Adopt a Drain launches in Kaikorai Valley

Our Adopt a Drain launch happened on the wettest day in October. In fact, a third of the month's rain fell on the day of our launch! But it meant we got to watch the drain in action.

The Adopt a Drain programme is a means for us as a community to take ownership of our infrastructure and the health of our waterways. Local business design arc adopted our first drain. They drilled a fish plaque by the gratings, which stands as a visual reminder that anything that goes into the drain, eventually goes into the stream. Only rain should go into a stormwater drain. 

At the launch, we heard from Julie-Ann Ross of design arc, who spoke about how her awareness of the Kaikorai Stream grew during the AKV Business+ programme. She now has a desire to do her bit to protect the stream, as it flows behind her business. AKV trustee Simon McMillan outlined that the Kaikorai Stream has been treated extremely poorly in the past. So it's a great thing that we as a community are working to turn that around. Janice from ORC spoke about ways you can help the stream, such as washing your car on grass or gravel to prevent the runoff going straight into the drain.

We're very grateful to Kai Mocha and the Otago Catchment Communities who offered everyone a complimentary coffee. It was lovely to cradle a warm cup of coffee during the cold and rainy morning. Thank you to our community and supporters who came along early on a rainy morning and acknowledged the importance of this event.

If you'd like to adopt a drain in the Kaikorai catchment, contact connect@akv.nz and we'll help guide you through the process.