GGAA 2011 - Continuous Improvement: Specific Area - University of Canterbury - Highly Commended

University of Canterbury - Highly Commended

In 1996 the Okeover Stream was a muddy, weed‐infested drain with lawn on the banks down to the edges. Since then significant restoration has taken place, in collaboration with the regional and city councils, including planting, creation of rock eddies and pools. Over 15 years of extensive research on the stream’s health has been carried out by University of Canterbury staff and students, and it is now used as a teaching space for the wider community.

Recently the community in the whole catchment (800 households), in collaboration with the regional council, is involved in a community‐led stream care project. This has raised awareness of the University of Canterbury’s commitment to ecological restoration, and created a much more pleasant space to work and study, and is assisting in the development of transdisciplinary sustainability research. The university has won awards for this project locally which in turn has given the institution encouragement to continue further developments. It has created a model of community driven stream care for other Christchurch streams.