Fantails are returning in growing numbers to Orton Bradley Park, where a $45,000 restoration project has helped improve water quality and protect habitat for native wildlife.

The project at Te Wharau Stream received funding from Environment Canterbury’s Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund in 2024/25.

Orton Bradley Park manager Ian Luxford said changes were becoming visible in both the stream and surrounding valley.

“The stream quality and the clarity of the water in the stream is quite phenomenal. It’s a really healthy stream.”

Luxford said the increase in birdlife was particularly encouraging.

“Birds like pīwakawaka fantails are a really good indicator species and the number of fantails at the moment is just amazing.

“Anecdotally, there’s a huge amount of improvement in terms of birdlife in the park, which allows regeneration and seed distribution.”

The funding has supported fencing around two tributaries containing valuable forest remnants, keeping stock out of the waterways.

Native planting along the stream banks is helping stabilise soil, reduce erosion and provide wildlife habitat, while weed and pest control supports the recovery of native plants and animals.

Luxford said the financial support had been essential.

“Without the funding, we wouldn’t have been able to take those steps,” he said.

Te Wharau Stream flows into Lyttelton Harbour, meaning improvements upstream also help protect the harbour’s water quality.

The Orton Bradley Park Board is carrying out the restoration with support from ECAN staff, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour partnership programme.

Biodiversity advisor Martin Rutledge, who has surveyed native fish in the stream, said its permanent flow and good water quality supported a diverse range of native fish and stream insects.

“One special inhabitant is the piripiripohatu torrentfish, a taonga species that is adapted to live in rapids and riffles.”

A pregnant female torrentfish was found during surveys in 2024.

Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke representative Gail Gordon said waterways such as Te Wharau Stream were highly significant to the hapū, supporting the health of the harbour and its mahinga kai.

“Projects like this help restore the health of the land and water, while strengthening the relationship people have with the natural environment.

“Orton Bradley Park is a treasured part of the harbour landscape, and we are pleased to see investment in its ecological restoration.”

The 650 hectare park has more than 25 kilometres of walking tracks, picnic areas and native wildlife habitat. About 450 hectares are leased for farming, helping fund public access and maintenance.

The stream restoration is among 14 projects selected for support through the biodiversity fund across 2024/25 and 2025/26. The fund supports community projects protecting and restoring indigenous biodiversity in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.