With the combination of frequent rain and warmer days, grass growth has taken off once again, as it does every year across the catchment. This rapid growth, while a sign of a healthy season, can quickly overwhelm young native plants if left unmanaged and will take some time to bring back under control.

Over the coming months, the focus will be on cutting and pasting invasive weed species, release spraying, and careful hand weeding around established and newly planted natives. This work is essential to reduce competition, support ongoing restoration efforts, and give native plants the best possible chance to thrive as the season progresses.

Since the start of spring, much of the focus on the ground has been weed cutting and pasting, with particular attention on invasive ivy and convolvulus. Alongside these, volunteers have continued to manage all the usual problem species that threaten native regeneration. This ongoing mahi is essential to protecting planting areas and giving new growth the best chance to thrive as the season progresses.

We’re thrilled to share that Patagonia, the globally renowned outdoor brand, is shining a spotlight on the Friends of Bullock Creek (FOBC) this January. As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship and local conservation, Patagonia’s Queenstown store will feature FOBC, highlighting our ongoing work to restore and protect the Bullock Creek wetland and its unique ecosystems.

Patagonia has long been a champion of grassroots environmental initiatives, and their support helps bring wider recognition to the dedication of FOBC volunteers, donors, and community members who have worked tirelessly to nurture this precious area. From planting native species to controlling invasive weeds and pests, the efforts of our team have transformed the site into a thriving habitat and now visitors to Patagonia in Queenstown can learn about this work firsthand.

This feature is more than a showcase; it’s a celebration of community action and the impact that people can have when they come together for nature. We are deeply grateful to Patagonia for helping share our story and inspiring others to take part in protecting Bullock Creek.

Pop into the Queenstown store this January to see the FOBC feature, learn more about our work, and discover ways you can support local conservation efforts.

Bullock Creek has many neighbours, from those who enjoy the creek bubbling through their backyards, to residents living upstream of the Creek’s source at the QEII-covenanted wetland site on Stone Street. As many of you know, this wetland area, known as Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs, has been the focus of FOBC’s work for nearly a decade. With the generous support of volunteers, donors and funders, we have transformed this once-forgotten corner of urban Wānaka into a thriving native parkland that is accessible to all.

Building on our visits to downstream neighbours in 2025, FOBC trustees will be visiting our upstream neighbours in the Alpha Series development during January 2026. We know many of our upstream neighbours are regular users of the wetlands, and many also volunteer with FOBC throughout the year.

The aims of this door knock are to:

• Share more about FOBC and the work we do

• Raise awareness of water quality issues affecting Bullock Creek and Lake Wānaka

• Promote simple DIY ideas to reduce stormwater runoff and contamination

• Introduce the idea of “Adopting a Drain” in conjunction with Wai Wānaka

We have produced a brochure to share with Alpha Series residents during our door knock.

Predator monitoring is a core part of FOBC’s restoration work, helping us understand what pests are present in the Bullock Creek catchment and how they may be impacting local wildlife. Rats and other introduced predators can significantly reduce populations of native birds, skinks, insects, and stream life — all species that rely on a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

By regularly checking tracking tunnels and chew cards, we can identify where predators are active and respond with targeted control. This ensures young birds have a better chance of fledging, native invertebrates can thrive, and the surrounding habitat continues to recover.

Consistent monitoring helps us make informed decisions and protects the long-term health and resilience of Bullock Creek. It’s one of the many small actions that add up to big gains for biodiversity.

Weed management has been a major focus for the FOBC team this spring, with extensive work carried out on cutting and pasting invasive species. Ivy and convolvulus have been the biggest targets, along with the regular weed species that continue to threaten native plantings and the health of Bullock Creek.

This season’s unusually wet spring has made pasting slow going, but as the weather settles, weed control will remain a key priority in the months ahead. Staying on top of invasive weeds is essential to protecting newly planted natives, improving habitat quality, and supporting the long-term health of the creek.

Thank you to our volunteers and supporters who help ensure this important work continues.

This year’s planting season has been a big success, with 1,411 native plants going into the ground — exceeding our goal of 1,000. These efforts play a vital role in strengthening the health of the Bullock Creek ecosystem, improving water quality, and creating habitat for local wildlife.

Looking ahead, we have 600+ plants thriving in the nursery, which will be held over the summer months and planted out in 2026. Our thanks go to Richard from the Corrections team, who has been diligently pricking out Carex secta seedlings and potting them on, helping boost our future stocks.

We’ve also supplied seed to the Otago Corrections Facility to keep a strong pipeline of native seedlings coming for next year’s restoration work.

A big thank you to everyone involved in supporting the ongoing health and resilience of the creek.

Our Thursday volunteer crew has remained wonderfully consistent, with four or more people joining each week. Their steady effort has helped us make strong progress around the Bullock Creek site, particularly through this season’s planting and mulching.

With planting now complete, we’re shifting focus to release weeding — an essential step to help young natives establish and support the wider health of the creek. These restoration efforts play a key role in improving water quality, stabilising stream edges, and creating healthier habitat for local wildlife.

Please also note that our Thursday volunteer sessions will now run 9–11am, starting 20 November.

Anyone is welcome to join — no experience needed, just a willingness to help care for this important ecosystem.

Head to our Volunteer page to find out more.

Friends of Bullock Creek (FOBC) is highlighting the significance of the QEII National Trust covenant placed over the Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs - a key step in securing the long-term protection and rehabilitation of this ecologically important site.

The QEII covenant ensures the land is legally protected for conservation purposes, preserving the natural character of the springs and surrounding habitats for generations to come. This protection has provided a crucial foundation for FOBC’s ongoing restoration efforts in the area.

Over recent years, FOBC volunteers have worked steadily to remove invasive species, reintroduce native vegetation, improve water flow, and restore habitat throughout the Hatchery Springs site. The results are increasingly evident: healthier waterways, flourishing native plantings, and a steadily recovering environment.

Images below show the remarkable progress made, from the early stages of rehabilitation to the vibrant, restored landscape taking shape today.

FOBC is proud to continue its stewardship of this special place, made possible by the enduring protection of the QEII National Trust covenant.

Summer is a special time at the Hatchery Springs, with the whole ecosystem buzzing with life. Native birds like pīwakawaka, korimako, and riroriro make the most of the warm weather, darting through the canopy and calling from the surrounding vegetation. Along the banks, lush harakeke, toetoe, and young native plantings thrive in the long daylight hours, creating vital habitat and supporting the health of the springs.

The planting along the creek bed plays a crucial role in water purification. Native vegetation helps stabilise the banks, reduce sediment runoff, and filter nutrients before they enter the waterway. Their roots act like natural sponges, slowing down water flow and trapping contaminants, which helps keep the springs clear and healthy for the wildlife that depends on them.

It’s a vibrant reminder of why protecting this space matters. If you’re visiting over the summer months, take a moment to slow down, listen to the birdsong, and enjoy this beautiful pocket of nature right in our community.