John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.boprc.govt.nz

In all the work we do, we work with our community including tangata whenua, landowners, other councils and agencies. A good example of this is the work we're doing in the Kaituna River and Ongatoro/Maketū estuary, to restore wetlands and kaimoana in the area.

Last weekend, staff went along to the Maketū Sunday market to talk to locals, and there were more meetings and hui this week.

Our plan is to re-divert as much Kaituna River water as possible through Ongatoro/Maketū Estuary and create wetlands in the next few years.

Changes to the river channel in 1956 increased the salt content in the estuary, reducing the salt marsh habitat and the quality and quantity of kaimoana. The water now comes in faster, bringing more sand on every tide and smothering kaimoana beds.

We're working with tangata whenua, the community, landowners and agencies to gather the enormous amount of information needed to plan this work and to get feedback as we go.

We've identified two options that we believe are the best ways to re-divert the river: create wetlands and also keep Te Tumu Cut open, and ensure land continues to be protected from floods.

We want the community to be involved. Send us your feedback on this important project by June 20. Details are on our website: www.boprc.govt.nz/kaitunamaketu