MAKARETU
CATCHMENT
Primary township Takapau
Area Approximately 8000 ha
CATCHMENT
GROUP
Catchment co-ordinator Kahlia Fryer
Email tukitukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone 0273426071
ABOUT OUR CATCHMENT
The upper reaches of the catchment originate in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, southwest of the Tukituki River, at an elevation of approximately 400 meters above sea level. From there, the river flows across the Ruataniwha Plains, connecting with the Tukipo River and Pōrangahau Stream via the Maharakeke River. It eventually converges with the Tukituki River about 5 kilometers upstream of Waipukurau. The catchment is relatively narrow, averaging just 2 kilometers in width for most of its length.
Land use within the catchment is predominantly sheep and beef farming, with a small area of exotic forestry near the headwaters. Over 90% of the sub-catchment is classified as high-producing exotic grassland.
The name Makaretu is believed to be derived from Ma and kāretu, Ma meaning stream and kāretu referencing a species of native sweet-scented grass commonly found in the area.
MAKARETU
SUB-CATCHMENT REPORT
After consulting with landowners in the Makaretu sub-catchment, TLC engaged Access to Experts (A2E) to develop a baseline report on the Makaretu River. A2E, a Ministry for the Environment initiative, provides free access to freshwater specialists for catchment groups.
The comprehensive 30-page report, authored by Charlotte Dury, Matt Highway, and Amy Robinson, combines insights from landowner interviews with an analysis of existing data. It examines the catchment’s cultural and physical characteristics, including geology, soils, rainfall, and water quality.
Outcomes
Following a presentation of the report’s findings to farmers and landowners in the Makaretu sub-catchment, attendees agreed to allocate a TLC Demonstration Grant toward a riparian planting project in the catchment.
For more information, please get in touch with Kahlia Fryer.
TUKITUKI LAND CARE NEWS
