons from it.
Two Bad Grasses
Although introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s, two introduced exotic grasses are now starting to take over the banks of our river’s lower reaches.
Portlink Loss
The Environment Court has made a decision that will see the Portlink Industrial Park become a permanent eyesore and noise headache for all who pass along Ferry Road or who live near it.
Wheelie Bin Latch Trial
ŌHRN trialled the use of wheelie bin latches in Christchurch during 2024. Here are the results of that trial.
Action Items
A list and brief explanation of items in our 2024/2025 Action Plan which will carry the Network forward into the next year or two.
Report card
The annual report card on the health of our river has been released by the Christchurch City Council and while there is a glimmer of improvement, its pretty much the same as previously – poor.
Litter Boom
Reducing the amount of plastic rubbish and litter entering the estuary and the sea is important for the health of many foodchains, including our own.
Extinction of Experience
Ōtautahi Christchurch is dominated by exotic trees that perpetuate the “extinction of experience” – we need to start reversing this.
2024 Annual Report
Read the 2024 Annual Report of the organisation.
Protecting Te Mana o Te Wai
The coalition government is embarking on changes to the Resource Management Act including proposed changes to Te Mana o Te Wai.
Headwater Springs
Understanding the health of springs – what we learnt from an ecological survey of a headwater spring.
Research Results
The Cawthron Institute has been leading a research project looking at the effectiveness of environmental collectives, one of which has been the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network. The research report is now available to read.
Portlink Decisions
Compromise has been the winner in the Portlink development battle…but while the battle is far from over, it appears that the river has lost some of its setback.