Eels (Tuna) and NZ Waterways

Eels / Tuna and the Waitohu Stream

In Terms 3 and 4, Room 5 is learning about eels (tuna) in New Zealand. Students are learning about the eels life cycle and NZ's waterways, particularly the Waitohu Stream.

The Waitohu Stream

The Waitohu Stream flows from the Tararua foothills to the Tasman Sea, north of Ōtaki. The stream, with its catchment spread over 54 square kilometres, flows through native and exotic forests, pastoral farmlands, lakes, wetlands, urban areas and coastal estuary. It has two tributaries – Mangapouri and Ngatotora Streams.

The stream supports many native fish species; some of these, such as the shortjaw kōkopu, giant kōkopu, lamprey and longfin eel, are nationally threatened.

The Greater Welliongton Regional Council is responsible for maintaining the channel in the Waitohu Stream from the coast up to Ringawhati Road. Maintenance activities carried out by the council include removing obstacles from the channel (such as trees), where we have physical access. Erosion repair is the responsibility of the landowner, although we are happy to provide advice on request.