MAKARORO
CATCHMENT
Primary township Tikokino
Area 12,197ha
Land use Land use in the Makaroro catchment differs from the wider Tukituki catchment. Indigenous forest covers 69 percent of the area, while pasture accounts for 12 percent. Less than six percent is covered by exotic forest or mānuka and kānuka scrub.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Catchment co-ordinator Kahlia Fryer
Email tukitukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone 0273426071
ABOUT OUR CATCHMENT
The Makaroro River originates from the Ruahine Range, flowing southeast before joining the Waipawa River near Tikokino. The catchment is 12,197ha which is close to five percent of the wider Tukituki catchment.
The Makaroro stands apart from many other Tukituki sub-catchments. It is one of the steepest and most heavily forested, with distinct soil characteristics and the highest proportion of indigenous forest in the region.
Currently, no catchment group has been established.
THE BIG PICTURE
The Big Picture
As part of The Big Picture project, TLC has developed independent, science-backed catchment plans for each of the 17 sub-catchments of the Tukituki River. These farmer-led plans address key environmental challenges specific to each area while identifying practical, affordable solutions. These plans do not impose rules or regulations but they give farmers and catchment groups a roadmap for future planning to improve water quality, boost farm productivity, and open the door to future funding opportunities.
TLC partnered with environmental planning consultancy Environment, Innovation and Strategy Ltd (EIS), who collected data specific to each sub-catchment, including erosion maps, flow path models, land use capability, soil types, and water monitoring information. Alongside the scientific data, in December 2024, TLC hosted workshops for farmers and growers in each sub-catchment to make sure the solutions aligned with the realities of farming and growing in each sub-catchment.
Makaroro Draft Sub-Catchment Plan: Summary
Makaroro Draft Sub-Catchment Plan: Full Report
Makaroro Catchment Maps
TLC FARMER TOOLBOX
Tools for the Makaroro Catchment
As part of The Big Picture, TLC has developed the TLC Farmer Toolbox, designed to support landowners in making informed decisions and enable them to implement changes with confidence, ensuring that time and money are invested wisely.
The TLC Toolbox includes the following:
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TLC’s On-Farm Action Planning Tool - prioritise on-farm environmental actions based on their cost-effectiveness and impact.
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TLC’s Plant Selection Tool - choose the right plants for on-farm environmental projects by matching your planting zone and purpose with suitable species.
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TLC’s Surface Erosion Tool - determine the most erosion-prone areas on your farm to identify priority sites for effective soil conservation measures.
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TLC’s Water Runoff Mapping Tool - identify sites for on-farm edge-of-field mitigations such as sediment traps, constructed wetlands and detention bunds.
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TLC’s Riparian Mapping Tool - better understand riparian condition and vegetation class along waterways to prioritise where riparian management should occur.
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TLC’s ETS Guide- download TLC’s ETS Guide for key information on the Emissions Trading Scheme, including its purpose, benefits, eligibility, enrolment process, and potential costs and returns.
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TLC’s Willow Management Guide - download TLC’s Invasive Willow Management Guide for insights on willows in the Tukituki, control strategies and riparian restoration.
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TLC’s List Of Advisors - connect with local advisors for tailored advice and potential funding opportunities.