Aparima River project: combining gravel extraction with braided river restoration
26 August, 12:00pm
Free registration
Braided rivers across New Zealand have often been impacted by the reduction of their braid plain with dramatic consequences on hydrology and riverbed morphology. In extreme cases, rivers have transitioned from dynamic braiding to stable meandering channels. Channel stabilisation and incision are inevitably followed by weed invasion of gravel bars. Introduced predators then move in, and the last of braided river functions and biodiversity are lost. Many of Southland's historically braided rivers have, or are close to reaching that point, especially in lowland areas. Within the last 50 years, the Aparima River has transformed from a bare gravel bed with multiple braids to a single deep, meandering channel flanked by steep and vegetated point bars. River bird habitats have almost entirely disappeared, and introduced mammals are rampant. Within that time, gravel extraction techniques and regulations have also changed with unforeseen consequences. A new gravel extraction approach combining commercial harvest with braided river restoration has been tested locally, and effects on biodiversity are closely monitored. By stripping weeds and sediment overburden, lowering point bars to recreate side braids and islands, gravel extraction can attract birds back to the river. However, this project also highlights the ongoing issues that such restoration work faces, and how to work on ways to address these.
Presenter: Clement Lagrue is a Senior Science Advisor with New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC).
Maunga to Motu – Embracing the Waimatā Awa
15 September, 2026, 12:00pm
Free registration
This presentation showcases the development of a nature-based solutions (NBS) modelling toolbox to support land use and flood resilience decision-making in the Waimatā Catchment, Tairāwhiti. Using predictive modelling, the toolbox identifies areas most vulnerable to erosion, sediment and woody debris generation, and tests the effectiveness of different NBS interventions at both sub-catchment and catchment scales. The outputs aim to help prioritise actions and support land use change to reduce the impacts of extreme rainfall events. The project also incorporated a review of the cultural history of the awa, recognising the relationship of Tangata Whenua with the catchment and supporting the protection and restoration of sites of significance. The presentation will provide an overview of the project approach, stakeholder engagement, key findings, and lessons learned from this MfE-funded study.
Presenter: Nicki Davies (Gisborne District Council)
SAFER: From Improved Situational Awareness to Flood Forecasting and Emergency Response
24 September, 2026, 12:00pm
Free registration
SAFER (Service for Advanced Flood Emergency Response) is an action-research initiative developing a practical framework for improved flood forecasting, situational awareness and emergency response.
This webinar will showcase progress to date, including
- The five stages and 4 tiers of SAFER
- new weather and water control room dashboards providing enhanced access to weather and water data,
- improved access to and visualisation of MetService radar rainfall (QPE) products, RainCast and WRF forecasts,
- The new WISER Storm Risk rainfall exceedance tools for both observed and forecast conditions.
- An update on the project's tiered flood forecasting approach, including machine-learning forecasting trials in the Thames–Kauaeranga catchment and hybrid forecasting solutions being developed for the Waipā, Waikato and Hauraki river systems.
Looking ahead, SAFER aims to connect forecasts, alerts, operational procedures and task management within a single operational environment, helping agencies access better information before, during and after flood events to support more informed and coordinated decision-making.