| 41 T T Alexia Anderson Restoration projects to protect the environment HRA’s focus is on practical, science-backed restoration, from riparian planting and wetland creation to biodiversity enhancement, and erosion control. CONTRACTING Habitat Restorations Aotearoa Established in 2019 by founder Glen Riley, Habitat Restorations Aotearoa (HRA) is dedicated to reviving native ecosystems, with the aim of improving water quality, and restoring healthy, functioning habitats throughout rural landscapes. After working as a contractor in ecological restoration for about a decade, Glen decided to turn his passion into a business, and the small company is now making a big impact across Otago and Southland. Glen says he finds the work rewarding, knowing it benefits others, including the wider community, as well as livestock and the environment. HRA’s focus is on practical, science-backed restoration, from riparian planting and wetland creation to biodiversity enhancement, and erosion control. Glen also works alongside government agencies to create long-term solutions that improve both ecological and farming outcomes. “We all have a connection to the environment,” Glen says. Farming is one of the main sectors HRA supports, with the aim of ensuring the land continues to be used in the most sustainable way possible. Glen says some farmers don’t fully appreciate the impact biodiversity measures can have on their land until they see the results first-hand. Many say it is nice to see the outcome, which they did not necessarily know was achievable until HRA showed them the way. “It really uplifts people, and it’s often a surprise to people that they didn’t expect, but can appreciate something they didn’t realise they were missing beforehand,” he says. “Some realise they were missing something on their property that they didn’t know could exist or be created.” One of HRA’s recent projects has been working with the Manuherekia Catchment Group, in which the company has planted more than 12,000 native plants across private farms. The plantings, which include sedges, carex secta, harakeke flax, and ribbonwood, are designed to filter waterways, stabilise banks, and protect farmland from flooding. That work ties into the larger Thomsons Creek Catchment Project, which has delivered major environmental progress in Central Otago. Among HRA’s achievements is a new five-hectare wetland with 44,000 native plants, 52 kilometres of riparian fencing, and the protection of native fish habitat through trout removal and strategic barrier placement. The project has also brought farmers, schools and volunteers together, in an effort that has since gained national recognition, winning the 2025 Otago Ballance Farm Environment Community Showcase Award. Beyond major catchment work, HRA runs up to a dozen projects at a time, ranging from new plantings to long-term maintenance. Seasonal conditions often dictate the workflow, with summer bringing increased demand for willow control and wetland restoration. The team, which fluctuates between four and six members, travels widely, from Queenstown and Wanaka to North Otago and the Waitaki to carry out its work. Glen believes the future lies in collaboration, particularly between urban and rural communities, and between conservationists and farmers, to protect and restore the land for future generations. “We want to swim in our rivers and still have a place for native birds and fish,” he says. “Done well, those things can co-exist beautifully.” “It really uplifts people, and it’s often a surprise to people that they didn’t expect, but can appreciate something they didn’t realise they were missing beforehand.” We are happy to supply high quality native plants to Glen and the team at Habitat Restorations 89 Glenelg Street, Bradford, Dunedin 9011 03 453 4673 ribbonwoodnatives@hotmail.com www.ribbonwoodnurseries.co.nz Specialising in New Zealand native plants for landscaping re-vegetation and amenity purposes. Contact Us 03 689 8928 hello@matainurseries.nz nznatives.co.nz Proudly Supporting Habitat Restorations Aotearoa
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