Rural Catchments
The aim of the Rural Catchment Programme is to improve the health of freshwater ecosystems in the Upper Clutha through education and community-led action
Rural landscapes across the Upper Clutha are under increasing pressure from land use, climate challenges, and changing environmental demands. These pressures directly influence the health of our freshwater, soils, and ecosystems — and in turn, the resilience and wellbeing of the communities who depend on them.
Rural catchment groups have grown from the need for collective, locally led action. By bringing together landowners, farmers and stakeholders, these groups create a shared understanding of environmental challenges and opportunities across each catchment. They are supported with the knowledge, frameworks and tools needed to monitor, manage and improve freshwater quality, biodiversity and land stewardship, all contributing to agricultural resilience.
Through collaboration, data-driven decision making, and practical on-the-ground action, rural catchment groups are building connected, resilient communities. In doing so, they are contributing to WAI Wānaka’s vision of thriving ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations.
RURAL CATCHMENT GROUPS
Cardrona Valley Catchment Group
A proactive collective of landowners dedicated to improving water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health through science-based planning and coordinated on-ground action.
Lake Hāwea Catchment Group
A collaborative network of farmers and stakeholders working to enhance environmental outcomes while supporting resilient, sustainable farming systems across the Lake Hāwea catchment.
Luggate Catchment Group
A community-focused group revitalising efforts to protect and restore local waterways and ecosystems through collaboration, monitoring, and renewed engagement.
Maungawera Valley Biodiversity Group
An established and highly engaged group leading practical biodiversity and pest management initiatives while building resilience and long-term environmental stewardship across the valley.
Wānaka Catchment Group
A well-established, self-facilitated organisation connecting landowners and the wider community to protect water quality and promote sustainable land use across the Lake Wānaka catchment.
We wish to thank the Ministry for Primary Industries, Otago Catchment Community Inc and the farming community for supporting our work with local groups, as well as local organisations Predator Free Wānaka, the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group and the Wānaka Community Workshop for their amazing mahi in this space.
Cardrona Valley Catchment Group
The Cardrona Valley Catchment Group has been actively working together for a number of years to care for the water, land and ecosystems of the Cardrona Valley. Established as an incorporated society, the group brings together landowners with a shared commitment to understanding both the quality and quantity of water in the catchment and improving freshwater and wider ecosystem health. Key achievements include long-term water quality monitoring, on-farm biodiversity monitoring, and coordinated enhancement work such as planting, fencing, and pest and predator management. A standout example can be seen in their Nassella Tussock control programme, which illustrates the power of collective action with 14,000 individual plants removed and 200 clumps grubbed and sprayed.
More recently, the group has completed a comprehensive Catchment Management Plan, supported by clear five-year objectives and annual work plans that provide a strong, evidence-based framework for action. Looking ahead, the group’s priorities are focused on building landowner capability, strengthening collaboration and community engagement, and supporting wellbeing and connection across the valley. Through improved facilitation, expert input, data analysis, and a coordinated communications programme, the Cardrona Valley Catchment Group aims to deliver enduring freshwater and biodiversity improvements while fostering a connected, resilient community that actively values and stewards Te Taiao.
Lake Hāwea Catchment Group
The Lake Hāwea Catchment Group was formed under the Red Meat Profit Partnership Action Networks Framework and has grown into a committed collective of farmers and landowners working collaboratively to enhance environmental outcomes across the catchment. Since 2020, the group has developed a clear mission and delivered tangible results, including long-term water quality monitoring across multiple properties, farm environment planning, winter grazing and soil health workshops, and knowledge-sharing with other catchment groups.
With strong support from WAI Wānaka and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the group has also pioneered community and agency engagement, bringing together landowners, DOC, local and regional councils, and other stakeholders to align values and environmental work programmes into the Catchment Action Plan. Looking ahead, the group’s focus is on strengthening rural–urban understanding, progressing farm environment and carbon plans, and embedding regular, inclusive stakeholder forums to ensure a coordinated, community-led approach to protecting Lake Hāwea’s unique environment while supporting resilient and profitable farming systems into the future.
The Lake Hāwea Catchment Group also proudly initiated the Lake Hāwea Stakeholder Group to bring together a broader range of members. This group is supported by the Guardians of Lake Hāwea, and includes the Otago Regional Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Land Information New Zealand, Contact Energy, and WAI Wānaka.
Catchment Community – Farmer in Focus: Guardians of Glen Dene – Richard and Sarah Burdon
Luggate Catchment Group
The Luggate Catchment Group has been active for several years, bringing together landowners and community members with a shared commitment to understanding and improving the health of local waterways and ecosystems. Key achievements include five years of water quality monitoring, on-farm biodiversity monitoring, coordinated pest and predator control across the catchment, and the early stages of a restoration project in Luggate Creek involving pest management, fencing and enhancement with a long-term vision for public access.
After a period of reduced activity, the group is now resetting and realigning its values and priorities to build renewed momentum. Its future focus is on reconnecting the catchment community, strengthening relationships with local associations, schools and agencies, and using accumulated data and expert knowledge to support evidence-based freshwater and biodiversity management. Through renewed collaboration and engagement, the group aims to foster a more connected, informed and resilient Luggate community that actively stewards its land and waterways.
Catchment Community – Farmer in Focus: Growing the future – Rebecca and Ben Trotter
Maungawera Valley Biodiversity Group
The Maungawera Valley Biodiversity Group is a highly engaged incorporated society that represents a diverse range of land uses and farming systems throughout the valley. In recent years, the group has achieved substantial on-the-ground results, most notably leading a successful rabbit control programme covering approximately 210 hectares across nine properties. This work was supported by extensive fencing funded through ORC’s EcoFund, followed by pest management delivered with MPI Catchment Extension Services funding, as well as five years of freshwater quality monitoring.
The Maungawera Valley Biodiversity Group has a strong community resilience focus and has collectively developed an Emergency Response Plan to give group members a clear plan should major events strike on how to respond and where resources may be to support response and recovery from adverse events.
Having completed this critical work, the group is now refocusing its efforts on long-term environmental stewardship. Its future objectives centre on enhancing water quality and biodiversity across the catchment through renewed education, expert engagement, pest and predator control, and stronger collaboration with neighbouring catchment groups, agencies and schools. By building on its strong foundations, the Maungawera Valley Biodiversity Group aims to support informed, collective action that sustains both the natural environment and the community that depends on it.
RESOURCES
Volda – Volunteer Management for Community Organisations