We've worked with Central Otago communities and mana whenua to develop a draft vision, values and goals for the area. Now we want your feedback.
Your feedback will shape a catchment action plan. This plan focuses on ecosystem management and conservation across an entire catchment area, from the mountains to the sea (ki uta ki tai).
Have your say by Monday 26 October.
ORC has established the Inland Mata-au/Clutha Integrated Catchment Group, with 22 local people volunteering their time to participate in six workshops and help co-develop the Catchment Action Plan (CAP).
The Integrated Catchment Group includes a mana whenua representative, and members representing or involved with:
Otago Catchments Community,
Lindis Catchment Group,
Central Otago Environment Society,
Contact Energy,
Keep Alexandra and Clyde Beautiful,
Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust,
Clutha Fisheries Trust,
Otago Fish and Game,
Department of Conservation,
Manuherikia Catchment Group,
Teviot Water Care Group,
local farmers,
orchardists and tourism operators,
local agricultural industry consultants,
active local residents,
an Otago Regional Councillor.
The group is also closely keeping in touch with Teviot Water Care Group, Lowburn Catchment Group, Mohiki Reforestation Trust and Central Otago District Council – with a network forming as momentum builds.
The Integrated Catchment Group chair people are Kelly Heckler and Greg Shepard
Between June 2026 and February 2027, the Inland 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 Inland Mata-au/Clutha catchment.
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 Nevis and Lindis to Dunstan, Ida Valley and Manuherikia to Alexandra and through Roxburgh to Millers Flat (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 Lower Mata-au/Clutha.
Please wait a moment for the map to load.
Within the Clutha Mata-Au Freshwater Management Unit, the Dunstan Rohe runs from the outlets of lakes Wānaka, Whakatipu and Hāwea down to Clyde Dam and includes the Kawarau, Nevis, Shotover, Upper Clutha/Mata-au, Hāwea, Cardrona, Arrow, and Lindis Rivers.
Dunstan Rohe LAWA river water quality information
Information on water quality of Lake Dunstan, looking at the lake water quality and ecological condition - TLI (Trophic Level Index) and LakeSPI (Lake Submerged Plant Indicators).
Air quality indicators and data collected for the Cromwell area.
Lagarosiphon is a fast growing, invasive aquatic weed that forms dense mats that choke waterways and harm ecosystems | Site-led
The Lowburn Catchment Group was formed in 2022 to focus on Lowburn Stream biodiversity, water quality, flooding and environmental issues, and improving access and recreational opportunities, especially in the vicinity of the Lowburn Inlet
Get updates, and support the work of Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful.
Within the Clutha Mata-Au Freshwater Management Unit, the Manuherekia Rohe is based on the catchment area of the Manuherekia River.
Flow and water take data from the Manuherikia catchment and sub catchments.
Manuherekia Rohe LAWA river water quality information.
Manuherekia Reference Group (MRG) is developing an inter-generational vision for managing water in the Manuherekia Rohe
A range of resources and downloads relating to the Manuherekia Catchment.
Within the Clutha Mata-Au Freshwater Management Unit, the Roxburgh Rohe extends from the Clyde Dam to Beaumont, and covers Alexandra, Clyde, and Roxburgh.
Roxburgh Rohe LAWA river water quality information.
Information on water quality of Lake Onslow, looking at the lake water quality and ecological condition - TLI (Trophic Level Index) and LakeSPI (Lake Submerged Plant Indicators).
Air quality indicators and data collected for the Alexandra area.
Air quality indicators and data collected for the Clyde area.
Roxburgh sits on alluvial fans- fertile land shaped by streams over time. But this landscape is prone to natural hazards, including debris flows. Learn about the types of hazards that affect the area, why they occur and what risks they pose.
Updates from the Teviot Valley water care group. Promoting sustainable land management and maintaining good water quality in the Teviot Valley.
The Hill Country Erosion Programme helps Otago landowners manage erosion-prone hill country by offering planting guides and expert advice. Supported by the Otago Regional Council, the programme focuses on protecting the environment and supporting sustainable forestry practices across the region.
Ngārara or reptiles are vertebrates covered in special skin made up of scales, bony plates, or a combination of both.
Feral rabbits in Otago are fast-breeding, burrowing pests that damage native vegetation, crops, and soil structure | Sustained control
Feral goats resemble domestic goats in size and appearance—short hair, pointed horns and beards, in white, black, brown, or mixed colours—but they form wild groups and avoid crossing large water bodies | Site-led
Wilding conifers are invasive pine and fir trees spreading into tussock and farmland, reducing grazing land and increasing fire risk | Progressive containment
Wild Russell lupin forms dense clumps along braided rivers, altering water flow, smothering bird nesting sites, and increasing flood risks | Sustained control
Willows are a group of introduced tree species that were brought to New Zealand in the early 1800s and widely planted for bank stability.
If you have any pātai (questions) or whakaaro (thoughts, comments), please get in touch with our team at: icm@orc.govt.nz
