There is perhaps no other nation in the world flying the ‘green’ flag as high and as passionately as New Zealand. Of the many environmental pioneers this country has produced, it is a professor and a scientist, both based in Christchurch, who have been leading the pack for environmental sustainability. Their project is called ‘Greening Waipara’, and it is gathering momentum at an encouraging rate.

The Waipara wine-growing area of North Canterbury is a place of extraordinary significance. Like much of eastern Canterbury, it was originally draped in tall totara, matai, lacebark, kowhai, lancewood and broadleaf forest. It has been dramatically transformed, first by the hunting and gathering by the indigenous Maori, then modification for grazing sheep and mixed farming, and then to forestry or horticulture – including the viticulture industry.

The two ecological specialists leading the ‘Greening Waipara’ project, Prof. Steve Wratton and Dr. Colin Meurk, are using research-driven techniques to help bring back a greener Waipara, and the wine industry is heavily involved. Among the objectives, there is focus on reducing the reliance on herbicides and pesticides, in addition to the creation of wetlands with native species to filter contaminated storm water and vineyard effluent – all done via the restoration of a natural habitat using species which were once common.

These practices enhance the natural character and resilience of the district. Shelter belts, entrance-ways, stream and pond edges, vineyard borders and even the vine rows themselves are all receiving an ecological ‘make over’. A number of New Zealand native species are showing real promise as a potential companion to grapes.

‘Greening Waipara’ is heavily reliant on those landowners who participate, but the uptake has been extremely positive and the research being collected will serve to help similar projects in the future. Thankfully, almost everyone in the region is on the same page. One of the wineries involved is Muddy Water, who are kindly using the profits of Deliverance to help fund the initiative.