Wai Connection

Establishing and assisting catchment groups with freshwater

We collaborate with almost 400 catchment groups, made up of farmers, landowners and members of the community to monitor, improve and protect New Zealand's waterways. We are building freshwater management capability and capacity across New Zealand. The Wai Connection work is generously funded by the Ministry for the Environment.

Key activities

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust work with Ministry for the Environment to deliver the catchment group engagement component of the Government’s Essential Freshwater Fund. This is called the Wai Connection project and includes the following activities:

Freshwater Monitoring – Assessing water quality using scientific tools and mātauranga Māori, including temperature, clarity, and chemistry.
Catchment Mapping – Exploring how land use and human activity affect freshwater from source to sea.
Riparian Restoration – Planting and protecting native vegetation along waterways to improve ecosystem health.
Macroinvertebrate Surveys – Identifying aquatic insects and bugs as indicators of waterway health.
Community Action Projects – Supporting schools and groups to lead restoration, advocacy, or awareness initiatives for freshwater protection.

Impact

History

The initial project had a target of engaging with 100 catchment groups, providing them with training, support, and funding. At the most recent count, the project has delivered training and on-the-ground support to almost 400 catchment groups. That equates to more than 25,000 individuals at organisations across the country.

The relationships we’ve built with catchment groups, farmers, and landowners is leading to a groundswell of change in freshwater spaces, with real and measurable outcomes around New Zealand!

Together we are working hard to improve New Zealand's waterways.

Get involved

There are strategic freshwater sites that have been identified throughout New Zealand for future improvement and there is a high demand from new catchment groups who are keen to be supported by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. Please see the Wai Connection website for details on how to become involved, then fill out the Wai Connection form for Catchment Groups.