Kaweka Community Catchment Collective

18/06/2026

Congratulations to Butch-Brent Paterson.

KCCC is delighted to share that our own Butch has been elected as the new Chair of Catchment Communities Aotearoa (CCA).

This is a wonderful achievement and recognition of Butch’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to the catchment community movement. We are proud to have him as a member of KCCC and to see his contribution recognised at a national level.

Catchment Communities Aotearoa stands as the united voice of catchment communities across New Zealand, bringing together land stewards, community leaders, and landowners to push for the responsible care of land and water. The organisation takes a systems approach applying science to restore nature, supporting local agency and aspiration, and ensuring power remains at the grassroots level.

We congratulate Butch on this significant role and know he will bring the same passion and dedication to CCA that he brings to our catchment.

16/06/2026

We are pleased to share the latest trapping numbers from the Tūtaekurī Trapline, presented both for the KCCC line and the combined effort with Between The Two Rivers.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible. Every trap checked and every pest removed makes a difference.

12/06/2026

What a wonderful morning at the KCCC Pink Ribbon Breakfast. Thank you to everyone who came along, wore their best pink, and helped us support the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

A special thank you to The Puketapu
for hosting us and for your support in making this event happen.

Thank you also to:
📍Sami’s Custom Cakes
https://www.facebook.com/100076058624444/

📍Korrin - Life Unlimited: Motivational Keynote Speaker & Resilience Expert

📍Di’s Hair and Wig Specialists
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057315143913

Your contributions helped make the morning truly special.

We will let the photos do the rest of the talking.

11/06/2026

📌 KCCC’s Rissington Wetland Demonstration Project has taken a significant step forward, with earthworks now complete and a brand new wetland beginning to take shape.

While the transformation of the site is exciting to see, this project is about much more than restoring a wetland. As one of KCCC's key demonstration projects, it has been designed to help build practical knowledge that can be shared across our catchment and beyond.

The project will provide valuable learnings around:
✔️ Wetland creation using the "plug and pond" technique
✔️ Stabilising cyclone deposited silt through native planting
✔️ Selecting native species suited to challenging, silt laden environments
✔️ Effective planting techniques and establishment success
✔️ The role wetlands play in reducing sediment entering our waterways

The next stage of the project will see deer cap fencing installed to protect future plantings, with the planting plan currently being finalised alongside restoration experts.

We're aiming to bring the community together for a planting day in late July, helping establish thousands of native plants across the site and contributing to a project that will continue to provide learning opportunities for years to come.

Throughout the project we'll be capturing photos, videos, monitoring results and practical lessons so that other landowners can benefit from what we learn.

A huge thank you to the Upton family, NZ Landcare Trust, Plant Hawkes Bay, HBRC and everyone involved in helping bring this project to life.

Keep an eye out for planting day details coming soon

09/06/2026

📍May Trapping Data – KCCC Tūtaekurī Trapline

The latest trapping numbers are in, and we are pleased to share an update on the collective mahi along the Tūtaekurī Trapline.

The attached graphic shows the pest totals removed as of May 2026. Each number represents a reduction in pressure on native birds, bats, and the wider river ecosystem – and a step forward for biodiversity across our catchment.

For a deeper dive into trapping results and what they mean for our community, we encourage you to read the Winter 2026 KCCC newsletter. It includes further detail on the trapline's performance, species trends, and the ongoing commitment of our volunteers.

Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/15e015f89bc2/x2pj3c5kto?e=54b4886cfb

08/06/2026

📍KCCC Winter 2026 Newsletter – Now Available

Winter has arrived across the catchment, and with it comes a season of progress, practical action, and community momentum. The latest KCCC newsletter is now available, packed with updates on our environmental projects, funding initiatives, workshops, and stories from across our whenua.

Inside this edition:

• Chair Update: A message from Cynthia Bowers on the Thriving Landscapes, Whenua Ora Fund, the transition to regional funding arrangements, and the proposed Hawke's Bay Catchment Alliance.

• Thriving Landscapes, Whenua Ora Fund: 22 projects now underway across the catchment, combining trapping, pest control, native planting, and landscape restoration.

• Annual eDNA Results: The latest water monitoring data from our 12 sampling sites is now available.

• Seasonal Conditions Update: KCCC will now provide regular rainfall and soil moisture updates to support proactive planning under El Niño conditions.

• Land for Life Catchment Plan: A draft plan is being developed by Perrin Ag and will be presented at upcoming community hub meetings. Your feedback is essential.

• Tūtaekurī Trapline Project: Now grown to over 20 volunteers, with 90 traps installed by neighbouring group Between the Two Rivers and new Weta Hotels provided by HBRC.

• Welcome Matt Truebridge: Introducing KCCC's new Member Engagement & Communications Lead.

• Upcoming Events: Pink Ribbon Breakfast (12th June) and community meetings across Dartmoor, Rissington, Puketitiri, and Patoka.

📌 Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/15e015f89bc2/x2pj3c5kto?e=54b4886cfb

06/06/2026

Pink Ribbon Breakfast Reminder – Time is flying! The KCCC Pink Ribbon Breakfast is just around the corner – book your ticket now.

Join this Friday, 12th June, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Puketapu for a morning of connection, inspiration, and support for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Guest Speaker: Korrin Barrett
Hear the extraordinary story of resilience from a woman who defied a 5% chance of survival, and now empowers others to live a life unlimited.

Tickets include brunch, a pink drink, sweet treat, and games.

Don't forget to dress in your finest pink – a prize awaits the best dressed sensation.

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/kccc-pink-ribbon-breakfast-tickets-1989190267638

We look forward to seeing you there.

04/06/2026

Pink Ribbon Breakfast – One Week Reminder

Time is flying! The KCCC Pink Ribbon Breakfast is just around the corner.

Join Friday, 12th June, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Puketapu for a morning of connection, inspiration, and support for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Guest Speaker: Korrin Barrett
Hear the extraordinary story of resilience from a woman who defied a 5% chance of survival, and now empowers others to live a life unlimited.

Tickets include brunch, a pink drink, sweet treat, and games.

Don't forget to dress in your finest pink – a prize awaits the best dressed sensation.

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/kccc-pink-ribbon-breakfast-tickets-1989190267638

We look forward to seeing you there.

01/06/2026

Thanks to FMG, free skin checks will be available at Food East in Hastings on June 26th. Rural Support Trust Hawke's Bay will also be there with the bbq fired.

Get along for a skin check, a bite to eat and a catch up with good people.

SAVE THE DATE - Friday 26th June - Free Skin Spot Checks!!

27/05/2026

We had a fantastic morning at the Puketapu Domain yesterday for our trapping workshop alongside The Pā, Department of Conservation and Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

Huge thanks to the Year 8 students from Puketapu School, attendees from Te Taiwhenua, and members of the public who came along to learn more about trapping techniques and predator control. It is heartening to see so much passion and interest in protecting and restoring biodiversity in our catchment. 👏🌱