DB supports Tasman District conservation
DB is helping to fund riparian and wetland restoration within the Motueka and Moutere catchments in the Tasman District as part of a major conservation project.
The project is run by The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ) and the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT) at the top of the South Island.
Meaning “Collective Action for Our Nature”, the KMTT is a collaboration between 17 partners from local iwi, councils and Government. It aims to restore and enhance nature across 3.4 million hectares of land and sea.
Working in collaboration with TNC NZ, which is leading a Restoring Lowlands and Connecting Ecosystems project through KMTT, DB has committed $130,000 towards the work, which is in regions important to DB as many of its apple and hop growers are based there.
The DB funding will help improve outcomes for stream riparian and wetland management for growers in Motueka and Moutere by utilising mapping and modelling tools to help landowners identify areas on their land where restoration could improve the health of waterbodies.
Funding will also provide co-investment for planting a minimum of five hectares alongside critical source waterways to improve ecosystem health, and will support landowners and catchment groups with essential information, administration, advice, and monitoring programmes to ensure sustainable ongoing management of these areas.
DB says the project supports its sustainability strategy to Brew a Better Aotearoa, and is a first step into backing ‘nature-based’ solutions.
Matt Wilson, Managing Director at DB Breweries, says: “The top of the South Island is important for our business, as both the home of our cidery, the home of NZ hops and an important growing region for key ingredients used to make our beers and ciders. Sustainability is core to our business purpose, and this partnership demonstrates our commitment to having a positive impact on people and the planet.”
To kick off the project, DB and KMTT are offering subsidised supply of native plants for this winter’s planting season, with four horticulture companies initially taking up the offer. This will see around 4,000 seedlings planted. The DB funding will also help subsidise labour for some intensive weed control required at several sites prior to planting, to ensure future planting is successful.
