Waikanae River Environment
The Waikanae River is one of the distinctive natural features which draws people to the Waikanae area and is highly valued by the local community. The river and its estuary are ecologically important, providing habitat for native fish and a range of bird species. The recreational value of the river and floodplain is increased by their closeness to residential areas, and the variety of activities they can provide.
However, as well as being a great asset, there are times when the river floods, causing considerable damage and cost to the community. To ensure the rivers environmental and recreational values are not impaired, an Environmental Strategy has been prepared. It presents the community's long-term vision for the Waikanae River and its corridor and describes how this vision can be achieved.
Long-term vision for the Waikanae River
Protecting and enhancing the Waikanae River greenbelt to add to the river s value as a landscape feature, to improve recreational opportunities, provide an ecological corridor for movement of animals and to ultimately be part of a broader plan to develop a network of green belts on the floodplain.