Once I was only a trickle
From the Wither Hills I came
Gathering flow and strength
Journeying towards the sea
A home to many creatures
You arrived, realised my potential
Water wheels for energy
Flax mills for rope, a highway for boats
Occasionally rebelling, surging free
You tethered me; stop banks, dam
Preventing flooding over Te Waiharakeke
You enhanced my banks, dredged me of my weeds
Yet I still remain the same,
Habitat for many creatures,
Now you walk beside me,
I take pride in myself
Care for me and I will never die
Lauren Doherty & Eve Anderson
2015