New jobs created as group continues to improve Canterbury waterways

Project Tinaku co-ordinator Johanna Blakely and farmer Geoff Heslop discuss a planting project...
Project Tinaku co-ordinator Johanna Blakely and farmer Geoff Heslop discuss a planting project along his Irwell River boundary. Photo: Supplied
Twenty new jobs have been created in Canterbury as an agricultural group uses a $2.2 million grant to regenerate areas around waterways.

Ellesmere Sustainable Agriculture is extending the reach of Project Tinaku, which was made possible by the three years of funding allocated through the Ministry for Primary Industries jobs for nature programme.

Its members are inviting Ellesmere farmers along to the ESAI annual general meeting on August 4.

Chairman Tim Chamberlain said the past year had seen a "quantum leap" for the district and its farmers towards more sustainable farming practices and improving waterway quality.

"The funding has enabled us to ramp up dozens of exciting regeneration projects by many local farmers to improve waterways and create local employment and local educational opportunities along the way," Chamberlain said.

"We want to expand the reach of our work, so we want to invite any farmers who are not part of ESAI to have a look at our website and come along to our AGM to find out how we can support them."

The funding enabled the establishment of Project Tinaku last year, and the recruitment of co-ordinators.

Seventeen planting, regeneration and waterway improvement initiatives had been undertaken, with another 32 planned for the second year.

A series of three springs emerge from the ground, creating the headwaters of the Taumutu Creek....
A series of three springs emerge from the ground, creating the headwaters of the Taumutu Creek. The springs have been fenced off and native species have been planted on both sides of the waterway to filter run-off, shade the water to reduce weed growth, improve wildlife habitat and increase biodiversity and mahinga kai values. Photo: Ellesmere Sustainable Agriculture
The project has so far created 20 full-time and part-time jobs, directly or through contractors for planting projects, starting educational programmes and partnerships with local schools, as well as for developing communications plans and tools including a new website.

Anyone who wants to attend the AGM should email d.tinakuproject@gmail.com.