Ngahuru - Autumn is here! Time to clear your drains and Awhi Awa - Embrace a Stream
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As the seasons shift into Ngahuru (Autumn), it’s a good time to give a little attention to the drains and streams in your neighbourhood.
Autumn brings falling leaves, stronger winds, and heavier rain – all of which can carry debris, sediment, and rubbish into stormwater drains. Because drains flow directly into streams, rivers, and the moana, the small actions people take in their streets can have a real impact on freshwater ecosystems and the species that rely on them.
Across the motu, 72 schools, businesses, community groups, and organisations are now caring for their local waterways through Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream, using the project’s kete of resources to help raise awareness and encourage practical action.
Ngahuru is one of the busiest times of the year for drains. Leaves and organic matter can quickly build up and block stormwater grates, while windy weather often brings additional litter into gutters and roadside drains. Taking a few minutes to clear leaves or pick up rubbish before forecast rain can help prevent polluted runoff from entering waterways.
It is also a good time to check that Awhi Awa signage is still visible and in good condition. These signs often spark conversations with neighbours, students, and passersby – helping people understand that what goes down a drain does not disappear, but flows directly into the natural environment.
The work being done through Awhi Awa connects with wider restoration efforts happening across Aotearoa. Recently, restoration activities at Toreparu Wetland highlighted the powerful link between caring for ecosystems and strengthening community connections. When people work together to protect freshwater habitats, the benefits extend beyond biodiversity to wellbeing, knowledge sharing, and a deeper sense of guardianship.
Every drain connects to a wider network of waterways that support native species. Migratory fish such as kanakana (lamprey) rely on clean, connected rivers and streams to complete their life cycles, while the health of freshwater systems also affects coastal environments where species like Māui and Hector’s dolphins live.
The Awhi Awa kete has recently expanded to include resources featuring these species, helping communities understand the connection between urban drains, freshwater habitats, and the ocean.
For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Awhi Awa provides practical tools and guidance to help communities care for their local waterways. From signage and education resources to simple seasonal actions, the project supports people to take meaningful steps that protect streams and the species that depend on them.
You can explore the project and resources here
If your school, workplace, or community group is already caring for a drain or stream, the team would love to hear how it’s going. Updates, photos, and stories can be shared here:
Small seasonal actions add up – and together they are helping restore the health of our waterways.
