Waitao Landcare Group

Based in the hills between Pāpāmoa and Welcome Bay, we focus on restoration in the Waitao catchment.

The catchment is large and has significant native habitats. Extensive semi-coastal forest covers the upper reaches, while a number of smaller, yet surprisingly diverse forest patches, wetlands, and estuarine habitats are also present. This provides habitat for a wide range of native flora & fauna, some of which are locally rare and highly threatened.

Since 2001, we have collected native seeds, propagated them in our nurseries and in partnership with our local landowners planted them to restore native habitat, primarily in riparian zones and marginal farmland areas. Combined, members have an extensive native plant knowledge base and experience, and we are always keen to share this with others.

We hold regular community plantings and also have initiated a predator control project. The goal is to work together as a community to improve the health of these precious habitats, the Kaiate, Arateka & Waitao streams, and the Tauranga Harbour through our activities.

One of our nikau, planted in the early days, starting to bear fruit!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

A few highlights from 2023 include catching our first stoats, seeing kohekohe fruiting profusely in the forests here (clearly enjoying significant reductions in possum numbers!) and observing some of our previous year’s plantings beginning to show their full splendour.

Our members are still spritely - which is well worth celebrating - but as the group is now 23-years old now, aging is a reality! We’re recognising the need to put more effort into attracting new members and partnerships. And with this, we recognise the need to put more effort into attracting new members and partnerships to continue the legacy of what has been created here.

Significant gains in restoration of the catchment’s natural values have been made, but there is still much to do. So, we certainly hope that support can be fostered and this important mahi can continue here well into the future…

GET INVOLVED!

Volunteer - Attending one of our regular community potting days is a great way to get involved and support the restoration work that’s happening here, as are our community planting days, which always end with a great feed! There are also opportunities for people who want to get into trapping in the forest.

We support landowners with environmental projects, and we also are keen to connect with other nearby catchment projects. If you would like to learn more or get involved, you can follow us on Facebook, or email us directly.