A collaborative project between Tauranga City Council and Bakels Edible Oils is transforming an overgrown stormwater corridor in Mount Maunganui, replacing high-maintenance weed management with native planting that will support biodiversity, improve environmental outcomes and create a more sustainable long-term solution.

What began as a discussion about maintaining a difficult-to-access stormwater drain has evolved into a collaborative environmental project that will deliver long-term benefits for both the local environment and the surrounding community.

Tauranga City Council and Bakels Edible Oils have partnered to restore sections of a stormwater corridor bordering Bakels’ Te Maire Street site in Mount Maunganui. Together, they identified an opportunity to replace areas dominated by exotic weeds and kikuyu grass with native planting that will improve the health of the site while reducing future maintenance requirements.

The idea emerged following a site visit in late 2025, when council staff and Bakels representatives explored options for better managing the area. While routine mowing had become increasingly challenging due to the site’s terrain and access constraints, the discussions highlighted a broader opportunity to enhance the environmental value of the corridor.

Native planting was identified as a practical long-term solution. In addition to reducing the need for ongoing vegetation management, the planting will help establish more resilient ground cover, support local biodiversity and contribute to a healthier stormwater environment.

The project has brought together teams from across council, alongside Bakels staff, demonstrating how collaboration between local government and business can help achieve positive environmental outcomes.

As part of the initiative, Bakels has also begun a small-scale planting trial within the riparian area where the stormwater drain passes through its property. The trial involves 20 native plants and will help inform future planting across the remainder of the site.

If successful, Bakels plans to continue working alongside council to progressively revegetate the area over the coming years, creating a greener corridor that supports both environmental and operational goals.

Together, the project demonstrates how practical partnerships can deliver lasting improvements for local ecosystems while creating safer, more sustainable solutions for managing urban infrastructure.

Tauranga City Council is interested in hearing from other businesses in the Mount industrial area who are interested in exploring similar opportunities. Email: James Piddock, Pollution Prevention Officer james.piddock@tauranga.govt.nz