Why it’s happening

Key drivers for the Waipa Catchment Plan are:

Declining water quality

The Waipa River’s water quality generally declines as it travels from its source. Sediment levels are high in its lower reaches, and have risen over the last 20 years. In many water bodies in the catchment, nitrogen levels have risen and bacteria levels are high but appear to be stable. Find out more about the Waipa River and what contaminates the Waipa River.

Vulnerability to erosion

The catchment’s erosion prone soils and unstable stream and riverbanks put sediment into the Waipa River, and eventually the Waikato River. Increased erosion from pasture development on steeper land is anticipated, and climate change could cause more heavy rainfall events.

Land use change and intensification

Urbanisation and the expansion and intensification of agriculture put the catchment’s productive soils at risk and could worsen erosion and water quality.

Loss of indigenous biodiversity

Ongoing, serious loss of indigenous biodiversity is occurring. The long term health of significant ecosystems requires an ‘ecological network’ approach which connects habitats. This approach requires co-operation and collaboration with multiple stakeholders and high quality information. 

Flood risks

Areas of the catchment (including Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga) are located in floodplains and were severely flooded in 1958. Flooding in the catchment could endanger people and property and damage existing flood protection infrastructure, such as that protecting Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga. Afforestation and restoration or retention of natural wetlands could reduce flood risks in the upper catchment.

Iwi aspirations for the river

Waipa and Waikato river iwi – Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Raukawa and associated hapu – have aspirations for the Waipa River which include restoration and protection.

Enhancing current work programmes and approaches

The Waipa Catchment Plan signals a more strategic approach that will integrate a range of issues such as indigenous biodiversity habitat restoration and protection, flood management and other community goals into work programmes. An independent review Waikato Regional Council sought of its sustainable land management programmes highlighted areas for improvement around prioritisation of catchments and the type of work done. A broader base of scientific information on the catchment and modelling will enable better prioritisation. Funding strategies will also be revised to support landowners in priority areas to make changes on farm.