A successful application to the Ministry for Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund provided funds over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022 for the ‘Katikati Hills to Ocean (H20) Improvement Project’.

Working together with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, local landowners and sector groups, the goal was to create community endorsed catchment management plans addressing water quality and biodiversity recovery in four catchments: Tahawai, Uretara, Te Rereatukahia and Te Mania.

The steering group sought and received the support of the four key primary industry groups: Beef & Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, NZ Avocado & Zespri, in a collaboration designed to strengthen the operational resources of the project.

The preparation and implementation of environmental plans (EP’s) and adoption of Good Management Practice (GMP) are cornerstones. Engaging and supporting catchment champions as advocates is a critical factor for success. Perhaps you could be a champion for the catchment you call home?