The Laingholm stream starts on the ridge above the valley and runs the length of Western Road, all the way to the beach. It has supported life in the valley for thousands of years as an ecosystem for fish, eels, invertebrates and birds; and of course, it was a source of fresh water and food for Maori, who called the lower part of the stream Ruatuna (or two eels holes). Post colonisation, the trees were cut down, exotic grasses were sown and the land was turned into a farm, which caused a sudden loss of diversity and exposed the stream and its wildlife to the hot sun. As the local population grew, the stream was often used as a place to dump rubbish and sewage overflows were common. Thankfully, the stream has survived all of these challenges, and is now a very healthy and much loved part of our natural landscape.

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Around 2010, a few neighbours started taking care of the stream by organising annual litter clean ups. This was the beginning of a change of attitude towards the stream, and slowly, over the next ten years or so, more and more people became interested in caring for Laingholm’s natural environment. Also at this time, Auckland Council was increasing its support for volunteers by inviting them to join programs run by agencies like WaiCare and EcoMatters. Around 2017, these two things  - a growing interest in volunteering at the grassroots and an increase in available resources - came together at the right time and an organised environmental community group started to take shape. 

We originally called ourselves Laingholm Wai Ora, and one of our first projects was to remove weeds and plant natives along the banks of the stream. We monitored for pollution and improved the spawning sites, tested the water monthly as a citizen science activity and hosted community ‘fish hunts’ to teach people about the amazing creatures that live in the stream. In May 2021 (by then we were called Restoration Ruatuna), we participated in an evaluation of WaiCare’s water testing program and received the highest possible score in all areas of competency. Apart from our monitoring role, our programs have also lifted people’s awareness and appreciation of the stream. It really is an ecological wonderland just waiting to be explored, and we hope that by shining a light on its importance, we will encourage the next generation to carry on the good work into the future. 

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