Environmental Project of the Year, with Gold in Environmental / Revegetation, Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025. Maitai Valley, Nelson. By Kūmānu Environmental.
The August 2022 storms washed out the banks of the Mahitahi river and Groom Creek and left the valley overrun with weeds. Kūmānu Environmental diverted the entire river with eight pumps, relocated around 1,000 fish and invertebrates, removed 7,000 cubic metres of gravel, placed 2,500 tonnes of rock and planted 75,000 natives.
Planting was governed by what would survive each soil profile and what grew here before European settlement, with excavated silt reused as substrate and species chosen to establish without irrigation. A replacement footbridge and re-established tracks return the valley to the community. The judges said the project has enriched local ecosystems and restored key habitat types.
Why it matters
Every Registered Master Landscaper has earned the right to carry the mark, so the professional you hire is current, accountable, and backed by a national association that stands behind its work. Find a Registered Master Landscaper at masterlandscapers.org.nz.
Project credits
Member: Kūmānu Environmental. Photographer to be confirmed. Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025.