Integrated catchment management plans (district)

The development of this Integrated Catchment Management Plan (ICMP) has spanned 14 years and commenced in 2006. The ultimate focus of this ICMP is the restoration of the Te Awa o Kātāpaki Stream and contributing catchment. In order to achieve that, this document provides guidance on how stormwater, wastewater and water supply is to be managed considering current and future land use in the Te Awa o Kātāpaki and River North catchments as Hamilton expands into the Rototuna Structure Plan area.

The greater Mangaheka catchment covers an area of approximately 2,080ha with around 86 per cent of the catchment (the “lower catchment”) within the Waikato District Council boundaries and the remaining 14 per cent (the “upper catchment”) within Hamilton City Council boundaries. 

This ICMP provides guidance on how stormwater, wastewater and water supply need to be managed considering future land use in the Mangaheka catchment, specifically the impacts from urbanisation. 

This 822 hectare catchment is part of both Waikato District Council and Hamilton City Council’s territories within the Waikato region.

This ICMP predominantly focuses on managing the effects of urban development in Hamilton City Council’s jurisdiction; however some best practicable options also extend into Waikato District territory and should be considered when developing this area.

The Rotokauri Catchment is approximately 788 hectares in area, located in the north-western area of Hamilton City.

The Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is located in the upper headwaters of the southern area of the catchment. The park is named after Lake Waiwhakareke which drains from the catchment via a highly modified stream known as the ‘Rotokauri Drain’. The Rotokauri Drain forms the single main outlet to this part of the catchment, passing beneath Exelby Road prior to entering Lake Rotokauri. Beyond this point, the Ohote Stream forms the outlet to the lake and drains to the Waipā River, which in turn drains to the Waikato River where they meet at Ngāruawāhia.

The northern area of the catchment drains directly to the Ohote Stream.

The catchment overall is highly valued for its existing natural areas and several agencies are proactively engaged in restoring the two lakes and surrounding sub-catchment areas.

This ICMP provides a guide for stormwater, wastewater and water management and provides a framework to allow property development to occur in a managed way. It also ensures this management fits with long term plans for the area. ​