Fairfield, Lower Hutt
Waiwhetū Stream
Waiwhetū Stream
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The Waiwhetū Stream is a small watercourse that flows through Fairfield and drains the eastern side of the [Hutt Valley](/wiki/Hutt_Valley "Hutt Valley"). It enters [Wellington Harbour](/wiki/Wellington_Harbour "Wellington Harbour") at the [Hutt River](/wiki/Hutt_River_%28New_Zealand%29 "Hutt River (New Zealand)") estuary. Development and urbanisation of the Hutt Valley since the arrival of settlers led to increasing pollution and degradation of the stream environment. The stream was diverted into concrete culverts in many sections in an attempt to reduce flooding. Industrial development in the area around the lower reaches of the stream led to that section becoming an industrial sewer. In 2010, the stream was described as one of the most polluted waterways in New Zealand.

Pressure from the community beginning around 2003 helped to trigger a major project to clean up the lower reaches. This project was declared complete in June 2010, after the removal of 56,000 tonnes of toxic waste. In 2010\-11, a community group was formed to lead restoration of the upper reaches of the stream. Over a period of 10 years, volunteers cleared invasive aquatic weeds and rubbish from  of the stream bed and established around 34,000 locally\-sourced native plants on the banks of the stream.


What other waterways in New Zealand are polluted like the Waiwhetū Stream?