Restoring the Wahapū o Waihī
The Wahapū o Waihī (Waihī estuary) covers around three square kilometres with 90 per cent exposed at low tide. It is a significant mahinga kai food gathering area for local iwi.
The local community and Bay of Plenty Regional Council are working together to restore the estuary. The restoration approach draws upon Mātauranga Māori (Maori knowledge) as well as data-led science.
Project aims include:
- creating healthy mahinga kai (food harvesting areas) for future mokopuna by implementing kaitiakitanga objectives through restoration, monitoring, training and management
- planting at least 160,000 new native plants along 16 kilometres of waterway by June 2026
- strengthening the community’s connection with the area.
Funding of just under $3 million over four years for the restoration work is being provided by the Freshwater Improvement Fund.
Find out about the Freshwater Improvement Fund and other funded projects