Project Twin Streams – A Green Revolution

Project Twin Streams (PTS) is a highly innovative environmental restoration and stormwater management project based in Waitakere. PTS improves water quality by cleaning streams and revegetating stream banks with native trees and shrubs. Unlike the large infrastructure approach of most drainage projects, PTS engages local residents, schools, businesses and communities to deliver the planting programme and thereby builds community spirit alongside environmental protection. Over 650, 000 trees and shrubs have been planted since the project and more than 34, 000 volunteers have contributed to making the programme a success.

The programme is a result of a ‘Waitakere Way’ collaborative partnership between the local authority and community organisations and it has won international accolades for its philosophy and engagement. Jon Morgan, or ‘Green John’ as he is better known, is team leader for the Oratia stream, and exemplifies the PTS approach using strong networks with local churches, schools and the Pacific community in order to plant trees and maintain the Henderson South and McClaren Park area.

PTS demonstrates the benefits of working with rather than doing to community. People are more likely to make changes in behaviour when they understand the problem and are part of the solution.

Funding support from: trusts and local and central government