The Te Awaure Andersons Lagoon Project focuses on restoring and enhancing biodiversity around the important lagoon, wetland and estuary environment at the mouth of Stony Creek.

The project includes native planting on private land surrounding Te Awaure Andersons Lagoon, helping improve habitat connectivity, strengthen wetland margins, and support long-term environmental health.

Part of the project area includes one of the earliest QEII covenant sites established in Otago, recognising the long-standing ecological importance of the area and the commitment of local landowners to protecting it.

The project has brought together support from Rabobank, Westpac, Palmerston School, local landowners, and the East Otago Catchment Group, with students playing an active role in planting and restoration work.

To date, more than 2,500 native plants have been planted across two community planting days with Palmerston School students. The project continues to build momentum, with neighbouring landowners now looking to extend planting along adjacent sections of the lagoon edge.

The growing interest from surrounding landowners highlights the positive progress being made and the value of collaborative, community-led restoration within the catchment.

Funding support for the project to date has been provided by the Otago Catchment Community  and the Halo project.