Wetland Restoration at Mangaroa Farms
With Groundtruth and Forest & Bird
On September 6th 2025, Mangaroa Farms was privileged to work alongside Forest & Bird and Ground Truth on an ecosystem reforestation effort at 329 Whitemans Valley Road, behind the Mangaroa Farms head office location. This project marks a turning point for a piece of land that’s been resting — ten years of passive use since pastoral grazing left the soil tired and quiet. Now, we’re helping to restore the mauri of the whenua, the vital energy and life force of this place, through intentional native planting.
A Collective Effort
Forest & Bird, one of Aotearoa’s strongest community conservation networks, supplied trees and shared their wealth of ecological knowledge and volunteer connections.
Ground Truth supported the mahi through their landscape and restoration expertise, ensuring each planting decision worked in harmony with the wider catchment and hydrological systems.
Together, we created an outer ecological boundary - a living edge that connects with surrounding habitats and strengthens the resilience of our broader reforestation work across the valley.
Ecological Design
By stacking species, from groundcovers to canopy trees, we’re rebuilding the natural forest layers that once defined this landscape. These native trees will:
Slow and filter water flow
Stabilise soil and store moisture in their roots
Provide shelter and habitat for native wildlife
Act as living sponges, balancing wet and dry seasons
This layered approach encourages long-term biodiversity and creates the conditions for nature to thrive again.
Guided by Hydrology and Permaculture
Hydrologist and permaculture specialist Gary Williams helped shape the design for the wider water catchment area around six years ago. His vision went beyond aesthetics. He saw the potential for a permanent pool to hold water year-round, creating consistent wetland diversity and helping buffer flood risks. These plantings will act as natural infrastructure for flood mitigation around the 329 zone — safeguarding both the land and our core community hub.
Restoring Life and Connection
Many community hands came together to pull off this mission. We had 42+ people show up on the day, in slight drizzle but with big smiles, to share the planting efforts. Volunteers, partners, and our Mangaroa team worked in unison to bring this project to life. The day was full of kōrero, laughter, and the grounding rhythm of spades in the soil. Each tree is a promise to the land, to the water, and to those who care for it.
Over time, as roots deepen and birds return, this area will shift from stillness to song - restoring balance, community, and the mauri of the whenua.
