In 2022 Whitebait Connection Programme Coordinator Rosie worked with Kerikeri Primary School for programme delivery. Their programme included two field trips to the upstream and downstream areas of the Wairoa River.
At the upstream site there was alot of disturbance from development construction and there was no shade around the edge of the stream. In contrast the downstream site had more shade.
Banded kokopu were caught at the upstream site and common bullies were caught at the downstream site. At the downstream site more sensitive macroinvertebrates were found when compared to the upstream site.
Overall, the students found the lower Wairoa Stream to be in better condition than the upper Wairoa Stream with more sensitive macroinvertebrates found here. The electrical conductivity, temperature, clarity and pH of both waterways were similar, however the lower area of the stream had a much better habitat assessment, with more native trees growing along the river bank.
The trees will prevent erosion and provide cooler areas of the water for freshwater creatures during summer. Erosion of sediment into a waterway will decrease the water clarity and increase the water temperature. There was no litter or nearby earthworks from construction seen at the lower Wairoa Stream, which is further away from the road, so as we predicted this part of the waterway is more healthy with less human impacts happening here.
