Collaborative Planning Strengthens Waterway Restoration in Waikato

On Wednesday 25 June 2025, a Community Catchment Workshop united mana whenua, catchment groups, councils, landowners, volunteers, and conservation organisations to strengthen collaboration for healthier waterways and restored biodiversity across the Waikato region.

This hui marked one year since GoEco, as the Wai Connection provider for Waikato, hosted the first regional catchment workshop. In partnership with Ngaati Wairere and with support from Waikato Regional Council, they brought together leaders from Te Kuiti, Hakarimata, Hauraki, Piako, Tokoroa, and Kirikiriroa, representing a wide network of people working to improve freshwater outcomes.

Held in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, the workshop opened with kōrero from mana whenua, who shared the whakapapa of the awa and whenua, reinforcing the importance of indigenous leadership in freshwater and biodiversity restoration. Māori-led projects were acknowledged as central to the region’s environmental recovery, with participants recognising the value of supporting these kaupapa through long-term, respectful partnerships.

On the day people contributed insights on their work and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration. Rohe maps displayed around the venue became active working tools, allowing participants to collectively identify areas of ecological and cultural significance, restoration projects already underway, and locations needing further attention.

A major outcome of the workshop was the strengthening of relationships across sectors and communities. There was generous knowledge sharing among participants, with local landowners, scientists, mana whenua, and conservation leaders exchanging valuable lessons on riparian planting, wetland management, species monitoring, and community mobilisation. Attendees took away new ideas from iwi-led restoration initiatives, farmer-led projects, and inter-agency collaborations to deliver positive environmental outcomes.

The day also helped to reduce duplication and create synergies. Through dialogue and the collaborative mapping process, participants identified overlapping efforts and agreed on ways to better align their work, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed. This opened the door to more deliberate joint planning and coordination moving forward.

Importantly, attendees also provided feedback directly to Waikato Regional Council representatives. They acknowledged current support mechanisms such as flexible funding and advisory services, but called for more consistent and early-stage engagement with communities, especially with mana whenua. Many emphasised the need to simplify processes, ensure equitable access to support, and increase backing for Māori-led initiatives.

For the Endangered Species Foundation, the workshop reinforced the power of collective, place-based action. We were also able to share our Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream project with many of the workshop participants, and discuss future opportunities for engagement with communities who are interested in learning more about urban waterway restoration and our most endangered freshwater fish species.

"It was a valuable opportunity to listen, connect, and support those leading the restoration of our wai and whenua," says Natalie Jessup, General Manager of The Endangered Species Foundation. "We are committed to walking alongside communities and mana whenua to protect and regenerate the life-giving ecosystems that sustain us all".

The spirit of generosity and mutual support is expected to continue well beyond the workshop. The connections made during the day have laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration. Participants expressed a shared desire to stay in touch, share updates, and engage in future joint planning to strengthen the region’s ecological resilience and long-term sustainability.

Groups Represented Included:

• Mana Whenua

• Māori-led Projects across the region

• Go Eco

• NZ Landcare Trust

• Piako-Waihou Catchment Trust

• Pokaiwhenua Catchment Group

• Waikato Regional Council

• Korohina Collaborations

• Forest & Bird

• Waikato Biodiversity Forum

• Hodderville Farms

• Local landowners, volunteers, and conservation practitioners