We've worked with Clutha District 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 9 November 2026.
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.
June 2026
PDF | 6 MB
This storybook chapter documents the first workshop outputs — the first pieces of the Catchment Action Plan we are building together.
August 2026
PDF | 3 MB
On the snowiest day of the year, we gathered at the Simpson Park Hall in Lawrence for our second workshop. We achieved a lot: electing our chair, assessing catchment health and discussing the pressures affecting the environment, with constructive conversations around some significant and complex topics.
September 2026
PDF | 6 MB
We gathered at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha on a sunny, blue-sky day for our third workshop. Thoughtful conversations and a real willingness to share knowledge and different perspectives helped us explore what is affecting the catchment, develop draft goals, and begin shaping a shared vision for its future.
Please wait a moment for the map to load.
Across the catchment, people are working to care for waterways, restore habitats and support native species. This map celebrates your catchment heroes—the community groups, landowners and organisations turning care for their local places into action. Explore the map to see what’s happening near you.
Want your project added? Email icm@orc.govt.nz with a short description, its location and your contact details.
Information on this map has been gathered from publicly available sources, including EcoFund projects, TrapNZ, group websites and social media pages. It may not capture every project or reflect the latest activity. To add or remove a listing or update any details, please email icm@orc.govt.nz.
June 2026
PDF | 6 MB
This storybook chapter documents the first workshop outputs — the first pieces of the Catchment Action Plan we are building together.
August 2026
PDF | 3 MB
On the snowiest day of the year, we gathered at the Simpson Park Hall in Lawrence for our second workshop. We achieved a lot: electing our chair, assessing catchment health and discussing the pressures affecting the environment, with constructive conversations around some significant and complex topics.
September 2026
PDF | 6 MB
We gathered at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha on a sunny, blue-sky day for our third workshop. Thoughtful conversations and a real willingness to share knowledge and different perspectives helped us explore what is affecting the catchment, develop draft goals, and begin shaping a shared vision for its future.
If you have any pātai (questions) or whakaaro (thoughts, comments), please get in touch with our team at: icm@orc.govt.nz
