News & Events

Inanga Spawning in Kopuawhara River

On June 15th 2023, our Te Puna Waiora o Nukutaurua Kaimahi were invited to meet with Helen from Department of Conservation and Matt. They are both passionate about Inanga and their spawning grounds.

Kaimahi learnt about the wedge which is the most likely meeting place of sea water and fresh water. This is where fish species spawn with King tides.

The water was tested using a special conductivity tool. This enables testing for the quantity of fresh water to sea water in the stream at certain locations.

Kaimahi learnt about the type of grounds that Inanga like to spawn in, which are preferably grassy type grounds with more of a flat surface, not so vertical as it becomes more of a challenge for the fish to lay their eggs. 

Fish also prefer certain grasses and dislike weeds. Willow and other trees along riverbanks can also hinder the Inanga as it stops the grass from growing.

As well as natural disasters cattle are also a hinderance to Inanga spawning as they eat all the grass and trample all over the eggs.

Kaimahi enjoyed time spent with Helen and Matt. They have a lot of experience with fresh water and specifically Inanga spawning. We look forward to catching up with them and working with them again in the future.