Forest & Bird Talk - Wairau River Regional Park Concept

River Engineer David Aires from Marlborough District Council will talk about the river, how it is managed and why, the issues, opportunities for targeted improvements, and the Council decision and pathway forward. All welcome.

At the end of last year Marlborough District Council discussed a “visionary” new regional park along the banks of the lower Wairau River. Funding for a management plan and for consultation was agreed.

The Wairau River flows 170kms from the Southern Alps to Cook Strait. The proposed regional park, from the confluence of the Waihopai River to the sea, will protect and enhance the river and its surroundings and encourage recreational use. The vision includes partnering and co-designing the plan with mana whenua iwi and seeking feedback from the community and river users on issues and opportunities.

As well as helping to control noxious weeds, the plan will include measures to reduce undesirable activity in the area (including reckless use of motor vehicles and illegal dumping). There will be groves of native plants and opportunities for all, including safer walking and cycling tracks, horse riding areas and activities such as fishing, rafting and swimming.