Farmer-led. Community driven.
Practical support for Taranaki catchments.
Our Taranaki, Our Future is a new region-wide initiative led by Taranaki Catchment Communities (TCC). The project builds on the work already underway across the 15 Catchment Groups to support ecological restoration, climate action and regenerative landscapes. It’s designed to help farmers and rural communities strengthen their waterways, land, wellbeing and local environments in a practical and community-centred way.
Our Taranaki, Our Future is here to support what matters to you. Productive farms, healthy land and thriving communities. Working through your catchment coordinator, we help develop sub-catchment plans that offer practical support with real challenges, from water quality and effluent management to pest control and climate resilience.
Our Taranaki, Our Future builds on your knowledge and the values of each catchment community. It recognises the pride and innovation of Taranaki farmers and aims to help local groups shape solutions that work for their land, their people and their future.
The project is funded by a grant from Toi Foundation, spread over two years from June 2025 to June 2027. Work will move from planning and engagement into on-the-ground action, monitoring and reporting.
What we will deliver
LiDAR mapping
The project will expand regional LiDAR use to support farm planning by providing farm plans with Critical Source Areas, identifying restoration opportunities and assisting with wetland mapping.
Modified Waterways
In partnership with Massey University, this project explores practical ways to manage farm drains to improve water quality, support biodiversity and maintain drainage function. The feasibility study includes options to naturalise drains and create habitat for species like eels and native fish.
Fish Passage Barrier Assessments
This activity supports farmers to identify and fix fish barriers using NIWA tools and practical demonstrations. It includes barrier surveys, engagement with landowners and potentially constructing a model fish passage on a volunteer property.
Sustainable Effluent Management
Building on the HADES effluent project, farmers will have access to expert workshops on E.coli risks and mitigation options.
Strengthened Community Based Monitoring (CBM)
The project will expand TCC’s CBM programme, with monthly water quality monitoring at 47 sites and potentially more. Community generated data will be paired with council and organisational datasets.
Wetland restoration
Following the successful work at Huiroa Domain, TCC will work with LiDAR mapping to identify further wetland sites and support local restoration.
Community engagement
Events, workshops and hands-on learning will be offered throughout the region to support practical skills, knowledge sharing and community resilience.
How we work with your Catchment Group
The project is delivered through the TCC network and follows a farmer-led approach.
Your coordinator will be your main contact and will help include your group in activities
Previous engagement and your “strategy on a page” will help guide priorities
TCC will support your group to identify a waterway of importance
Activities will be planned in consultation with farmers, coordinators and project partners
Support is available for local projects that align with the regional goals
Monitoring and evaluation
We will track progress through:
Water quality data
Biodiversity monitoring, including Īnanga
Habitat restoration outcomes
Community involvement and engagement
A shared knowledge hub with documentation, lessons and case studies
This monitoring helps ensure the work remains effective, transparent and driven by evidence.
Why this project matters
Our Taranaki, Our Future recognises the importance of water, land and community. It aims to:
Create a catchment wide journey plan based on local priorities
Address E.coli risks, especially in high rainfall hill country
Support Īnanga and other freshwater species
Provide practical pest control education
Help farmers understand Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori values connected to their awa
Get involved
Your participation is key to making this work real and effective. Keep an eye on this page and our TCC facebook feed.
You can also contact your catchment coordinator at any time to find out more.
