Our Waitarakao Community feedback 2023
Our lagoon needs help. Let's make a plan.
Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon is a special place for wildlife and mahika kai food gathering, but now it's in decline and the habitat for plants and animals has degraded.
Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and Timaru District Council have joined together to make a plan to restore the health of the lagoon and its wider catchment – and we want your help to make sure we get it right.
Why a plan is needed
Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon is a significant wildlife sanctuary and a special place for mana whenua, local people and visitors from all around the country.
It was once an abundant mahika kai food gathering hub for local mana whenua and visiting iwi from all over the South Island Te Waipounamu. Tuna (eel), kanakana (lamprey) and all sorts of fish and shellfish were plentiful.
In recent decades however, the lagoon has shrunk and its health and the habitat of the wildlife is declining. Coastal flooding and erosion, and the impacts of climate change, are a risk to the lagoon and to property, farmland and industry in the wider catchment area.
Improving the mauri (life force) of the lagoon will take cooperation across many agencies, organisations, groups and stakeholders. That's why we want the whole community to get involved in creating a strategy to plan for the future of this special place.
How to get involved
To get involved, sign up for future updates (click 'Stay Informed') as we develop Our Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon Catchment strategy.
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Videos
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A recent series of workshops completed the key activities for 2023.
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A summary of information, ideas and stories, shared by the community.
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Alice from Eco Centre talks us through their Waitarakao display
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Keely guided us through the recently showcased Waitarakao Lagoon exhibition
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FMG Young Farmer of the Year contestants help out at a planting day in the Waitarakao/Washdyke Catchment
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