The number one tip was to appreciate that every site is different. For this particular site, slowing erosion and combating weeds – such as kikuyu, alligator weed and nasturtium – through native riparian planting would be a great first step. Planting not only provides habitat for native fish, it also creates shade and reduces water temperatures in the stream.  
Humane fish traps were set the day before, pulled out during the event and decanted into containers so attendees could enjoy a closer look at the inhabitants of the stream. The species identified included īnanga (native), redfin bully (endemic), toitoi or common bully (endemic), tītarakura / tīpokpoko or giant bully (endemic), kōeke or freshwater shrimp (endemic), tuna kūwharuwharu or longfin eel (endemic) and tuna hinahina or shortfin eel (native).

The fish were then released back into the awa, with some of the tuna choosing to slide home early down the grassy bank, much to the delight of the audience who were able to witness how these species move across land.

This marks a key part of their lifecycle – tuna heke (migrating eel) make an epic journey to the middle of the Pacific ocean to spawn and die, leaving their offspring to return on the currents to Aotearoa. All of this while overcoming barriers to migration such as culverts, dams and water pumping stations – a fate they share with whitebait and other migratory species.

Aotearoa has more than 50 native freshwater fish species and about 70% of these are Threatened or At Risk, according to the Department of Conservation. Our sports fish, such as trout and salmon, also need to be able to migrate up and downstream to complete their lifecycle.