Blackgate Stream Restoration
Project Overview.
Location: Manurewa / Clendon Park
Client: Auckland Council Healthy Waters
Services: Native Plant Supply, Planting, Establishment & Maintenance
Lead Contractor: Glasgow Contractors
Te Whāngai Trust partnered with Auckland Council Healthy Waters to support the restoration of Blackgate Stream in Clendon Park, South Auckland. The project forms part of ongoing efforts to improve waterway health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen ecological resilience within a highly urbanised catchment.
Situated within a residential environment and connected to the wider coastal catchment, the restoration of Blackgate Stream contributes to healthier waterways, improved habitat connectivity, and enhanced community amenity.
Project Stats.
>20K
native plants supplied.
5-Year
riparian maintenance
contract delivered.
20
rangatahi supported through our social programmes during the delivery of this project.
Our Role.
Te Whāngai Trust supported the project from plant production through to long-term establishment.
Our involvement included:
Native plant supply from our nursery operations
Site preparation and restoration planting
Establishment and maintenance services
Weed control and vegetation management
Ongoing monitoring to support successful plant establishment
By delivering both plant supply and field services, we were able to provide continuity throughout the restoration programme and support long-term project outcomes.
Delivering Restoration in an Urban Catchment.
Urban stream restoration requires careful planning to balance ecological objectives with the realities of working within established residential communities.
Working alongside Auckland Council Healthy Waters, our crews delivered large-scale planting designed to stabilise stream margins, improve ecological function, and create a more resilient riparian corridor over time.
The project contributes to wider efforts across South Auckland to improve freshwater health and strengthen connections between people and the natural environment.
People and Place.
Projects like this demonstrate how environmental restoration can create benefits beyond the site itself.
Through Te Whāngai Trust's social enterprise model, restoration projects help create meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities while delivering positive environmental outcomes for local communities.
By connecting ecological restoration with workforce development, projects like Blackgate Stream contribute to healthier ecosystems and stronger communities.