The Waingongoro River in Taranaki is a highly valued and an important resource and the locals are passionate about protecting it. In recent years there have been improvements in both the water quality and biodiversity of this picturesque river. This has come about as a result of serious hard work and investment from the local community, iwi, farmers, regional council and industry living and working around the Waingongora River.
It is wonderful to see this successful collaboration making a real difference. Stephen Hall of the Taranaki Regional Council says, “Of the 162 dairy farmers in the catchment of the Waingongora River, they have fenced off 90% of their stream banks and planted 70% of the banks, working in partnership with the Council.”