COMMUNITY UPDATE | MAY 2026

Tēnā koutou katoa

Welcome to this year’s Autumn issue of the Toitū Te Hakapupu newsletter.

In this issue, we highlight some of the work that has been continuing in the catchment since the project wrapped up and point you to where you can get ongoing updates and information about this great work.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. You’ll find community contact details at the end of this newsletter.

For new subscribers and those who would like to know more about the project, you can learn more on ORC’s project webpage. You’ll also find past newsletters to catch you up.

Beyond the project

The future of Toitū Te Hakapupu will be guided by a shared succession plan (in its final draft form) developed collaboratively by Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, the East Otago Catchment Group, Otago Regional Council and local landowners.

The plan sets out how the momentum, relationships and environmental gains built through the project will continue over the next five years and beyond, with a strong focus on long-term community stewardship and catchment restoration.

A key part of the transition is the establishment of a new “pod group” structure led by the catchment group and rūnaka, helping ensure the project remains community-driven into the future.

The succession plan outlines shared priorities including healthier waterways and wetlands, flourishing biodiversity, recognition of rūnaka values, ongoing restoration work, and stronger community involvement in caring for the catchment.

The Ministry for the Environment has also provided $80,000 to East Otago Catchment Group to develop a pest management strategy with the community for Te Hakapupu/Pleasant River Catchment. Read more about the work in this space below.

Upcoming community event

The community is invited to come together next month to celebrate the completion of a Pest Management Strategy for Te Hakapupu/Pleasant River catchment.

Pest Management Strategy Community Event

Thursday 18 June 11am

East Otago Event Centre, 203 Main Road, Waikouaiti

- with a FREE LUNCH provided

Developed through collaboration between the East Otago Catchment Group and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, the strategy aims to support long-term pest management efforts across the catchment and strengthen biodiversity outcomes for the area.

The event will provide an opportunity for landowners, community members and project supporters to learn more about the strategy, hear about the work undertaken so far, and celebrate the partnerships helping drive the project forward.

Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Steph at East Otago Catchment Group on 027 438 7875 or email eocatchmentgroup@gmail.com.

Note: If you can't make this event but are interested in being involved in a Te Hakapupu/Pleasant River sub-group to have a say in future catchment work undertaken, please contact Steph or Sarah — contact details at the bottom of this newsletter.

Or, attend East Otago Catchment Group’s upcoming AGM in July — keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.

Farmers and stakeholders looking at a pig trap at a Pest Management Strategy field day held on Four Rivers Farms last year

Pest trapping workshop

Last year, East Otago Catchment Group held a workshop on trapping pests successfully in your backyard with a great turnout!

Jamie and Maya from the Mammalian Corrections Unit led an informative and engaging session with a couple of people at the workshop winning a DOC200 trap to use on their properties. Hope you’ve had some successful catches!

A big shout out to Mountains To Sea Conservation Trust and Otago Catchment Community Inc for funding and supporting this workshop and thank you to everyone who came along and got involved in protecting our local environment.

Jamie from Mammalian Corrections Unit demonstrating some domestic pest traps

Shaping a Pest Management Strategy

Our Te Hakapupu/Pleasant River Catchment community has been working hard on shaping a Pest Management Strategy for our area.

With two workshops and a field day now complete, all that input is being developed into a community-led strategy to tackle the pest issues across the catchment. A draft of the strategy should be completed soon.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far — your local knowledge and commitment are what will make this plan strong and effective.

Some community input from one of the pest management workshops (left) and the Pest Management Strategy receiving some support in East Otago Catchment Group’s gumboot survey at this year’s Palmerston and Waihemo A&P Show (right)

How can I stay updated?

We have another newsletter or two to share that directly relate to the Toitu Te Hakapupu project before we sign off.

One we’re very excited about… we’ve been creating a series of mini videos around 2–3 minutes in length on various aspects of the project. These include water quality monitoring, fish passage, our interactions with landowners and forestry. We look forward to sharing these with you once they are complete and on the project web page so stay tuned…

In terms of the fantastic work East Otago Catchment Group and the community have been doing in the pest management space, you’ll find updates on the group’s Facebook page and Instagram.

Kirk Ashton and Steph Scott (East Otago Catchment Group) with a DOC200 trap Kirk won at the Pest Trapping Workshop

Contacts

If you have any questions on the project or pest management in the catchment and would like to talk with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Otago Regional Council Project Delivery Specialist – Freshwater and Biodiversity

Soraya Engelken

Email soraya.engelken@orc.govt.nz

Ph 022 452 3818

East Otago Catchment Group

Steph Scott

Email eocatchmentgroup@gmail.com

Ph 027 438 7875

East Otago Catchment Group - Support Coordinator

Sarah Mukai

Email smukai@gmail.com