Together, the river will thrive.
Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race
The Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race is an iconic Hamilton event held Sunday, September 13th 2026, on the beautiful Waikato River. The event welcomes both competitive and recreational paddlers. The race is open to a wide range of paddle craft, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and waka. The Waikato River Authority sponsors the event, which promotes access to rangatahi getting on the river.
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Our role in restoring the Awa
The Waikato River Authority is an independent statutory body leading the restoration and protection of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers and their catchments, to ensure their health and wellbeing for present and future generations.
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The difference we’re making
Through funding, partnership, and practical restoration, the Waikato River Authority is helping create measurable change across the catchment. These figures reflect the scale of the work supported to protect and restore the health and well-being of the awa, including $80.6 million allocated to 496 projects over the last 15 years.
Kilometres of
waterway fenced
Community engagement
events held
Hectares of land
restored
Iwi, hapū and marae
based projects
Trees and shrubs
planted
Where funding meets action
Explore the projects helping restore and protect the health and well-being of the Waikato River. From iwi and community-led initiatives to large-scale restoration work, these stories highlight the practical action, partnerships, and long-term commitment making a difference across the catchment.
Community at the heart of the Fairfield project
Ecologist Bruce MacKay is part of the team driving the Fairfield Project, a community-led initiative in Hamilton restoring the Kukutaaruhe Gully and strengthening environmental education.
Working alongside Lynnette Rogers, he helps lead large-scale planting days, native seed collection, and the development of a new education centre and community garden.
News and stories
2026 WRA Funding Round closed.
Waikato River Authority: any solution on Plan Change 1 must protect the river’s long-term recovery
Waka launching site reconnects Raukawa to Waikato River
Community at the Heart of the Fairfield Project
A Firm Foundation, Not Shifting Sands
WRA hails PC1 ruling as milestone for river restoration
“Tooku awa koiora me oona pikonga he kura tangihia o te maataamuri”
The river of life, each curve more beautiful than the last
Guided by Te Ture Whaimana
The Waikato River Authority works toward a future where a healthy Waikato River sustains abundant life and thriving communities. It is the foundation for the long-term restoration and protection of the awa, and for the shared action needed to care for it for generations to come.
@ waikatoriverauthority