TUKIPO
CATCHMENT
Primary township Ongaonga
Area 22,000ha
Land use 82 percent is in pasture, six percent in indigenous forest, five percent in arable and three percent in exotic forest.
CATCHMENT
GROUP
Committee Colin Tyler, Willie White, Megan Petersen, Tom White, PJ White, Nathan Congreve and Michelle Goodman (Coordinator)
Catchment co-ordinator Kahlia Fryer
Email tukitukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone 0273426071
ABOUT OUR CATCHMENT
The Tukipo catchment, centred around Ashley Clinton, spans approximately 22,000ha and has a strong community committed to improving environmental outcomes while maintaining productive farmland.
One of the catchment’s primary concerns is high nitrogen levels in streams, which can impact water quality and ecosystems. Phosphorus levels in waterways are also an issue, requiring targeted interventions such as waterway fencing, riparian planting and wetland development.
The Tukipo Catchment Care Group (TCCG) was formed in response to the Tukituki Plan Change and increasing regulatory requirements. The group recognised the need for a coordinated effort to address water quality and biodiversity challenges. Between 2018 and 2025, supported by Jobs for Nature funding, TCCG planted 75,000 native plants, installed 47 kilometres of riparian fencing, and completed 23 wetlands (fenced and planted), with 48 sites already approved and a goal of reaching 50.
TLC DEMONSTRATION PROJECT - OLD MAN'S BEARD CONTROL
Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitalba) is one of New Zealand’s most damaging invasive alien plants. It is an aggressively spreading woody vine which can grow up to 100 feet long and can completely blanket native trees and plants.
In 2023, the Tukipo Catchment Care Group used a TLC Demonstration Grant to commence Old Man’s Beard Control at the Monckton Scenic Reserve. The group engaged Mauri Oho (Jobs for Nature) to trial two control methods for Old Man’s Beard: targeted spraying and paste application. The trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of each approach and to help guide future control efforts aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the Monckton Scenic Reserve.
WETLAND MONITORING
TLC has committed to funding 12 months of independent water monitoring of a cutting-edge 1.6ha constructed wetland in Ashley Clinton.
Designed to reduce farm runoff and boost local biodiversity, the wetland sits beside a seven-hectare remnant of native bush, on land generously retired by the White family.
The monitoring, conducted by Water Sense, is providing robust scientific data on the wetland’s effectiveness. For comparison, TLC is also monitoring a nearby smaller wetland, with side-by-side results offering valuable insights into the performance of wetlands at different scales. The results are shared below to support others considering similar wetland projects.
THE BIG PICTURE
The Big Picture
As part of The Big Picture project, TLC has developed independent, science-backed catchment plans for each of the 17 sub-catchments of the Tukituki River. These farmer-led plans address key environmental challenges specific to each area while identifying practical, affordable solutions. These plans do not impose rules or regulations but they give farmers and catchment groups a roadmap for future planning to improve water quality, boost farm productivity, and open the door to future funding opportunities.
TLC partnered with environmental planning consultancy Environment, Innovation and Strategy Ltd (EIS), who collected data specific to each sub-catchment, including erosion maps, flow path models, land use capability, soil types, and water monitoring information. Alongside the scientific data, in December 2024, TLC hosted workshops for farmers and growers in each sub-catchment to make sure the solutions aligned with the realities of farming and growing in each sub-catchment.
Tukipo Draft Sub-Catchment Plan: Summary
Tukipo Draft Sub-Catchment Plan: Full Report
Tukipo Catchment Maps
TLC FARMER TOOLBOX
Tools for the Tukipo Catchment
As part of The Big Picture, TLC has developed the TLC Farmer Toolbox, designed to support landowners in making informed decisions and enable them to implement changes with confidence, ensuring that time and money are invested wisely.
The TLC Toolbox includes the following:
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TLC’s On-Farm Action Planning Tool - prioritise on-farm environmental actions based on their cost-effectiveness and impact.
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TLC’s Plant Selection Tool - choose the right plants for on-farm environmental projects by matching your planting zone and purpose with suitable species.
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TLC’s Surface Erosion Tool - determine the most erosion-prone areas on your farm to identify priority sites for effective soil conservation measures.
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TLC’s Water Runoff Mapping Tool - identify sites for on-farm edge-of-field mitigations such as sediment traps, constructed wetlands and detention bunds.
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TLC’s Riparian Mapping Tool - better understand riparian condition and vegetation class along waterways to prioritise where riparian management should occur.
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TLC’s ETS Guide- download TLC’s ETS Guide for key information on the Emissions Trading Scheme, including its purpose, benefits, eligibility, enrolment process, and potential costs and returns.
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TLC’s Willow Management Guide - download TLC’s Invasive Willow Management Guide for insights on willows in the Tukituki, control strategies and riparian restoration.
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TLC’s List Of Advisors - connect with local advisors for tailored advice and potential funding opportunities.
