Kirsty McCarthyProject Lead
Our story
The Wairarapa Catchment Collective was established in 2023 to support the growth of catchment communities.
Our vision is for thriving resilient catchment commmunities leading the way in sustainable environmental outcomes.
We assist catchment communities in understanding their environments, developing and implementing catchment action plans, accessing expertise and funding, networking, and sharing knowledge.
The Collective's work builds on previous catchment community programmes led by communities, Greater Wellington, Beef and Lamb, Wairarapa Pūkaha to Kawakawa supported by Ministry for Primary Industries.
Our committee
Richard Johns, Chair
George Tatham, Vice Chair
Barbie Barton, Secretary
Charlie Arnesen, Treasurer
Vern Brasell
Tim White
Hannah Bruce
Scott Andrew
Barrie Cook
Stu McKenzie
Our partners
The Collective works with partners to streamline access to essential services, advice, research, and funding to support catchment communities.
Mountains to Sea Wellington
Mountains to Sea Wellington connects people to nature, building understanding through science and exploration, and inspiring communities to care for the environment. We lead people on an exploration of their environment, building understanding of how land, water and people are connected and igniting passion for kaitiakitanga.
Wai Connection is a national programme delivered by Mountains to Sea Wellington aimed at connecting local communities to their waterways to improve them. Mountains to Sea work with the Collective to support communities and mana whenua with the knowledge, tools and expertise to monitor and care for their local freshwater places.
Greater Wellington
Greater Wellington has an experienced team who support the Collective with:
catchment planning - strategy, actions, outcomes
restoration, pest control and farm plan advice
funding for landowner and catchment group projects
communications guidance, tools and templates
connection to other staff in Council.
Learn more about sustainable land use advice.
MPI On Farm Support
On Farm Support is a free service that was established to provide on-the- ground support for farmers and growers by helping with access to support, information and advice.
On Farm Support works alongside the Collective to provide information or access expert advice on topics that have been identified as important within catchment groups and wider communities.