Local projects and priorities

The vision for Hurunui Waiau Uwha is to foster a thriving natural environment, healthy waterways and a prospering zone.

We work with landowners, community, groups and other organisations to undertake a number of actions in the zone, which support the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, water quality, mahinga kai and more.  

Read about some of the key projects and priorities for the zone or contact us on 0800 324 636.

Key projects

Waiau township stopbank remediation and construction

Waiau township has been subject to many flood events from both the Mason and Waiau Uwha Rivers. Completed in February 2022, this project improved the level of flood protection to Waiau through the remediation and strengthening of two existing stopbanks on Inland Road, and construction of a new stopbank, including topsoiling and fencing, which borders the eastern side of the town.

Find out more about the Waiau township stopbank remediation and construction project.

 

Funding for hill country erosion

Landowners in Hurunui and Kaikōura can apply for funding to help combat hillside erosion as part of the Soil Conservation and Revegetation Programme.

Find out more about the Soil Con programme.

 

Waipara Catchment Plan

The Waipara Catchment Environmental Flow and Water Allocation Regional Plan (Waipara Catchment Plan) became operative in 2012 and aims to promote sustainable management of the catchment's rivers, streams, and groundwater.

The plan sets out the resource management issues and the objectives, policies, and methods — including rules — for resolving the issues related to water in the catchment.

Learn more about the Waipara Catchment Plan.

 

Hurunui and Waiau River Regional Plan

The Hurunui and Waiau River Regional Plan provides a framework for the sustainable management of water resources in the Hurunui, Waiau and Jed catchments. It is unique to the Hurunui Waiau Uwha water zone.

Learn more about the Hurunui and Waiau River Regional Plan.

  

Post-quake farming

The North Canterbury/Marlborough earthquakes of 2016 left some hill country farms in the area with up to 40% of their land unusable. Buildings, waterways, and access roads all threw the farms into disarray. 

The Post-Quake Farming Project was a three-year programme looking at land use and revenue streams of farms in the area, and how to make them stronger and more resilient to future challenges. It was funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries with support from Environment Canterbury and other organisations.

Learn more about the Post-Quake Farming Project on their website.

 

Hurunui and Waiau Braided River Bird Project

The Hurunui and Waiau Uwha Braided River Bird Project began in 2017 and aims to to protect and enhance habitat for black-fronted terns and black-billed gulls on the Hurunui and Waiau Uwha Rivers.

Find out more about the braided river bird project.

Support for farmers and community

Support is available to farmers - to help meet Good Management Practice and mahinga kai outcomes. We also have support available for community groups and landowners looking to undertake an environmental project. Read on to find out more about these topics.

Farming in Hurunui Waiau Uwha

Find more information on consents, tools, rules and responsibilities that might apply to your farm.

Visit the Farmers’ hub to find zone-specific farming information.

Community support

We provide support to community organisations for projects and initiatives that align with our priorities.

See types of support available and how to apply.

gathering watercress from stream

Mahinga kai

Mahinga kai/mahika kai is about the value of natural resources that sustain life, including the life of people.

Read more about mahinga kai and why it's important we protect it.