OHRN News

River Flowed Brown

Following the highest recorded July rainfall, low-lying areas of Christchurch were largely spared the flooding that would normally be expected from such an inundation, but the river flowed brown for a week after the rain eased. Why?

Tools for Volunteers

There is a need in community groups working on the river for tools and equipment for willing volunteers.  The OHRN has stepped forward to help with tools for volunteers.

Riverside Parking

When the mud washes into the river, we get a muddy river which is a real problem for what gives it life – its mauri.  And then we have cars making mud by riverside parking!

Lower River Guidance

The City Council has just endorsed and published the Lower Ōpāwaho Heathcote Guidance Plan. What on earth is a Guidance Plan, where did this spring from and what will it do for the river?

Rebuild or Repair

The South Library is slated for repair or rebuild, and yet it is only 20 years old.  What can the river possibly have to do with it all?

About our cats

It is time to talk about our cats – our urban cats in particular – and what we can do about their hunting down of our native birds and reptiles.

Building Sediment

One of the sources of sediment, particularly on the hills, is from building sites.  Each time we open the surface of the land, we give water the opportunity to wash building sediment into the river.

Flooded out

For those who live near the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River, the options available to avoid being flooded out are narrowing down towards one.

It’s Not a Drain

The Council is required to stop treating it as an actual drain and to treat it as a taonga.  That involves us – those who live beside it – as well as our local government.

Dealing to Dog Poo

What can a dog owner do in dealing to dog poo, apart from the obvious? Here is a staged approach to what dog owners might accomplish.