Upper Waipoua Kaitiaki Group

2025 Greater Wellington Catchment Group Showcase: Upper Waipoua Kaitiaki Group

“Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you.” 

Wendell Berry – Poet and Farmer 

The Upper Waipoua Kaitiaki Group formed in 2018 after community meetings sparked a shared vision to improve both the land and the community it supports. 
 
The group is building upon the area’s rich farming history, working collaboratively with landowners to enhance the environment, community, and economic stability.   

A key achievement for the Upper Waipoua Kaitiaki Group has been a series of stream walks. Initially these walks established baseline water quality and temperature measurements – providing a crucial understanding of the stream’s ecology. 
 
This hands-on approach highlighted the vital role that shade plays in reducing water temperature and ultimately boosting biodiversity. Creating more shade for the Te Mara stream – a tributary of the Waipoua River – is now a key focus and led to a community planting trial. 

The stream walks have also effectively brought the group together, fostering a deep understanding of the catchment. The reviewers were particularly impressed with this shared vision and how the group has developed over time at its own sustainable pace.  

Other key achievements include ongoing water quality monitoring and the facilitation of Farm Environment Plan workshops. The group is boosting the area’s pest management and has developed both a community vision and catchment plan. 

Individual farmers play a crucial role in the group’s success, with nearly all of them fencing streams and planting riparian areas at their own cost. There has also been an increase in QEII Covenants and the retirement of some previously farmed land. 

This year, the final piece of their catchment puzzle will be complete when a stream walk is carried out in the Mikimiki Stream Valley.   
 
The Upper Waipoua Catchment Group demonstrates the power of community-led conservation and is working together to create a healthier environment for future generations.