DB is helping restore and enhance a region of the top of the South Island by supporting a conservation project run by The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ) and the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance at the top of the South Island. Meaning “Collective Action for Our Nature”, the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT) is a unique collaboration between17 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 accelerating riparian and wetland restoration within the Motueka and Moutere catchments in the Tasman District. These regions are important to DB, as many of its apple and hop growers are based there. 

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 5 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. 

The project supports DB’s 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.” 

Abbie Reynolds, Country Director for The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand says that DB’s contribution will support the restoration of some key waterways and landscapes in the unique Tasman region. “The Motueka River and its surrounding landscapes have outstanding natural values, and we are delighted to be able to work with DB to restore the health of this and other waterways in the area. Restoring native forests and waterways will help protect our wildlife and build wider climate resilience for our communities and native species. Putting tools and information in the hands of landowners is one of the most powerful things we can do to help communities solve local environmental issues. Having partners like DB to amplify and accelerate the recovery of a taonga waterway is incredibly helpful for nature and for the local community and economy.” 

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. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Tammy Lee