CATCHMENT STOCKTAKE & RIPARIAN PLANTING - MAKĀRETU
SUMMARY
In 2023, the Makāretu Sub-catchment Group secured a $10,000 TLC Demonstration Grant to deliver a project shaped by its own local priorities. Rather than moving straight to on-the-ground works, the group chose to first develop a shared understanding of the catchment.
With support from Access to Experts (A2E), the Makāretu Catchment Report established a robust baseline and recommended trialling alternative edge protection plantings using locally appropriate species.
That recommendation was implemented in 2025. A tributary identified through TLC’s Big Picture Project as having low riparian cover was selected for planting, and across two adjoining properties approximately 1,700 native plants were established. The project improves water quality, increases stream shading, and enhances native habitat. Just as importantly, it strengthened relationships through careful coordination between landowners, leaseholders and whānau.
MAKĀRETU SUB-CATCHMENT BASELINE REPORT
Following consultation with landowners in the Makāretu sub-catchment, TLC engaged Access to Experts (A2E) to develop a baseline report on the Makāretu River. A2E is a Ministry for the Environment initiative that provides catchment groups with free access to freshwater specialists.
Through A2E, Matt Highway of Environment, Innovation and Strategy Ltd assessed the catchment’s environmental and physical characteristics, including geology, soils, rainfall patterns and water quality. Dr Charlotte Drury of View Consult gathered social, cultural and historical perspectives from those connected to the awa.
The resulting 30-page report combines landowner insights with analysis of existing data, creating a comprehensive foundation to guide practical, locally informed action.
FROM INSIGHTS TO ACTION: MAKĀRETU PLANTING PROJECT
The Makāretu Catchment Report provided a solid baseline, and one of its key recommendations was to trial alternative edge protection plantings using locally appropriate species.
In 2025, that recommendation was put into action. A tributary identified for its low riparian cover through TLC’s Big Picture Project was selected for planting - a decision guided directly by the report, demonstrating how catchment-specific insights can drive practical action.
The planting took place across two adjoining properties:
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A Māori land block managed by Te Tumu Paeroa and leased to a third-party farmer, where planting was carried out by Mauri Oho.
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A neighbouring property, where fencing and planting were led by Kurt Portas and whānau.
In total, approximately 1,700 native plants were established. These plantings help improve water quality, provide stream shading, and create habitat for native biodiversity.
Navigating permissions across Māori land, leaseholders, and whānau required extra coordination, but it also strengthened relationships and ensured the project honoured all those connected to the whenua.
A huge thank you to the Makāretu landowners whose involvement - attending catchment meetings, participating in interviews, hosting site visits, and shaping planting decisions - was central to both the report and the planting actions that followed.
WITH THANKS
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Makāretu Sub-Catchment Group
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Makāretu landowners
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Te Tumu Paeroa
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The Portas whānau
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Access to Experts (A2E)
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Matt Highway of Environment, Innovation and Strategy (EIS)
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Dr Charlotte Drury of View Consult
FURTHER INFORMATION & CONTACT
To find out more about the Makāretu sub-catchment, head to the Makāretu sub-catchment page on this site.
To get in touch, please contact TLC Catchment Coordinator Kahlia Fryer:
Email: tukitukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone: 027 3426071