As part of Biosecurity Week (21–27 July), we’re celebrating the people and groups across Waitaha/Canterbury working hard to protect and restore our unique biodiversity.

Whether it’s removing invasive pests, restoring native habitats, or educating the next generation, these local champions are building a better future through ‘haumaru koiora kia pai ā mua — biosecurity for a better future’.

Some of these projects include pest and weed control, adding biosecurity to the school curriculum, removing wilding pines, and protecting our native wildlife, and span across the whole of Waitaha.

Nature returns to the valley

On Banks Peninsula, Lawrence Smith is leading the charge with reWild Wainui, a grassroots project helping nature regenerate through weeding, pest control, and native planting. The community-led effort has already removed large patches of invasive banana passionfruit and seen a 3,000-strong drop in pest numbers over the past two years.

Landowners are getting involved too, converting marginal land back to native bush — and nature is responding. Kererū are returning in flocks, and for the first time, tūī have begun nesting in the valley.

“There’s a great deal of pride in the community knowing Wainui is now a better place for all our visitors and residents – whether they’re feathered or two-legged,” said Lawrence.

Growing guardians of the future

At Tai Tapu School, biosecurity is being built into the curriculum — and the local environment. Back in May, 143 students helped plant 420 native seedlings along the Huritini awa/Halswell River, deepening their learning through The Ripple Effect learning theme and hands-on sessions with Enviroschools Waitaha and Predator Free Port Hills.

The school has since launched its own trapping programme and hopes to become a community hub for Predator Free Port Hills, working closely with Te Ara Kākāriki to connect and expand green corridors across the region.

This growing movement is empowering young people to take ownership of protecting native ecosystems — today and into the future.