Wai Ora – Lower Hutt Anglicans Caring for Opahu Stream

By Fiona Strachan, Lower Hut Anglicans.
Also published in Anglican Movement Diocese of Wellington: https://anglicanmovement.nz/blog/wai-ora-lower-hutt-anglicans-caring-for-opahu-stream

Fiona Strachan, Eco Church Kaihāpai for Lower Hut Anglicans shared with us an update about their energising first month as an Eco Church:

With becoming an Eco Church this year, it marked a new chapter in Lower Hutt Anglican’s long-standing commitment to care for creation.

The parish recently hosted a community open day in conjunction with Mountains to Sea to raise awareness of Opahu Stream. Visitors were able to take part in species identification, try their hand at sun photography and learn more about both the path and history of Opahu stream – to raise awareness of the stream and get others on board to commit to conservation efforts for our awa.

Meandering through central Lower Hutt from Boulcott to Woburn, Opahu Stream is the main water catchment for the central Hutt. It is perhaps best known for the stretch running through Riddiford Gardens behind St James’ Church.

It’s the beginning of an exciting new journey for the parish. In the coming weeks, the Eco Church and Enviroschool movements will come together, with local schools having the opportunity to connect with our awa through stream testing.

This will set the scene for deeper connections with our community, as we plan future events to care for our awa.

He puna ora, he wai ora. 
Water is the source of life.