Friends of Waiwhetū Stream

The Friends of Waiwhetū Stream is a local community group dedicated to restoring and protecting the health of the Waiwhetū Stream in Lower Hutt. Founded in 2011, the group brings together volunteers who care about creating a thriving, natural ecosystem for the stream and its surroundings.

The Waiwhetū Stream begins in the Eastern Hutt Hills, flowing through the suburbs of Taita and Naenae before joining the Hutt River. Over the years, urban development changed the stream’s natural flow — parts were straightened and lined with concrete, vegetation was cleared, and pollution regularly entered the stream.

Today, Friends of Waiwhetū volunteers are working hard to bring the stream back to life. They plant locally sourced native trees and shrubs, eradicate invasive weeds, and carry out regular rubbish removal. These help to improve water quality and wildlife habitats.

If you’d like to learn more or lend a hand, we’d love to hear from you — everyone is welcome to get involved!

The Waiwhetu Stream now has its own Wikipedia page, thanks to editor Marshall Clark.