Waikato River Authority

Waikato River Authority Restoring and protecting the health and well-being of the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application to the 2026 Funding Round, which closed on 27 July. Each year, the W...
07/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application to the 2026 Funding Round, which closed on 27 July.

Each year, the Waikato River Authority holds a contestable funding round, for projects that contribute to the restoration and protection of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers.

Since 2011, the Waikato River Authority has granted support to more than 503 projects 🌿

This year, we received 44 applications requesting more than $11 million in funding.

These applications have been assessed for eligibility and reviewed by an Independent Evaluation Panel against the Waikato River Authority funding criteria, with input from River Iwi.

Applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their applications soon. Successful projects may commence once a Deed of Funding has been developed and agreed between funding recipients and the Waikato River Authority.

We look forward to sharing an update on the successful applicants and the projects receiving funding.

For more information on our previously funded projects, head to the link below: https://waikatoriver.org.nz/wra-funded-projects/

MEDIA RELEASEThursday, 24 September 2026The Waikato River Authority says Parliament's decision to park the core of Plan ...
23/09/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 24 September 2026

The Waikato River Authority says Parliament's decision to park the core of Plan Change 1 (PC1) until 2033 sets a troubling precedent for Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, and stalls momentum on restoring rivers that are already deteriorating.

The legislation, passed under urgency on Tuesday night, means farmers will not be required to prepare, implement and maintain a PC1 Farm Environment Plan before 2033.

Those plans are how farms would show they are reducing nutrient and sediment run-off into waterways and managing the areas most likely to pollute them.

The legislation comes just over three months after the Environment Court confirmed PC1 as the essential first step towards Te Ture Whaimana, the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipā Rivers established through Treaty settlement legislation.

WRA Co-Chair Danny Loughlin said the decision raised serious questions about the strength of the protections in the Waikato River settlement.

"Te Ture Whaimana was given special status in law so that the health and wellbeing of the river would come first. It is meant to prevail over national policy. What concerns us most is the precedent this sets. If Parliament can step around the Vision and Strategy by legislating a pause whenever a process becomes inconvenient, then the protection river iwi negotiated in good faith is far weaker than anyone understood it to be."

Mr Loughlin said the Authority would hold the Government to its assurance that PC1's work would shape what comes next.

"The law now says decision-makers must have particular regard to PC1 when Waikato's first natural environment plan is developed. We'll hold them to that. But particular regard in a plan that is still years away is no substitute for action on the ground now.”

WRA Co-Chair Stu Kneebone said the pause had halted momentum at the point it was most needed.

"The Environment Court called PC1 the essential first step towards Te Ture Whaimana. That first step has now been paused, and momentum is the hardest thing to rebuild. The river is already deteriorating, and it won't wait for a new planning system. Every year we push this out adds another year to an 80-year journey."

The Authority acknowledged that PC1's underlying rules remain in force, including controls on nitrogen fertiliser, cultivation, intensive winter grazing and land-use change.

It will continue to work with Waikato Regional Council, central government, river iwi, the primary sector and catchment communities to keep restoration work moving during the deferral period.

To view full Media release, head to the link below:
https://waikatoriver.org.nz/pc1-pause-sets-troubling-precedent/

CAMBRIDGE TO HAMILTON 2026! 🛶The Waikato River Authority's sponsorship of the Cambridge to Hamilton paddle race delivere...
20/09/2026

CAMBRIDGE TO HAMILTON 2026! 🛶

The Waikato River Authority's sponsorship of the Cambridge to Hamilton paddle race delivered a bumper day on the awa, with a record number of young paddlers taking part in the Rangatahi Paddle Race.

The 11km race got underway from the Narrows boat ramp, with free entry for all paddlers under 18 drawing waka ama, racing kayaks and stand up paddle boards to the start line.

Prizes were awarded across the under 12, 14, 16 and 18 years age groups, with Alexis Hansen the fastest in the stand-up paddle boards, Luke McIvor and Ellie Renick the fastest male and female kayak paddlers, and Lani and Hani Herbert the fastest in the waka ama division.

The day wrapped up with a generous array of prizes from event sponsors, medals for every competitor, and no shortage of tired but happy paddlers making their way off the water.
Fore
The Waikato River Authority congratulates all paddlers, and particularly the rangatahi, on a great day on the awa.

Susan O’Regan appointed Chair of QEII National TrustThe Waikato River Authority congratulates Susan O’Regan on her appoi...
14/09/2026

Susan O’Regan appointed Chair of QEII National Trust

The Waikato River Authority congratulates Susan O’Regan on her appointment as Chair of the QEII National Trust Board 👏🏻

Susan is a Waikato dairy farmer with strong connections to the rural community and is a keen supporter of environmental projects, including wetland restoration and riparian planting.

Her extensive leadership and governance experience includes serving as the former Mayor of Waipā District and as a current Crown appointee to the Waikato River Authority.

This experience, alongside her strong Waikato connections, brings a valuable perspective to the leadership of an organisation with an important role in protecting whenua and supporting environmental stewardship across privately owned land.

To view statement from Scoop, head to the link below:
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2609/S00143/susan-oregan-appointed-qeii-national-trust-chair.htm

A record 50 rangatahi have already registered for this Sunday’s Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race and there is still tim...
10/09/2026

A record 50 rangatahi have already registered for this Sunday’s Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race and there is still time for more to join!

With sponsorship from the Waikato River Authority and others, entry is free for rangatahi aged 8–17, removing a financial barrier and encouraging more young waka ama paddlers to take part.

The 11km rangatahi race starts at the Narrows and finishes in central Hamilton. Organiser Richard Clark says, “The more, the merrier!”

Entries close tomorrow, Friday, so get your rangatahi registered and ready to paddle on the awa.

Ka mau te wehi! We look forward to seeing our rangatahi out in force.

Waikato River Authority announced as naming sponsor of Te Puku o Te Ika Sprint Champs The Waikato River Authority (WRA) ...
07/09/2026

Waikato River Authority announced as naming sponsor of
Te Puku o Te Ika Sprint Champs

The Waikato River Authority (WRA) has signed a two-year agreement to become the naming and principal sponsor of the Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association’s (TPoTI) Regional Sprint Championships, covering the 2026 and 2027 events.

Under the agreement, the event will be known as the Te Puku o Te Ika – Sprint Champs, Waikato River Authority, bringing together waka ama paddlers from across the region for an annual sprint championship that also serves as a national qualifying event.

The championships are held at Lake Karāpiro, with the 2026 event set for 5–6 December. The 2025 event, held on 6 - 7 December, drew some 1,200 paddlers, including from clubs across the Waikato catchment, Taranaki and Bay of Plenty.

Participating Waikato clubs, included Te Toki Waka Ama, Tūrangawaewae Waka Sports, Waikato Dragon Boat and Waka Ama Association, Raahui Pookeka Waka Sports, Ngā Kaihoe o Te Pūaha Waka Ama Club, and Ngā Tai Whakarongo Waka Ama Club.

The partnership, builds on WRA’s earlier sponsorship of the national waka ama sprints. By extending its support to the regional competition, WRA is providing greater assistance to a volunteer-run organisation that develops paddlers and future kaitiaki of the Waikato River.

The sponsorship includes branding across event signage, promotional materials and online event programmes, as well as a dedicated WRA information site at the event where staff will engage directly with paddlers, whānau and spectators to share information about river health and restoration initiatives.

“The Waikato River is the life force of this region, and Te Puku o Te Ika Sprint Champs provides a fantastic way to connect with paddlers and their whānau in a positive environment,” said Antoine Coffin, Kaihautū of the Waikato River Authority.

“Waka ama is intrinsically connected to the health of our wai. This partnership gives us a direct way to reach paddlers and their whānau, share the work being undertaken to restore the Waikato and Waipā awa, and support a sport whose global growth was clearly evident at the World Sprints in Singapore.”

Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association Board Chairperson Hiria Rolleston said the sponsorship reflected the event's long-standing relationship with the Waikato awa and iwi.

“Having the Waikato River Authority as our naming sponsor is a real vote of confidence in our paddlers and our community,” said Mrs Rolleston. “Waka ama naturally reinforces respect for water, our clubs aren't just users of the river, they're active kaitiaki, and this partnership helps us strengthen that connection for our tamariki and rangatahi coming through the sport.”

For paddlers, clubs and event organisers, growing awareness of biosecurity threats such as the gold clam has reinforced the importance of protecting the Waikato River and other waterways.
The Te Puku o Te Ika – Sprint Champs, Waikato River Authority will next be held at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro, on 5–6 December 2026.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries
Te Anga Nathan, Pou Kōrero
Waikato River Authority
[email protected]

Rebecca Ryder, Event Manager
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association
[email protected]

🔵 About the Waikato River Authority
The Waikato River Authority is a co-governance entity established to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers for future generations, working in partnership with iwi, government and the wider community.

🟢 About Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association Incorporated represents waka ama clubs across the Waikato catchment, running the annual Regional Sprint Championships, a national qualifying event, and supporting the growth of the sport and its connection to the Waikato River.

Waikato River Authority board members and kaimahi recently visited Watercare’s Waikato Water Treatment Plant near Tuakau...
30/08/2026

Waikato River Authority board members and kaimahi recently visited Watercare’s Waikato Water Treatment Plant near Tuakau to learn more about how water drawn from the Waikato River is treated before being supplied to communities across the wider Auckland region.

The Watercare team welcomed our Board members, Kaihautū and kaimahi to the Hayward Road site and guided us through the plant and its water intake infrastructure on the banks of the awa. The site also includes the newer Waikato 50 water treatment plant, which pumps and purifies water before it is pumped north through the Waikato to Auckland pipeline 💧

The visit provided an insight into the complex processes involved in treating river water and delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to Auckland communities.

With Auckland’s population continuing to grow, alongside increasing demand for water and the impacts of a changing climate, there is a collective responsibility to ensure our waterways, ecosystems and communities are supported now and into the future.

Watercare’s focus on sustainability, engagement with mana whenua and kaitiakitanga reflects the importance of caring for wai as a taonga and recognising the interconnected relationship between water, people and the environment 🌿

For the Waikato River Authority, opportunities such as this help strengthen our relationship with Watercare and create space to share knowledge and perspectives about the future of our awa and the role we all have in protecting its health and wellbeing.

Our visit reinforced the importance of working together to uphold the vision of Te Ture Whaimana and ensure the Waikato and Waipā rivers remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.

Whatawhata School tamariki and kaiako returned to Koromatua Gully this week, planting another 1,400 rākau tipu and helpi...
27/08/2026

Whatawhata School tamariki and kaiako returned to Koromatua Gully this week, planting another 1,400 rākau tipu and helping care for the whenua and Waipā River.

The hands-on experience gives tamariki a chance to learn about the native plants and the role they play in restoring the whenua, while contributing to their community and helping shape a healthier environment for future generations.

E tautokongia ana ngā waitara whakaora i ngā ara wai
(Supporting this project towards healthier waterways)

27/08/2026

With 2,150 native plants now in the ground, the restoration of Koromatua Gully is continuing to take shape.

A further 2.39 hectares has also been retired from grazing, bringing the total area under permanent protection to 11.49 hectares.

This collective mahi is helping create habitat for native birds, stabilise riverbanks and strengthen the natural values of the Waipā awa, supporting a healthier awa for generations to come.

E tautokongia ana ngā mahi whakaora i ngā ara wai
Supporting this project towards healthier waterways.

27/08/2026

This week, Whatawhata School tamariki and kaiako returned to Koromatua Gully, near Hamilton, to plant 1,400 rākau tipu (native plants). The planting is helping restore the whenua, enhance biodiversity and protect the Waipā River, while giving tamariki a hands-on opportunity to learn about caring for their local environment.

A total of 2,150 native plants have been planted by the school Tamariki over the past year. Through this mahi, tamariki are learning about the native plants and their role in restoring the whenua, while contributing to a project that will benefit their community for generations to come.

Landowner David Wilde first established a 4.8-hectare QEII covenant on his Whatawhata farm in 2011. A further 2.39 hectares of land has now been retired from grazing, bringing the total area of Koromatua Gully under permanent protection to 11.49 hectares.

The planting will provide habitat for native birds, help stabilise riverbanks and strengthen the natural values of the area, continuing the mahi to protect and restore this special part of the Waipā River.

This project is co-funded by the Waikato River Authority – Mā rau ringa e ora ai te awa.

Address

21 Rostrevor Street
Hamilton
3204

Telephone

+6478397966

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