Terracefields Farm.

Riparian Planting and Spring-fed Wetland Enhancement.

Terracefield’s farm, land owned by Jenny and Don Hayes and managed by Adam Hardie of Darroch’s Grazing, who is leading a multi-year restoration – lies alongside the Rakaia River and is being returned to a natural wetland state. Adam, with the guidance of Jenny and Don, has retired a spring-fed corridor from pasture and is replanting it in stages to create a thriving ecological zone that supports native wildlife, improves water quality and protects springs no longer under grazing.

This stage of the project is supported by the Central Plains Water Limited Environmental Management Fund (EMF) and builds on six years of restoration in partnership with Te Ara Kākāriki (TAK) — a collaboration also supported by EMF over time.

The current focus is on planting one hectare per year, with plans to expand as more land is retired. The farm team is supported by Brailsfords, delivering planting and maintenance to ensure survival and success. Regular soil health and water quality checks are carried out to help monitor ecological outcomes and guide future restoration work.

This wetland site is located just 500 metres from the Rakaia River, where spring-fed water filters through native plantings before flowing underground toward the Selwyn River. The planting helps reduce nutrient runoff, improve infiltration, and support regional catchment health. Since planting began, native wildlife has returned — including skinks and the rare copper butterfly — highlighting the site’s growing ecological value.

Impact.

Short term.

• One hectare of spring-fed corridor retired and planted.
• 1,000 native plants added annually, supported by guards and maintenance.
• Past collaboration with Te Ara Kākāriki ensures ecological integrity and species selection.
• Bird life already increasing across the corridor.
• Reduced farming pressure on wetland areas.
• Native wildlife is returning.

Long term.

• Wetlands protected and expanded, improving natural water filtration and soil structure.
• Creation of a habitat corridor from the hills to the coast.
• Long-term increase in biodiversity and restoration of lowland ecosystem function.
• Farm data and monitoring incorporated into future land management decisions.
• Ongoing commitment to native regeneration at a landscape scale.
• Native wildlife thriving as habitat quality improves year on year.