Whāngārā Community Catchment Group
Whāngārā korero
The WCCG was formed as an incorporated society in November 2022 and consists of 29 members - farmers, foresters, lifestyle block owners and local hapu Ngati Konohi.
Our purpose is to connect the Whangara community through the protection, restoration and enhancement of the whenua (land)and water (wai) which will enable a healthy community and environment.
Historical Milestones and Events
-Hosted two annual pest control Competitions with a total of 2100 pests eliminated in the catchment.
-Wetland Restoration Project in progress kick started by funding from Landcare/Westpac to restore habitat and protect endangered wetland birds the spotless crake, fernbird and bittern through plantings and pest control
-Renovation of community cottage
-Multiple community workshops
-Supported Farmers in recovery post cyclone gabrielle
-Ongoing work with Wai Connections in monitoring and restoring inanga spawning zones
News / Media
Leading from the Land - Engagement Grant case study
Project Outline
Funding for the Whangara Pest Control Community Event the weekend of the19th-21st of September 2025
Aims
To encourage participation of local rangatahi in taiao
Outcomes
The Whangara Catchment Cull weekend (September 19th–21st) was a huge success with 20 teams entered and 110 participants. 70 children took part, directly supporting the aim of instilling a connection with nature in future generations. The effort and enthusiasm of the teams resulted in 1,400 pests culled, including 683 possums and 409 goats , 21 deer 232 pest birds and 25 vermin and 2 ferrets were trapped —a dramatic increase, achieving twice the previous year's total.
This culling provides a clear snapshot of the severe pest problem decimating the area. The success culminated at the Whangara Community Cottage, where over 150 people attended the grand prizegiving, complete with entertainment and spot prizes.
A highlight was the Whangara School trapping team, who caught a ferret at the Koitumutu wetland the school is working to restore.
“It has taken a lot of mahi for our catchment group to come together before the formation of LFTL- we are so relieved to have a collaborative organisation working across Tairawhiti to support new and existing catchment groups and for us to work more efficiently, sharing our learnings and projects recognising we are all connected across the community and landscape”.
Sarah Williams - Whāngārā Catchment Community
Leading from the Land - Project Grant case study 1
Project Outline
Funding to support the operational viability and governance of Whāngārā Community Catchment Group as an incorporated society. The funding will enable administration, accounting, insurance, and facilitator time to ensure sustainable catchment operations.
Aims
Strengthen the governance and operational sustainability of the Whāngārā Catchment Group.
Maintain coordination and delivery of catchment activities across 3 years.
Support local landowners to implement practical environmental actions and build community leadership capacity.
Outcomes
Funding has been used to support essential coordination, governance, and administrative activities that underpin the organisation's environmental and community initiatives.
Key achievements include collaboration with partners on īnanga restoration, water quality monitoring, catchment planning, and wetland planting initiatives. The funding also supported governance responsibilities, including committee meetings, AGM preparation, Incorporated Society compliance, financial administration, and strategic planning.
Overall, the activities demonstrate effective investment in organisational capacity and relationship building, helping to strengthen the foundation for ongoing environmental restoration and catchment management. The work undertaken contributes to the planning, coordination, and governance necessary to deliver long-term outcomes.
Leading from the Land - Project case study 2
Project Outline
Support to investigate solutions for the control and elimination of pest animal species.
Aims
Implement a pilot project to investigate innovative solutions for the control and elimination of pest animal species including deer and goats, possums, mustelids and other pest animal species.
Develop pest control methods that can be practically implemented and that generate income.
Enable a system that can be applied to other parts of the rohe.
Report due soon.
Whāngārā online
Fostering the collective well-being of Tairāwhiti Catchments
