When you think of flood protection, wetlands probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in the heart of Kaipātiki, nature is showing us a better way.
Wetlands — those lush, spongy, sometimes muddy corners of the landscape are one of our best defences against flooding. And thanks to the efforts of volunteers, local experts and a growing community of curious, committed people, we’re restoring them together right here on Auckland’s North Shore.
More Than a Clean-Up: Real Stories from the Stream
At a recent stream clean-up in Eskdale Reserve, a group of volunteers arrived ready to work and left with more than just muddy boots.
“The group came well prepared for the task and adapted quickly, even with the challenging terrain,” noted Maria, Restoration Co-Ordinator. “Tasks were shared thoughtfully based on individual strengths, and by the end of the day, the site was left clean and tidy.”
That’s no small feat. Volunteers removed bags of rubbish, including timber, plastics and even a long-forgotten fence pulled from the stream bed. The debris was too bulky for bags and had to be loaded directly into the Kaipātiki Project van.
But what stood out even more than the haul was the curiosity and conversation. There were plenty of questions about the stream, past flooding and the natural processes at play. People realised how much pollution our streams quietly carry and that we all have a role to play.
This is what community flood resilience is all about. Not just clearing a stream, but learning, connecting and building a stronger, more flood-ready future together.
Why This Work Matters
In Kaipātiki, streams like Eskdale Stream and Kaipātiki Stream flow through native forest, past homes and into Oruamo | Hellyers Creek, reaching Waitematā Harbour. Along the way, wetlands and riparian zones act as natural buffers, soaking up floodwaters, filtering pollutants and slowing erosion. But they can’t do this vital job if they’re clogged with rubbish, choked by invasive plants or disconnected from the community.
It’s Not Just One Day: We Monitor Year-Round
Restoration isn’t just about planting and picking up rubbish — it’s also about understanding. As part of our mahi, we run regular stream care monitoring across local waterways. This includes:
- Testing water clarity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrogen and E. coli levels
- Surveying macroinvertebrates (tiny aquatic insects that indicate water quality)
- Observing changes in plant life, erosion, sediment levels and overall stream behaviour over time
These insights help us track improvements, detect risks early and advocate for long-term resilience, guided by data as well as community wisdom.
A Walk Worth Taking
Our guided stream walks have also become a local favourite. One participant reflected: “It was a walk in a path I had not experienced before... The guide's knowledge of the stream’s restoration was excellent. They made the walk very user-friendly. And the time of day was perfect. A beautiful time to be in the bush.” Another added: “I enjoyed learning about the process of these events and the ability to work and collaborate together as a team. I’m extremely likely to come back to another event.”
We hear you. More walks are coming. And more ways to get involved, because there's plenty to do.
Be Part of the Change
Here’s how you can support the work:
- Join one of our EVENTS – Whether it's a planting day, stream clean-up, or guided walk, your presence makes a difference.
- Sign up for our NEWSLETTER – Get updates, event invites, and behind-the-scenes stories straight to your inbox.
- Learn more about our work in building Community Flood Resilience.
- DONATE to support our work – Help us do more for our local reserves, streams, and flood resilience efforts.
Together, we can strengthen the mauri of our streams and help make Kaipātiki flood- ready for generations to come.