Collaborative projects dominate funding for river restoration

The Waikato River Authority has completed its 2022 funding round awarding $5.7 million to
26 projects.

Successful projects include a high level of collaboration between iwi, landowners,
restoration groups and large organisations.

•The largest project to be funded this year is $1.3 million for stage 2 of the Ngā Wai o
Waikato project, which is a continuation of work in the north Waikato area. This is a
joint approach between Waikato Regional Council, Waikato-Tainui, Ministry for
Primary Industries and landowners which will target high sediment producing
catchments for restoration and improvement.

• A project to re-establish Raukawa iwi cultural relationship with the Waikato River
has also received funding. The project will see a waka launching site constructed
near the Waipapa Dam (providing the only safe access to that section of the river)
and to create a modern tūāhu, a sacred area for karakia and waiata.
• The Pokaiwhenua Catchment Group, based near Putaruru, has received nearly a
$100,000 to work with multiple landowners on reducing sediment and nutrient
inputs into waterways. The project involves fencing, plantings and the retirement of
grazing land.
• A project to retrieve foreign objects dumped in the Waikato River in and around
Hamilton has received $250,000. Deep Dive Division will work at seven river
locations from Narrows Landing, through Hamilton city to Ngāruawahia retrieving
dumped items.

Waikato River Authority co-chair Tipa Mahuta says the high level of collaboration evident in
many of the funded projects is a positive outcome for the future health and wellbeing of the
awa. “We’ve always said that no one group, or individual can achieve what needs to be
done for the river on their own. We are now seeing more working together which is what
we need for success”.

Co-chair Paula Southgate says the project to retrieve dumped items from the river in a
populated area through Hamilton city will be a highly visible clean-up action. “Not only will
this make a tangible difference to the awa, but it will hopefully galvanise even more public
care and support for our river when this very obvious pollution is seen.”

A full list of funded projects will be available on the Waikato River Authority website at waikatoriver.org.nz/funded-projects

ENDS