The St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS) have been campaigning since 2005 for Waitītiko / Meola Creek, which has the largest catchment of any awa on the Auckland isthmus.
This 5km stream runs from the slopes of Ōwairaka / Mt Albert to the Waitematā at Te Tokaroa (Meola Reef). During the twentieth century the stream was poorly treated. In fact, some isn’t even visible as it has been piped under the houses of Mt Albert.
STEPS have lots of fascinating information on their website, including their excellent Mountain to Sea Walk, following (as far as is possible) the course of the stream. Some of their most visible successes are around Roy Cements Treeway (a Special Ecological Area) , where planting and weeding have greatly enhanced a wetland and focused attention on one of Auckland’s last remaining rock forests.
From the Northwestern Motorway to the sea, the Lower Waitītiko Groups are working to restore sections of the creek and its banks. They work with Whitebait Connection, who are encouraging whitebait to breed in Waitītiko.