MANGATARATA
CATCHMENT
Primary township Takapau
Area 19,112ha
Land use 94 percent of the catchment in pasture, three percent in exotic forest and less than one percent in indigenous forest.
CATCHMENT
CONTACT
Catchment co-ordinator Kahlia Fryer
Email tukitukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone 0273426071
ABOUT OUR CATCHMENT
The Mangatarata catchment spans 19,112ha and has various land types and uses, including high-intensity farming on the flats, mudstone hill country prone to slips, and increasing lifestyle blocks. The catchment is characterised by fine soils that lose phosphorus.
Lake Whatumā, a focal point for biodiversity in the area, has the potential to become a significant hub for conservation efforts.
Existing challenges requiring ongoing attention include pest plants such as alligator weed, old man's beard, and convolvulus.
The recently established Mangatarata Catchment Group is eager to make progress. There is strong interest in improving biodiversity and water quality, controlling pest species, and incorporating historical knowledge into future land and water management efforts.
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.
Mangatarata Draft Sub-Catchment Plan: Summary
Mangatarata Draft Sub-Catchment Plan: Full Report
Mangatarata Catchment Maps
TLC FARMER TOOLBOX
Tools for the Mangatarata 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.