Makara Catchment Group 

2025 East Coast Catchment Group Showcase: Makara Catchment Group 

This catchment group demonstrates the power of community-led initiatives in environmental restoration and highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in achieving sustainable land management outcomes. 

Makara Catchment Group was established in 2022, it sits under the Tukituki Land Care Catchment Collective, which offers co-ordination and access to grants to drive project activity.  The Makara Catchment Group maximised the opportunity of these grants to develop one of its major achievements, a State of the Catchment Report.  

The report was produced following a comprehensive analysis of the 12,500ha catchment, and is based on farmer interviews, the analysis of Farm Environmental Management Plans, and extensive mapping. 

Based on data from nearly all 26 properties, it provides valuable insights into environmental challenges and opportunities within the catchment which encompasses forestry, pastoral, and cropping land. 

The report highlighted the significant work done to date which includes the planting of nearly 9,000 erosion poles, fencing 63ha of wetlands across eight farms, and completing 55km of riparian fencing. 

Key concerns identified in the report included erosion, sediment, phosphorus, and slope stability. To address these, the group has actively engaged with the local farming community to share information – ultimately uniting the community. 

The report provides a clear picture of the environmental health of the catchment and has empowered landowners to prioritise restoration efforts. 

Based on the report’s findings, the group has implemented several key initiatives, including a 12-month water monitoring programme that commenced in September 2024. They are also planning a community catchment tour to showcase their work and the flood retention dams which form an integral part of the area.  

Their work is built upon a foundation of increased community engagement. This is fostering collaboration among farmers, encouraging knowledge sharing and the adoption of sustainable land management practices. 

With the report as their roadmap, this catchment group is uniting their community and significantly improving the environmental health of the Makara catchment for generations to come.