Pōrangahau — Taurekaitai ki Te Paerahi

In 2019, a small gathering of land guardians in Southern Hawke’s Bay sparked a movement that has since transformed the local landscape.

Concerned by shifting regulations, and driven by a goal of protecting their waterways, the group envisioned a community-led approach to environmental health.

By 2020, the Pōrangahau Catchment Group – Taurekaitai ki Te Paerahi – was officially formed, setting in motion a mission to restore te ao tūroa (natural order) and mauri (life force) of their 88,000ha territory.

The catchment group’s scale is as impressive as its ambition. Membership currently covers 46,000ha – more than half the total catchment area – however, their impact ripples far beyond property boundaries.

By collaborating with iwi, hapū, and local schools, the group has woven Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) principles into their environmental strategy. This ensures that restoration is a collective, cultural journey that is anchored in science.

After securing a Fresh Water Improvement Fund from the government, the group successfully channelled resources into priority projects. This includes protecting critical whitebait spawning sites and restoring high-value recreational areas.

The group’s resilience was put to the test following 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle, when they partnered with the district council to establish plants to combat erosion around storm-damaged bridges.

To date, the collective has established 200,000 native plants and 21,000 poplars across their catchment, providing erosion control across about 450ha. In addition, fencing now safeguards about 175ha of freshwater habitat, plus they actively protect more than 1,800ha from pests.

This commitment to a lasting legacy earned the group a Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Civic Award, however the real prize remains the visible health of the land.

Through regular community gatherings and knowledge-sharing, the Pōrangahau Catchment Group is ensuring the community remains empowered, connected, and ready to protect their environment for generations to come.