A programme to revive the Rakitata (Rangitata) River is open for consultation on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website until October 2.

The draft revival strategy, prepared by partners of Ko te Whakahaumanu o te Rakitata Awa (the Rakitata River revival programme), covers six river sections from the alpine headwaters to the coast.

The vision is to create a healthy braided river ecosystem where native taoka (treasured species) are abundant and healthy, and people and communities can connect and thrive.

DOC river ranger and working group co-chair Brad Edwards said the huge braided river system was an iconic Canterbury landform that had seen a decline in birdlife in the last seven years.

“At the same time, we’ve seen an increase in weeds and predators. I fear some of our treasured taoka are starting to disappear," he said.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua kaitiaki and co-chair of the working group Karl Russell said the severe flooding in 2019 was a catalyst for action to restore the river.

The deluge started at the end of May and cut the South Island in half for three days, taking out the road and rail links.

“I think we all realised we couldn’t keep using the same methods to manage the river because they weren’t working. We saw it as an opportunity to retrieve some of our mana and whakapapa, and to restore the connections and kōrero that had been lost,' Russell said.

He believes a focus on the long-term health and wellbeing of the river is fundamental for building a new future.

- Sharon Davis