Turning Back Time
In an attempt to turn back time, part of the original riverbed of the Cashmere Stream is being unearthed and the stream is being restored to its original path.
OHRN News
More Portlink Problems
The developer of the Portlink Industrial Park in Woolston has run rough shod over the rules in the Christchurch District Plan.
Portlink Problems
The development of the Portlink Industrial Park in Woolston has recently raised a number of issues for the river and for local residents.
Christmas Wrappings
It is timely to look toward the coming year and to consider just what will be carried forward as unfinished business from 2022.
Cashmere Valley Dam
Who would have thought? Construction has begun on the Cashmere Valley Dam. Where and why is a dam required so near Christchurch.
Fumigation Alert
Fumigation of logs next to the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River appears to continue the exploitative relationship of industry with the river. Should we be concerned about methyl bromide in the river environment?
Wheelie Bin Latches
The answer to not having your rubbish end up in the river when your bin blows over in a storm is just obvious – wheelie bin latches!
Give the River its Space
Industrial disrespect for giving the river its space is continuing in 2022 with the Portlink development. Don’t ignore the 30metre setback.
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?
2022 Annual Report
Click to open the 2022 Annual Report
The Newest Saltmarsh
The Ferrymead Heathcote Saltmarsh is largely restoring itself amongst shallow ponds created by the City Council.
Springs research opportunity
A research opportunity for a university student who is interested in the environment – our Springs Project.
Where’s it happening?
Here’s a summary of what is happening and where the community action is taking place.
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.
Climate Change – River Research
OHRN is embarking on the effect of climate change on the river and its community, with the support of funding from the Christchurch City Council’s Environment Partnerships Fund.
Paint your roof
You can help reduce the level of dissolved zinc in the river by painting your roof.
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.
Why is the river brown? Does it matter?
Why the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River is brown after rainfall, why it matters and what can be done about it. What can be done to improve the health of our river?