Thomsons Wetland, Central Otago
Otago is New Zealand's third largest region and home to a diverse landscape, from rugged coastlines to spectacular mountains and alpine lakes.
Our environment is our most important asset. That is why we must ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources. The future of our beautiful region starts with protecting and caring for it today.
Discover some of the projects we are currently working on alongside mana whenua and the community.
The landscape at the head of Lake Whakatipu is made up of the mountains, streams, floodplains and large rivers feeding into the lake – this magnificent natural setting makes the area an attractive place to live in or visit. However, it also means that this area is exposed to many natural hazard risks.
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.
The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is an economic growth and infrastructure partnership that focuses on shared priorities and long-term goals.
The Upper Lakes Integrated Catchment Group has been supported by the Otago Regional Council to create a Catchment Action Plan for the Upper Lakes area. The Group will shortly be putting their plan into action.
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.
The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is an economic growth and infrastructure partnership that focuses on shared priorities and long-term goals.
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.
The Dunedin Coastal Integrated Catchment Group is supported by Otago Regional Council to put their Catchment Action Plan into action. This covers from Macraes in the northwest, Waikouaiti in the northeast, and to the Taiari/Taieri river mouth in the south.
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.
The Lower Taieri Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme Liaison Group connects the Otago Regional Council with local communities to improve flood protection and drainage in the Lower Taieri area, helping keep people and properties safer from floods.
A partnership project with Aukaha to control pest plants across 16 QEII covenants in the coastal Dunedin area.
South Dunedin is an important part of Dunedin City. It’s a vibrant and diverse community that tens of thousands call home. Otago Regional Council has been collecting and analysing information about the natural hazards faced by South Dunedin.
The Taiari / Taieri Integrated Catchment Group will be supported by the Otago Regional Council to create a Catchment Action Plan for the Taiari area and its coastal waters.
Working with different community groups and members of the community, Otago Regional Council is working to enhance the Tomahawk Lagoon Catchment through community action to contribute to a healthy ecosystem for all to enjoy.
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.
A partnership project with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki to improve the health of the rivers and estuary in the Pleasant River Catchment.
Otago Regional Council is working with Environment Canterbury, local councils, and community groups to take a whole-catchment approach to freshwater management in the Waitaki. This project looks at the health of the river from source to sea, aiming to protect water quality and balance the needs of people, land, and nature.
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.
A partnership project with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki to improve the health of the rivers and estuary in the Pleasant River Catchment.
The Clutha Delta Natural Hazards Adaptation Programme is about understanding and planning for natural hazards including flooding, erosion, earthquakes, and sea-level rise in the Clutha Delta. Otago Regional Council is working with the Clutha District Council, Civil Defence and Emergency Management, and plans to work closely with the community and mana whenua to explore local knowledge alongside technical studies. The programme aims to develop practical, long-term solutions to ensure safety and resilience now and in the future.
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.
The Inland Mata-au/Clutha Integrated Catchment Group is supported by Otago Regional Council to put their Catchment Action Plan into action. This covers the Central Otago portion of the Mata-au/Clutha and connected catchments, including the Nevis and Lindis to Dunstan, Ida Valley and Manuherikia to Alexandra and through Roxburgh to Millers Flat.
The Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme Liaison Group connects the Otago Regional Council with local communities to improve flood protection and drainage in the Lower Clutha area, helping keep people and properties safer from floods.
The Lower Mata-au/Clutha Integrated Catchment Group is supported by Otago Regional Council to put their Catchment Action Plan into action. This covers the Clutha District portion of the Mata-au - from Beaumont to the Mata-au/Clutha mouth and coastal waters up to Taiari/Taieri Mouth, along with connected catchments, including the Pomahaka and Tokomairiro.
Otago Regional Council is working with the community to enhance and protect this regionally significant wetland and its biodiversity. Part of this is educating the wider community about how important wetlands are to our environment, and why we are all working to protect them.
The Catlins Catchment Action Plan Governance Group is supported by Otago Regional Council to put their Catchment Action Plan into action. This covers the Otago area of The Catlins and its coastal waters.
