Cato Bolam has connected the Ōrātia Wildlife Project with a generous investor to fund a 1.2-hectare floodplain restoration. The project will create a vital corridor to support native species like kererū. This collaboration will restore ecosystems and benefit future generations.
From invasive bamboo to a thriving native forest.
The Ōrātia floodplain restoration project is gaining momentum, with 1.2 hectares of land set to be transformed into a thriving native ecosystem. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Simon Oosterman of the Ōrātia Wildlife Project, aims to regenerate native forests along the Ōrātia and Kaurimu streams, connecting the Waitākere Ranges to the Waitematā Harbour.
The work includes the removal of a significant bamboo grove and planting thousands of native trees and sedges, creating vital habitats for species like kererū and freshwater mussels (kākahi).
Cato Bolam has played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. Joshua Wium, Senior Ecologist at Cato Bolam, spearheaded the collaboration between Simon and our client, to help deliver Simon’s vision for the restoration.
We have facilitated all stakeholder engagement, including securing landowner agreements, resource consents, and overseeing the tree removal and planting contracts. We’ll also be supervising the contract work on behalf of our client to ensure this project benefits both the local environment and the community.
A big win for the environment.
Trina Beard, Land Development Manager at Cato Bolam, shares the importance of this project: “The restoration of Ōrātia’s floodplain is a critical step towards enhancing biodiversity in West Auckland. We’re proud to have connected Simon and the Ōrātia Wildlife Project with one of our clients, who has generously funded this initiative. The impact of this collaboration will be felt for generations, as native species return and the local ecosystem is revitalised.”
Reflecting on the project’s launch, Trina adds, “It was great to be there on the day, to share in the first cutting of the bamboo forest to make way for natives, and to meet local residents like Iggy the Eel.”
This work is being carried out in partnership with local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and has garnered support from local councillors, who attended the project launch and shared in the community’s enthusiasm for the restoration.
Thanks to our client’s support, invasive plants will be cleared, and native species replanted, ensuring a healthier environment for wildlife and the community. Cato Bolam’s role in linking conservation efforts with business backing highlights the power of collaboration in achieving environmental goals.
Fostering community connections.
As contractors begin the initial work, Simon, his family, and local volunteers are all hands-on, helping to clear the land. By next winter, over 14,000 native seedlings will be planted, including 4,000 dedicated to feeding the kererū, whose population has been in decline.
This project is not just about restoring the land but also about fostering connections within the community. As Oosterman says, “Environmental conservation is about bringing people together, creating solutions, and empowering others to be part of the journey.”
Transforming visions into reality.
At Cato Bolam, we believe in transforming visions into reality. With a 50-year history in the local area where we were established, we are proud to deliver this key ecological restoration project. From invasive bamboo to a thriving native forest, our multidisciplinary team creates sustainable, value-driven projects that enhance both communities and the environment. Let us help you make a lasting impact.
