Craig Potton puts Waiwhakareke in TV spotlight this Sunday

Hamilton’s award-winning wetland restoration project, Waiwhakareke, will receive another accolade this Sunday at 7.30pm when it is featured in episode 3 of Prime TV’s high profile documentary, Rivers with Craig Potton.

Waiwhakareke is a large scale restoration project on the outskirts of Hamilton. The project aims to re-establish the type of rare wetland that was once common in the Waikato region and bring back to the city the endangered birds and wildlife that make wetlands home.

Fronted by internationally renowned photographer and conservationist Craig Potton, the documentary features just five of New Zealand’s most significant waterways – including the Waikato River.

During each episode of Rivers, Craig discovers the creatures which live in and around our rivers - from threatened native fish swimming under the streets of Hamilton – to giant carnivorous land snails and the world’s only crooked beaked bird. He meets the people who care for rivers and live or work alongside them. He journeys between source and sea and tries to understand how rivers have shaped the land and influenced our culture. Maori have a unique and defining relationship with their awa (rivers), and our artists, writers and filmmakers have all been greatly inspired by the nation’s waterways.

In this Sunday’s episode Craig speaks to many Hamilton locals responsible for making the Waiwhakareke project such a success – from neighbouring farmers to scientific experts and dedicated volunteers.

Parks and Gardens planner Andrew Corkill says featuring the project on prime time TV is a testament to the community’s support.

“Held at the park in June, this year’s Arbour Day was one of the largest that Hamilton has ever seen with over 500 children planting more than 4,000 plants on the ridge tops alongside Brymer Road. As of this month, 16 hectares out of Waiwhakareke’s 50 plantable hectares have been planted.

“Thanks to Waiwhakareke’s increasing amount of enthusiastic volunteers, more and more plants go into the ground each year,” Andrew says.