Paul is the original driving force behind the Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs restoration project, recognising the importance of the spring-fed Bullock Creek and the need to clear the then inaccessible 2.7ha wetlands of invasive weeds. Previously working across various conservation and biodiversity projects and organisations including DOC and Otago Fish & Game, from 2005 to 2015 Paul worked as a self-employed ecologist specialising in surveying and management of threatened bird species including mohua, fernbird, weka, whio and kea. Paul has been living in Wānaka since 2012.

Paul is the Lead Contractor for FOBC, responsible for site operations and the wetland restoration work and planning, including volunteer supervision and Corrections-workers supervision on-site.

Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust is a Wānaka community-based native plant nursery that specialises in propagating plants of local origin (Upper Clutha region) and uses these plants for localised native habitat restoration. They work with local community groups, schools, organisations & businesses in the effort to promote hands-on community land care.

Their mission is to inspire community native habitat restoration through propagation, education and hands-on participation.

Te Kākano was involved at the beginning of the Bullock Creek planting project in 2016. They helped with the clearing and initial clean-up of the wetland. To learn more about Te Kākano, visit their website: www.tekakano.org.nz

WAI Wānaka connects individuals, community groups, iwi, landowners and businesses undertaking positive work towards enhancing water quality, ecosystem function and reversing biodiversity loss within the Upper Clutha. The Upper Clutha's catchments and water bodies are vital for the health and wellbeing of our community, both regionally and nationally.

WAI Wānaka believes that science lies at the heart of understanding how we balance the needs of our community alongside maintaining the health of our environment and advocates for the active management of waterways supported by evidence-based decision making.

FOBC has been the grateful recipient of funding from OCC whose objectives include:

Providing organisational support for Catchment Groups and their volunteers. Assisting with the formation and direction setting of new and emerging groups. Assisting individual groups with accessing funding. Providing administration support to help create and run groups. Help Catchment Groups and OCC communicate their story. Facilitating access to experts, information, technology, and education. Establishing enduring funding pipelines to support changing needs. Facilitate collaboration between Catchment Groups, Government, Regional Authorities and Stakeholders.

www.corrections.govt.nz