The Social Side of Stream Restoration Projects

On Auckland's North Shore approximately 70% of the area’s streams run through privately owned land; the burden of this urban stormwater system falls on the private landowner. Is this understood? What gets the landowner involved in acknowledging the stream through their property and caring for this system as a key link in the urban stormwater network?

Initiated by Auckland Council, the Mid-Eskdale Stream Enhancement Project included three components of stream restoration associated with the Birkdale B sewer system upgrade. The restoration engagement was directed at 70 households surrounding a 1.3km long reach of the Eskdale Steam and the associated Council-owned reserve land. Some elements of the project involved compulsory landowner engagement, other parts were voluntary.

Locally the stream was perceived as being degraded, a conduit for debris and rubbish. Prior to the upgrade, issues with wastewater overflows had caused a rāhui1 to be placed on this section of the stream corridor.

Is the stream the best element to engage residents in a restoration project? Using social research before and after what lessons can be gained from this two and a half year project? What’s the best hook to use to motivate and engage residents to become involved in a stream restoration project in their own backyards? And then, after they are hooked, what do you need to keep them motivated through the hours of weeding, the planting and then the ongoing maintenance?