Meridian is proud to be associated with and to fund Project River Recovery – a unique and important programme of practical management and research relating to New Zealand's alpine braided river systems.

Project River Recovery is a Department of Conservation programme that aims to protect or restore rivers and wetland ecosystems in the upper Waitaki Basin. Meridian funds the project under a compensatory agreement that recognises the adverse effects of hydroelectric power development on these rivers and wetlands.

The project began operating in 1991 and its funding and direction are reviewed every seven years. In 2006 Meridian and the Department of Conservation successfully renegotiated the seven-year review of their Waitaki Stakeholder Agreement, which sets the basis for our ongoing funding and support for this project.

Objectives

Key objectives of the project include:

• Maintaining the indigenous vegetation and enhancing the habitat by removing problem weeds
• Exploring opportunities to enhance wetland conservation
• Continuing to build knowledge of natural heritage in braided river ecosystems
• Testing the effectiveness of large-scale predator control
• Facilitating research by external agencies to improve understanding of the ecology of braided river systems
• Continuing to increase public awareness of braided rivers and wetlands.

Project River Recovery in the community

Regular project activities include liaison meetings that are held in Twizel every six months. These are attended by key agencies and landowners and are also open to interested members of the public. Project River Recovery also runs an education programme in schools.

For more information on Project River Recovery, visit the Department of Conservation website.