Waitakere City Council manage the project and contract a wide range of community organisations to delivery the project. These include:
What is Project Twin Streams trying to achieve?
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
|
Flax showing leaves of achievement |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
2007 Community Planting Days |
||
At the end of 2007, the total of 341,607 plants have been planted.
Throughout their lifetime, these trees will absorb the annual emissions from 14,820 cars doing 15,000km per annum.
| 6,003 plants | 23,107 plants | 124,120 plants | 77,353 plants | 111,124 plants |
| Ranui/Massey community contract signed |
Henderson Creek contract signed |
Opanuku, Glen Eden and Oratia contracts signed |
Sustainable households demonstration project launched |
|
| ------- |
------- |
------ |
------ |
------ |
A formative evaluation framework for Project Twin Streams has been developed. This framework sets how the first phase of the project, from 2003 to 2007, will be assessed. It captures progress in this phase and provides a clear platform from which to assess and plan the journey of Project Twin Streams as it evolves.
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print this document. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
Evaluation Framework (Size 3.66M)
![]() |
Local community organisations are contracted by Council to work with residents and groups in their area - they organise community plantings events and work with groups, businesses and schools who adopt specific areas. This means that local organisations with local knowledge are the driving force of the project.
At the moment there are six contract areas, five of which employ a community coordinator.
| Henderson Creek | Ranui-Massey |
| Opanuku Stream | Swanson (bridge to bridge) |
| Oratia Stream | Glen Eden |

Project Twin Streams Henderson Creek came into being in 2005. The
co-ordinator is Wendy Claire.
The contract area runs alongside Henderson Creek, which is the receiving catchment for a huge area of Waitakere City. Water from all the streams and tributaries in the Waikumete, Oratia and Opanuku catchments ends up here.
Community Waitakere (formerly WADCOSS) manages the contract area, working with a number of local schools and community groups.
A key project for 2007 was the Colletta Wetland Project, which has been adopted by Flanshaw Primary School in Te Atatu South as part of their on-going support for Project Twin Streams. In 2006 the school published a wonderful book showcasing children's art relating to the stream, together with their thoughts and vision on how they are making a difference.
Other groups involved in Project Twin Streams Henderson Creek include Waitakere Gardens' residents, the West Auckland Historical Society, Henderson Primary School and the Chinese Conservation and Education Trust.
A number of community planting events are planned for 2008.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Kayaking in the creek and face painting at the planting event |
||
Project Twin Streams Opanuku Stream was established early in 2006. Corban
Estate Arts Centre, in association with WEA (Workers Education Association) and
the Waitakere Pacific Arts & Cultural Trust, manage the contract along the Lower
Opanuku Stream.
Twelve community groups have adopted areas alongside the stream, with all the schools in the area now involved with the project.
The Friends of Opanuku Stream network was established in 2007, enabling all interested parties to keep in touch.
A number of community
planting events are planned for 2008.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Volunteers at the community planting event |
||
The co-ordinator Green Jon, got the project off to a roaring start with two very successful community planting days.
There are plans for an edible garden and Jon's Project Twin Streams information display can be seen at the Oratia Farmer's market.
Community planting events are planned for 2008.
Rescued skinks have a new home thanks to Project Twin Streams
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Planting volunteers and children decorating the walkway |
||
![]() |
|
Holy Cross pupils observe the skinks from a distance |
Over 50 skinks were relocated into a new home on the Upper
Oratia stream on 7 March.
The skinks were relocated as part of the conditions of a sub-division
development. Rather than provide a less-than-ideal habitat within the
sub-division the developer worked with Boffa Miskel and Project Twin Streams to
find a location close to their original home.
An area which was planted last year by Holy Cross School was ideal. The fact
that it is less than 1km from their original home was a bonus.
Pupils from Holy Cross School were very excited to be involved in the release –
which required a permit from DOC. The students learned about the skink’s defence
mechanism of dropping its tail when under attack from birds and were pleased to
know that the skinks would be happy in their new environment.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Pupils from Holy Cross learn more about skinks |
||

Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey began life in 2004 as the first Project
Twin Streams contract to be established.
The Project Twin Streams
Ranui-Massey area runs from the western
side of Ranui downstream to where Swanson Stream flows into Huruhuru Creek. The
area includes the Waimoko, Momotu and Swanson streams, which were weedy and
neglected in many places when the project began. A lot of work remains to be
done but with the energy and enthusiasm of the Ranui-Massey communities these
streams will once again be restored to healthy, beautiful places.
The contract for development of the Project is held by Te Ukaipo, in
association with Ranui Action Project.
![]() |
![]() |
|
Creating Our Future Together |
Te Ukaipo appreciates Papatuanuku Earth as taonga for future generations
and through partnerships in the community (including Project Twin
Streams) promotes daily living practices that nourish sustainable
communities.
The key value of whakamanamanamai - restoring balance - is depicted in
the Te Ukaipo logo which shows the Mercy cross centred between two koru.
The child image, protected and nurtured within the waimiria, symbolises
potential, a gift from Rangiatea heaven, a seed for the future seeking
to be nurtured, bringing forth life into the world. Matariki stars and
Te Ao Marama moon offer light for this growth within the changing
rhythms of the universe.
For more information on the Ranui Action Project, Phone/fax: (09) 832-6048, email: rap@ranui.org.nz or visit our website: www.ranui.org.nz
The vision for Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey is Manaaki te tangata, manaaki te awa - healing the people, healing the stream.
What Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey has achieved so far
With the help of the many individuals and community groups involved, Project
Twin Streams Ranui-Massey has weeded extensive areas alongside the Swanson,
Waimoko and Momotu streams. Since 2005 we have planted 28,000 plants,
removed hundreds of bags of rubbish and held nine community planting days.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Gathered for Karakia on May 19th 2007 |
Organising Volunteers to start planting |
|
Ranui-Massey Groups
![]() |
|
Group of people working on their adopted |
Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey now works with nine community groups, each of whom have adopted an area of the Swanson, Waimoko or Momotu streams. Groups are supported with education in the form
of on-site
stream workshops and field trips to Cascades Regional Park.
The
following groups have adopted areas of the streams:
There is a great opportunity to learn about the ecology of the streams and how to care for and protect waterways. Plants, tools and advice are supplied; the groups bring energy and enthusiasm!
Community planting events are planned for 2008.
Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey newsletter - The Eel's Tale - Te Korero a Te Tuna is published twice a year and distributed to 2000 households in Ranui and Massey.
Eels Tale Issue 1 (Size
864K)
Eels Tale Issue 2
(Size 636K)
Eels Tale Issue
3
(Size 819K)
As a Wai Care group www.waicare.org.nz
Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey carries out four monitoring sessions per year
on the Waimoko and Swanson Streams.
Swanson Stream does not have a community contract organisation. Local resident Catherine MacKenzie-Simpson works with local groups and schools to adopt small sections of streambanks. She also organises small-scale community planting events.
In 2006 and
2007, a number of well-attended planting days have replanted streambanks
in Parklands Road. Swanson School and other residents have been
weeding and planting at the local golf club.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Group of volunteers planting along the stream banks |
||

EcoMatters Environment Trust, in partnership with Glen Eden Primary School, manages the contract for Project Twin Streams Glen Eden, which was signed in 2006.
A number of community groups are helping to restore the Whakarina, Bishop and Waikumete Streams, from the catchment's headwaters near Titirangi, down to the far end of Parr's Park in Oratia.
Three community
planting events are planned for 2008.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Face Painting |
Group of volunteers planting | |
![]() |
|
|
Check out the 2008 community planting dates.
The community planting days are a highlight in the Project Twin Streams calendar. As well as getting plants in the ground, these events are designed to be a whole lot of fun. There are art activities - such as rock-painting, kite-making, fish-painting and colouring-in - for all ages.
Wai-Care come to the planting events with a water display which shows the effects of river pollution. The Auckland Regional Council's fish man is often there live live display of the fish which are found in our streams.
There is music - a live band or a DJ and the day ends with a barbeque to reward all the hard work.
Creative engagement - using art and drama to raise awareness residents about the causes of, and solutions to stream pollution - is key part of Project Twin Streams.
The use of arts
activities to inform and educate people occurs on two levels. There are
environmental arts activities at each of the public events such as community
planting days and festivals. Art activities here include fish-painting,
rock-painting, kite-making, making paper from weeds, weaving, badge-making and
clay-model making.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Clay model making |
Fish Painting |
Paper Making |
The larger, more complex and long term arts projects are the cornerstones of the creative engagement strand of Project Twin Streams. Here, Project twin Streams Arts Advisor Janet Holt works with schools and community groups on a diverse range of large-scale arts projects. Examples of Arts Projects completed to date include the following:
Calling all environmentally aware artists and sculptors!
This is your chance to create an artwork - inspired by the themes and ideas of Project Twin Streams - for the 2008 Waitakere Trust Art Awards.
Art has always played an important role in Project Twin Streams and the Project Twin Stream Awards at the 2008 Waitakere Trust Art Awards is an example of this.
Project Twin Streams is sponsoring one section of the awards with a total of seven prizes, for both sculpture and painting.
Art works entered into the Project Twin Streams category will be judged on the quality of work and how the themes of the project have been researched, interpreted and communicated through the work.
The Waitakere Trust Art Awards is the largest community art exhibition held in Waitakere city. With over 500 entrants from all over New Zealand and thousands of people viewing the exhibition, the exhibition has been extended from 5 to 9 days this year due to popular demand - it will run from the 1 - 10 October 2008.
Download the entry form below:
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print this document. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
Waitakere Trusts Art Awards
Entry Form (Size 197K)
![]() |
|
Cover of 'Our Place' book |
Flanshaw Road Primary School have been involved in Project Twin Streams since 2004. They have been planting and maintaining an area near the school and, as part of their curriculum, have been learning about the causes of stream degradation. The school has created and published a book, which not only showcases the wonderful stream art created by the students involved in Project Twin Streams, but also records their thoughts on the future of stream. The book is beautifully presented and also has an educational component - each page poses an environmental question for further consideration.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Flanshaw Rd Primary School pupils with their colourful stream artwork and Flanshaw pupils with their completed publication |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| Stage 1: Stars & Fish being painted at a community planting day |
Stage 2: Older students attach the stars & fish to a Giant Kokapu using riverbed clay | Stage 3: The completed fish hanging at Massey Community Centre |
![]() |
|
Clay tile mural Flanshaw Road Primary |
For this mural at Flanshaw Road Primary School, each child involved in the project made a tile which was then used to create a larger exterior manual.
The mural contains nikau trees and you can see the twin streams running through the centre. The overall shape depicts the essence of a taniwha or guardian of the stream.
![]() |
|
St Dominicks College and Birdwood |
This mural project was a collaborative effort between St. Domicks College and Birdwood Primary.
Year 10 girls at St Dominic's mapped out the mural and painted the wavy lines at the top and bottom to depict the twin streams. Boards were segmented into uneven squares, rectangles and triangle shapes and painted with pictures of the creatures, flora and fauna the children had studied in and around the stream.
While the boards were being painted, Birdwood primary students made a trip down to St. Dominic's to learn some skills from the Year 10 students' art works. The mural was then transported to Birdwood Primary where the younger children painted their own pictures onto boards. As a result of the involvement of the Maori bi-lingual unit there are a number of Maori designs incorporated into the mural.
![]() |
![]() |
Birdwood School pupils recording |
In 2005, a brainstorm session between Janet Holt, Arts Advisor to Project Twin Streams and the children at Birdwood School came up with the idea of a rap song - telling the story of what has happened to the streams in their local area and reinforcing the solutions that must be implemented.
The rap song (performed in both Maori and English) took a total of 3 months to complete and involved about 30 children ranging in ages from age 9 through to 12.
AUT film and TV students filmed a performance of the rap and edited the footage into a music video.
The 5 minute video is creative and engaging and shows children taking an issue and responding to it in a way that resonates with them.
It is a youthful and innovative local response to a 'big picture' problem i.e. environmental pollution.
This eight metre long fabric eel was a collaborative project between a number of
the community organisations involved in Project Twin Streams. It involved the
staff at Community Waitakere (formerly WADCOSS), Waipareira Trust groups, Te
Rito and Kaupapa Maori Day Programme, Pou Aroha from Te Ukaipo, and The Mama's
from Waitakere Pacific Arts & Culture Trust.
The fabric eel which was paraded at a number of Christmas parades in Waitakere.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| Stage 1 of the fabric eel construction | The completed fabric eel goes on parade | |
![]() |
| River water flooding on property |
Rivers flood as a matter of course and over time they build up a flood plain
- this is an area beside the normal banks, into which the river spreads when in
flood.
The flood plain absorbs a great deal of the extra water in flood conditions and
helps to slow its speed - thus reducing the damaging impacts that could
otherwise occur.
In most communities, housing does develop in the flood plain and in some places
artificial stop-banks or other measures are created to hold back floodwater.
This artificial narrowing of the flood plain opposes nature: it forces the water
to become deeper and run faster - and this can have serious consequences to the
natural and built environments further downstream.
Over recent years Waitakere City Council has decided to purchase and remove some
houses in the flood plains of certain streams. In part this obtains land for
restoring the riparian margin and the building of walk and cycle ways and other
recreational features. It also will enable nature to work the way it wants to in
flood events, and thus assist in reducing the impacts along the length of the
stream
The houses will be relocated.
As well as environmental improvements, Project Twin Streams also aims to bring economic, social and cultural benefits to the communities within its catchment. This is known as the Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL).
From an environmental perspective Project Twin Streams aims to:
From an economic perspective Project Twin Streams aims to:
Economic development is central to Project Twin Streams and there is a number of collaborative initiatives in development.
From a social perspective Project Twin Streams aims to:
From a cultural perspective Project Twin Streams aims to:
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print this document. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.

At the heart of Project Twin Streams is a desire to improve the quality of
our streams. To ensure we are making progress, Project Twin Streams carries out
two strands of environmental monitoring - Pressure-State-Response (PSR)
monitoring and
ecological surveys.
The Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model recognises that human activities such as residential growth put pressure on the environment, affecting the quality and quantity of natural resources. PSR monitoring provides a framework to gauge the cause and effects of environmental problems so that remedial steps can be taken.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Ecology
Monitoring Report 06 v2 (Size 1.2M)
Sediment Quality
Monitoring Report 05-6 (Size 6M)
Sythesis Report v10
(Size 5.6M)
Water Quality Monitoring
Report 05-6 (Size 1.6M)
The PSR framework for Project Twin Streams uses a variety of indicators that
measure performance and indicate how well the objectives of the project are
being met. Indicators used include:
Ecological surveys use biological indictors such as the presence of birds, bats, lizards, geckos and insects together with fruiting and flowering phenology, vegetation structure and composition and animal pests to measure environmental conditions.
In addition, a number of community groups carry out
Wai Care monitoring
which means that they monitor and report stream water quality on a regular
basis. Each of the community contract organisations are also WAICARE groups
The environmental monitoring campaign, which began in 2003, is still in its
early stages, which means that it is too soon for clear trends to be identified.
However there have been some noted improvements in certain locations.
2006/07 Environmental Report
Card (Size 2.9MB)
A snapshot of environmental monitoring
Project Twin Streams is one of two demonstration projects for Sustainable
Communities - which is part of the government's Sustainable Cities programme.
The Sustainable Communities vision is: To achieve strong, liveable and
prosperous communities in Auckland through a sustainable development approach.
The partnership between Sustainable Communities and Project Twin Streams is SC2:
Sustainable Communities - Sustainable Catchment. This is based on the belief
that if the stream catchment can become sustainable there are wide social,
cultural and economic benefits for the community within that catchment.
Sustainable Communities is a three year project which runs from 2004 to June
2007. It has proved additional resources, which have allowed Project Twin
Streams to progress the social, economic and cultural outcomes of the project.
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print this document. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.

Construction has began on the network of Project Twin Streams walk/cycleways
which will allow residents to access the streams, connect with other residents,
engage with their local communities and get around the city in a healthy way.
The walk/cycleways will also have an educational component. There will be displays of sustainable technologies such as permeable paving and solar lighting on both the Oratia and Opanuku stages. A key focus of the walk-cycleways will be a reflection of local art and heritage.
Walkway and
Cycleway brochure (Size 4M)
Walkway and Cycleway
map (Size 2.71M)
The launch of the walk/cycleways was celebrated with a community festival at Corban Estate on Saturday 21 April 2007. It promoted the cycle/walkways and provided opportunities for residents to learn about the causes of stream pollution and what actions they can take.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Related links:
www.sustainability.govt.nz
www.sustainableliving.org.nz
www.ecomatters.org.nz
Further information on stormwater and stream pollution from:
Friends of the Whau (pronounced 'foe') is a community-based ecological restoration organisation formed in Waitakere in 2000. Friends of the Whau aim to raise community awareness about issues and problems affecting the Whau catchment and to mobilise community energy and support to remedy the existing situation. It currently has a membership of over 200 individuals and organisations. For more information, visit the Friends of the Whau website.
Waitakere has adopted a Green Network programme which aims to stop the degradation of our natural heritage. It encourages action to look after the city's valuable natural assets and allow streams, parks, patches of bush and forest to weave throughout the ranges, rural, urban and coastal areas.
The Clean Stream Waitakere project is part of Keep Waitakere Beautiful and the Waitakere City Council's Green Network strategy linking the Waitakere Ranges to the sea.
![]() |
![]() |
| All material © 2008 Waitakere City Council | Home | Legal | Glossary | |