Concerns over water quality in the Waiōtahe River – highlighted by elevated E. coli levels more than a decade ago – continue to drive efforts to restore and protect one of Ōpōtiki’s key waterways.

The Waiōtahe Watercare Group, which formed in 2015 in response to those concerns, is hosting a biodiversity day at Kahunui on April 30 as part of an ongoing push to improve river health across the catchment.

Organiser Mel Brown said the event reflected the group’s long-term focus on improving water quality and supporting sustainable land management.

Running from 9.30am to 1pm, the event will bring together farmers and community members to share practical approaches to restoring biodiversity across the Waiōtahe catchment, followed by a relaxed lunch and an opportunity to connect.

Ms Brown said the day aimed to provide practical information and encourage collaboration across the catchment.

“It’s about sharing practical approaches to restoring biodiversity and improving the health of the Waiōtahe River,” she said.

“There will also be opportunities for people to connect and receive advice suited to their own properties.”

The programme includes the presentation of the Waiōtahe Watercare biodiversity plan by Mithuna Sothieson, along with a pest trapping presentation and demonstration by Andy Glaser.

Attendees will learn about potential actions to restore biodiversity, practical pest control methods, and ways to better understand the impact of farming practices on river health.

Since its establishment, the Waiōtahe Watercare Group has worked to empower farmers to take ownership of environmental outcomes and contribute to long-term restoration of the river.

Anyone with an interest in the Waiōtahe catchment is invited to attend the event and stay on for lunch and further discussion.