Mōtū - Matawai
Catchment Community
Mōtū - Matawai korero
The Mōtū - Matawai Catchment Group is a farmer-led catchment group in the upper Mōtū area, between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne. The group started in 2017, the members are primarily farmers but also include other landowners in the catchment. The group has a strong relationship with Gisborne District Council, iwi, schools and other organisations in the area.
The Group is focused on protecting the crystal-clear waters of the Mōtū River and looking after the biodiversity of the surrounding catchment. The majority of the Main Motū River has been fenced to exclude stock. Further fencing of tributaries and riparian planting has also been completed, and the group plans to continue and expand this work to further protect waterways.
A key focus is the Wilderness Walkway which aims to control pests and weeds and create a biodiversity corridor that links up other conservation projects in the area.
The group plans to increase the number of native trees planted across the catchment, with funding secured from Trees That Count.
Following the recent expansion of the area included in the group, there is a focus on strengthening membership, covering a wider area.
In addition, the group plans to setup some water quality monitoring and work to reduce sediment and E. coli in the Mōtū River.
Historical Milestones and Events
Two successful projects completed with funding from MPI
Planted over 100,000 trees in the catchment
Installed over 30km of fencing
Currently undergoing a pest and weed project to control the pest plants and animals in the catchment
Approved to get 6000 trees from Trees that Count in 2026
Prepared erosion control plans for the members
Held community field days and workshops
News / Media
Mōtū - Matawai online
Leading from the Land -
Project Grant
Project Outline
Funding granted to support ongoing operational and coordination costs of the Motu–Matawai Catchment Community, including administration, communications, accounting, and website storytelling. The project strengthens local capability and promotes collaboration across Motu and Matawai communities and has a 1 year duration.
Outcomes to date
1 - Showcasing farmers’ work produced two case study videos, which were uploaded to the website to highlight landowners’ achievements and share knowledge.
2 - Biodiversity support: Ongoing Trees That Count funding, with 6,000 trees expected to be delivered to landowners, contributing to the catchment’s biodiversity goals.
3 - Funding applications: Started DOC funding application to secure additional support for future catchment projects.
4 - Community communication: Newsletter preparation and distribution keeps members informed about projects, progress, and opportunities.
5 - Official name change: Updated the group’s name to better reflect the wider membership, helping new landowners feel included and represented.
6 - Strengthened collaboration: Worked with Mountains to Sea on water quality workshops and eDNA testing, improving connections and shared learning across organisations.
7 - Administration & infrastructure: Completed general administration tasks,maintained website and domain subscriptions, ensuring smooth project operations and continued online presence.
Fostering the collective well-being of Tairāwhiti Catchments
