Flood protection and drainage costs may change for many urban and rural properties on the Clutha and Taieri flood and drainage schemes
Learn moreFlood protection and drainage costs may change for many urban and rural properties on the Clutha and Taieri flood and drainage schemes
ORC has established the Lower Mata-au/Clutha Integrated Catchment Group, with 14 local people volunteering their time to participate in six workshops and help co-develop the Catchment Action Plan (CAP). The CAP will focus on protecting and enhancing ecosystems across the whole area—from the mountains to the sea (ki uta ki tai).
The plan will bring together freshwater, biodiversity, land, air, and climate resilience to support coordinated action from a whole- of-landscape view.
It extends from the Pomahaka to Clinton and Balclutha, from Beaumont to Milton and along the coast from Mata-au/Clutha Mouth to Toko Mouth and up to Taiari/Taieri Mouth (map below).
This work takes a whole-of-landscape approach, connecting from the mountains to the sea (ki uta ki tai) and linking with the Upper Lakes and Inland Mata-au/Clutha.
The Integrated Catchment Group includes mana whenua represented by Aukaha, and members representing or involved with
Otago South River Care,
Pomahaka Water Care Group,
Regen South,
Otago Catchment Community,
Fonterra,
Earnslaw One,
Contact Energy,
Federated Farmers,
Ministry of Primary Industries,
Forest and Bird Otago,
the Department of Conservation,
Otago Fish and Game,
Clutha District Council
along with an Otago Regional Councillor and active local residents and landholders.
The Integrated Catchment Group chairperson, Simon O'Meara.
Between June 2026 and February 2027, the Lower Mata-au/Clutha Integrated Catchment Group will:
Take part in six interactive workshops to help develop the Catchment Action Plan.
Explore the catchment’s values, environmental pressures, opportunities and priorities.
Share local knowledge, experience, insights and relevant information.
Help shape the CAP’s vision, goals, strategies and practical actions.
Consider how actions can support ecosystems and communities from the mountains to the sea — ki uta ki tai.
Connect with local communities and networks and help keep them informed as the plan develops.
Participate in optional site visits across the Mata-au/Clutha catchment.
You can follow the CAP journey on this page, take part in online surveys, or contact us at icm@orc.govt.nz to discuss other ways to be involved.
After each workshop, we will upload a short workshop storybook sharing what the group discussed, the ideas and priorities emerging, and how the Catchment Action Plan is taking shape.
Check back here to follow progress as the group works through the values, pressures, goals, strategies and actions for the Lower Mata-au/Clutha catchment.
Please wait a moment for the map to load.
If you have any pātai (questions) or whakaaro (thoughts, comments), please get in touch with our team at: icm@orc.govt.nz
