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.

As temperatures begin to climb, we’re adapting our summer volunteer schedule to make sure everyone can work comfortably and safely. From this week onward, FOBC volunteer sessions will move to Thursday mornings, 9–11am, allowing us to make the most of the cooler part of the day.

Starting earlier also means better conditions for planting and maintaining the creek environment. Cooler soil temperatures and gentler morning sun help young plants establish more successfully — and make the work more enjoyable for our volunteers.

Whether you’re a regular or thinking about joining for the first time, we’d love to have you with us. Come along, lend a hand, and help us keep Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs thriving this summer.

Friends of Bullock Creek (FOBC) are thrilled to share that we’ve received Direct Group Funding supported by the Otago Catchment Community (OCC), a partnership that brings us one step closer to achieving our restoration and conservation goals.

This funding will support our ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the Bullock Creek catchment, safeguarding its freshwater ecosystems, native biodiversity, and the wellbeing of our local community. The support from OCC not only provides essential financial assistance but also reflects a shared commitment to hands-on, community-led conservation in the Wānaka area.

FOBC has long worked alongside the OCC to align local action with regional conservation priorities. This direct funding strengthens that relationship, allowing us to plan and deliver projects more effectively, and to continue fostering collaboration between volunteers, local residents, and supporting organisations.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Otago Catchment Community for their belief in our work and for helping us protect one of Wānaka’s most important natural assets.

Together, we’re making meaningful progress, for Bullock Creek, and for the future of our local environment.

When most people head to Wānaka for a break, they pack their hiking boots, mountain bikes, or fishing rods. But for John, a keen conservation volunteer from Tauranga, the essentials also include gardening gloves and a sun hat.

John frequently visits Wānaka and during his trips, he makes time to lend a hand at Bullock Creek. From planting native seedlings to helping maintain pathways and traps, John’s contribution is a welcome boost for the Friends of Bullock Creek team.

“It’s such a beautiful spot, and it feels good to give something back,” John says.

Volunteers like John play an important role in keeping the wetlands thriving. Their support helps native plants establish, enhances habitat for birdlife such as the pīwakawaka and tūī, and ensures visitors can continue to enjoy the area in its natural state.

Next time you’re in Wānaka, why not follow John’s example? Drop by Bullock Creek, say hello to the team, and see how you can get involved. Every pair of hands makes a difference.