COMMUNITY UPDATE | JULY 2026

Tēnā koutou katoa

Welcome to the final edition of the Toitū Te Hakapupu newsletter.

We're pleased to share a series of short videos that capture the people, the work and the events that made Toitū Te Hakapupu such a success. The videos provide a lasting record of what has been achieved through this collaborative project and the relationships that continue today.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to, supported and followed Toitū Te Hakapupu. Your commitment has helped create a strong foundation for the future of the catchment, and we look forward to seeing the results of this important mahi for years to come.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, you'll find community contact details at the end of this newsletter.

You can also learn more on ORC’s project webpage where you’ll find a full archive of the Toitū Te Hakapupu newsletter.

 

Toitū Te Hakapupu in pictures

The Toitū Te Hakapupu story is now available to watch through a new series of videos showcasing the people, places and kaupapa that have shaped this special catchment restoration project.

This series explores the many dimensions of Te Hakapupu – from the cultural and environmental significance of the awa, to the practical restoration work that happened on the ground. Across the videos, you'll hear from some of the project team, scientists, landowners and community members who have all played a part in restoring some of the catchment’s health and mauri.

The videos cover topics including native planting, water quality monitoring, fish passage improvement, sediment management and the community's long-term vision for the catchment. Together, they tell the story of how collaboration, local knowledge and a shared commitment to the environment help create lasting change.

Whether you've been involved in the project from the beginning or are discovering Te Hakapupu for the first time, we encourage you to take a look. We hope the series inspires others to learn more about the catchment, celebrate what has been achieved together, and continue caring for this special place for generations to come.

Explore the video series
 

How can I stay updated?

While this project may have come to an end, the journey to help improve water quality in Te Hakapupu certainly hasn’t. To follow the fantastic work East Otago Catchment Group and the community are doing in the catchment, you’ll find updates on East Otago Catchment Group’s Facebook page and Instagram.

 

East Otago Catchment Group has also just gone live with a new web page recently — check it out! eocg.org.nz

 

Contacts

If you have any questions on the project or the Te Hakapupu/Pleasant River 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 

 

Disclaimer 
The Ministry for the Environment does not necessarily endorse or support the content of the publication in anyway. 

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