Damsite block (July 2002) before development. A large pond is to be in the lower portion of this block. Visualise water in the space extending beyond the rushes in the foreground to the two poplars in the background and between the fence line to the left and the line of poplars to the right. Water is to be supplied to the pond from a spring that is located above the pond site and about the middle of the pic (where you can see a stake with an orange-coloured tip).

In June 2003 the spring was dug out and two small temporary ponds were developed on either side of the stake. Because of the massive damage to Pohangina Valley from the February 2004 flood and August heavy snowfall, no further digging was done in the wetlands as Kevin Large of 'Valley Contracting' was deeply involved in the cleanup and repair work needing his contracting services.

In February 2005, digging continued in the wetlands when the two ponds from the spring in the damsite block were connected and a head built to allow the spring water to back up eventually creating a shallow large pond extending into the rushes. This now has created a great habitat for pukekos and other wetland friends.

February 2006, Kevin Large with digger begins development of the large pond in the damsite block. Here the digger is removing the pasture grass and part of the top soil for use later.

More serious digging with track dump truck hauling soil off to form the pond head and sides.

Kevin developing the island from a high point in the original paddock. The low mound of fresh dirt in the foreground will be an underwater island when the pond is full of water.

March 2006. The pond is nearly complete; only touch-up work to do.

July 2006, the pond is full and planting has begun.