Westfield WestCity is lucky enough to have a 56-kilometre stream – the Oratia – running through its grounds. Over time however, the stream had begun to reflect the impact of its location in an increasingly busy commercial environment.
With much of the native bush having been replaced over the years by grass lawns and the stream itself becoming a dumping ground for litter the team at Westfield WestCity saw an opportunity to restore its section of the Oriata to its former natural beauty.
Working with more than 1,000 members of the community including representatives from the local council who subsequently funded the Project Twin Streams group, the Corban Arts Centre, members of local schools, retirement villages, churches and other community groups the Oriata Stream has a new lease on life after a series of clean-up and replanting days. The large-scale project which ran over 15 years has resulted in a lush native garden and a stream that is thriving in its natural environment.
Westfield WestCity continues working with the Project Twin Streams in ongoing water quality monitoring and environmental educational programs with local schools.
