Waikato Regional Council can help landcare groups with technical advice and information, and can also provide financial assistance.
We have large amounts of natural resources in the Waikato region, and it is important that rural and land-based businesses are sustainable, both economically and environmentally.
What are landcare groups?
Landcare groups are generally partnerships where local people work together to take action on local environmental issues. Both catchment groups and community groups can act as landcare groups with a focus on sustainable land and water management.
People find that being part of a landcare group helps them to get support from a range of organisations and sponsors. It also helps with motivation, as a group effort has a much greater impact than working alone and it is more fun.
Common issues addressed by landcare groups include water quality, soil erosion, pest management and biodiversity.
Landcare groups provide a structure for communities to take control of environmental issues themselves, allowing them to find solutions and take action. They carry out a range of projects including:
- stream fencing and planting
- plant propagation
- water quality monitoring
- bush protection
- pest management
- walkway construction
- biodiversity
Landcare groups in the Waikato region
Have a look at these map resources to see what groups are near you across the Waikato region.
- NZ Landcare Trust have an interactive map containing catchment groups and environmental community groups in the Waikato region.
- Waikato Biodiversity Forum have an interactive map containing community groups in the Waikato region.
Getting started and getting support
How you can get involved
Find out what is happening in your local area.
Check out the maps above or get in touch with our Primary Industry Engagement team.
There are lots of resources online available to help existing groups with planning or for groups looking to start. You might want to check out New Zealand Landcare Trust’s Catchment Toolkit, which has a large database of resources.
Who can support your group?
The following groups support landcare groups in the Waikato in a variety of ways. See this page for links.
- New Zealand Landcare Trust - The New Zealand Landcare Trust supports sustainable land management initiatives through community involvement. The trust is governed by representatives from the agricultural sector as well as outdoor recreation and environmental interest groups.
- Waikato Biodiversity Forum - The Waikato Biodiversity Forum is a voluntary network that operates independently of management agencies. It is made up of representatives from research and management agencies, iwi groups, private landowners and community groups who are interested in enhancing native biodiversity in the Waikato Region.
- Waikato River Authority (WRA)
- Ministry for Primary Industries - MPI provide On Farm Support, a service for farmers and growers.
- Waikato Regional Council - We can help with technical advice and information, and can also provide financial assistance. Get in touch with our Primary Industry Engagement team if you have questions.
Other landcare links
Below are more links to information and sites of interest for farmers and members of landcare groups.
- Waikato Biodiversity Forum
- New Zealand Landcare Trust
- Funding grants - New Zealand Landcare Trust
- Funding grants - Waikato Biodiversity Forum
- AgResearch
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
- Department of Conservation
- Ministry for the Environment
- MPI - On Farm Support
- National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA)
- Scion (research, science and technology development for the forestry sector)
- Waikato River Authority