● The Styx Living Laboratory Trust is a local organisation developing the Pūharakekenui Styx River catchment. They wish to encourage people to spend more time in the Pūharakekenui/Styx environment and appreciate its unique character.

● This project aims to connect reserves within the Pūharakekenui/Styx catchment by navigating a path along Ka Pūtahi Creek to the Pūharakekenui/Styx River.

● The research question was: “How can the Pūharakekenui/Styx reserves be connected in safe, creative ways that reinforce the unique character of the Pūharakekenui/Styx environment and celebrate a sense of place?”

●Quantitative land assessments provided data for use in GIS to plan network connections. Field surveys supplemented GIS with hazard identification and understanding of the Pūharakekenui/Styx sense of place. Ecological assessments determined plantings appropriate to the area. Interviews and email surveys gained relevant perspectives on the project.

● Key results include a cohesive Pūharakekenui/Styx design and crossing solutions that address the aspirations of the Styx Living Laboratory Trust and celebrate the Pūharakekenui/Styx as a place to be.

● Limitations of the research include time constraints, accessibility of resources and data and unfamiliarity with the human research process.

● Future research opportunities include measuring reserve usage, developing further crossings, streamlining the reserve development model, and applying to other underappreciated waterways in need of development.