Tasman District River Catchment Study
A new study investigates ways of restoring native habitats across fragmented lowlands of the Tasman District in the South Island of Aotearoa.
A new collaborative study will investigate the most affordable and effective ways of restoring native habitats across the fragmented lowlands of the Motueka, Moutere and Riuwaka river catchments in Te Tai-o-Aorere, the Tasman District in the top of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Reestablishing native cover over large areas could accelerate New Zealand’s climate response, preserve globally significant biodiversity and support healthy, thriving communities.
Starting in February 2026, Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance and The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand aim to develop a restoration model that could be used across New Zealand, focusing on collaboration across whole river catchments for maximum benefit.
Te Tauihu o te Waka-ā-Māui ki Kawatiri, the top of the South Island and the Kawatiri/Buller region, contains about 100,000 ha of lowlands, of which only one percent or less remains in native cover in some areas.
TNC NZ and KMTT have worked together since 2021 to restore the biodiversity-rich lowland forests that once characterised the region’s landscapes, by planting trees and controlling weeds and pests to connect forests, river catchments and wetlands. This work needs innovative and cost-effective approaches to ensure a large and enduring impact.
Quote: Dr. Erik van Eyndhoven
These precious remnants are home to some of New Zealand’s most unique biodiversity, which is now threatened by pests, weeds, human activities and climate change.
Nature key to building resilience
“As climate volatility increases, restoring the natural ecosystems of these areas could help protect communities and wildlife, keeping water temperatures cooler in the heat and absorbing energy from flood events," KMTT co-chairs Hemi Sundgren and Martin Rodd said in a statement. "We are thrilled to see TNC bringing their global expertise to support and build on the current work. Critically, TNC's focus on how to sustainably fund and deliver restoration could ensure the lessons we learn will benefit other catchments around the country, making New Zealand more resilient.”
The community and manawhenua are already actively engaged and pursuing restoration throughout the catchments, and TNC and KMTT will work with them to build on what has been achieved. We acknowledge the manawhenua of the region as kaitiaki (guardians) of these river catchments and look forward to working closely with them during the project.
Quote: Rob Smith
We look forward to outcomes from the study and to potential ways we can incorporate them into the lowland areas around Tasman. We acknowledge the importance of our catchments to the community and are keen to pursue any way to yield long-term, sustainable benefits of restoration work.
What the study covers
The study will explore how best to restore native forest, wetlands and other native ecosystems using replanting and other land management techniques such as natural regeneration, while considering land use, ownership, and different stakeholder interests. Landowners and community groups will be able to contribute their knowledge and experience to help design workable solutions that support existing land uses.
The study will also explore ways to fund restoration work, including potential revenue from international voluntary carbon markets and biodiversity premiums/credits (also called nature markets).
To support the study, TNC NZ and KMTT commissioned WSP to develop a spatial mapping model to show which lowland areas are the highest ecological priorities for native revegetation, taking into account geology, topography, and natural hazards.
The study is part of the KMTT/TNC NZ Restoring Lowlands initiative to restore native plant cover across the highly fragmented lowlands of Te Tauihu ki Kawatiri to bring back biodiversity, reduce sedimentation and increase climate resilience.
Quote: Debbie Win
Farmers want to be part of the solution — we just need approaches that fit the realities of our land, our time and our budgets. If this project can help make restoration easier and more achievable, that’s a win for everyone.
This study will complement existing work
Restoring Lowlands is already implementing a number of native restoration trials in the region, exploring different restoration methodologies and types of project partnerships, working with iwi and hapū, landowners, community stakeholders, and supported by multiple funders.
These include restoration pilots at Beuke’s Bush in Tasman’s Moutere catchment, Ruapaka Wetland in Marlborough, Kūkūwai Reserve in the Buller River Delta, a horticultural restoration partnership in Tasman, and additional restoration projects still to be confirmed.
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