May 2025 - Newsletter

Tēnā koutou Catchment members,

 As always we appreciate your continued support and we would like to thank those who have already paid their $20/person annual subscription, thank you for joining us for another year. We also offer $100 for a farm subscription to cover you and your staff if this option suits you better.

 Here’s your May newsletter. This is our monthly newsletter that provides you with all you need to know for the upcoming month and a look back at past events.

On Wednesday the 9th of April, the admin team attended a combined Waikato-BOP catchment group meeting at Bill and Sue Garland’s Rahiri Farm. This Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Communities (ANZCC) event was to hear about the national and regional situation from Ben Ensor, the ANZCC chair and to provide feedback on how to make catchment groups successful and sustainable. ANZCC are here to advocate for the continuation of catchment groups, to provide momentum and impact. 

Recent Native Planting Day

Please read about this day here. We had a fabulous turnout with more than 50 people signing in throughout the day but if you were unable to attend, all the information is available for you on our website.

The vouchers for free native trees from Robert Shearer - Native Awa and Adam Thompson - Restore Native have been emailed to those who came along and supported our Native Planting days, we appreciate your support. There are some members who attended all the venues on both days who have received vouchers for more than $200.

First Aid Courses

We held two very informative and educational Hato Hone St John First Aid courses on Thursday 27 March at Te Ākau Community Complex and on Tuesday 8 April at Nikau Cave and Cafe in Waikaretu. These were subsidised for all our members so you could attend this for $50 instead of the usual $195. 

These days were long and intensive, but feedback from participants is that they now feel confident to administer first aid, the instructor Richard Jones was very thorough and gave clear information. We will continue to offer first aid courses in the future.

AGM + Community Dinner

We had a wonderful turnout for our AGM and Community dinner, on Wednesday 2 April at the Nikau Cave and Cafe, Waikaretu. The kai was delicious and it was a great evening to catch up. 

Pest Control & Water testing

The water quality team is looking to organise a community day (local schools involvement in sampling, engagement activities and learning about Water Quality). Water testing has begun and we are looking forward to discovering what our waterways look like and what we need to do to improve them.

Cam Speedy and his pest control team have now completed the audit, and their report will be made available on our website following the next committee meeting. 

We are planning an upcoming community event with Cam to discuss the findings of the audit in more detail and where to go from here. 

Kapa Haka in schools

Both Waikaretu School and Te Akau School with the support of WWCC held Kapa Haka sessions last term as part of our Iwi Strategy group’s commitment to involving the local tamariki. Kapa Haka is a Maori performing art form that encompasses song, dance and chanting, it is a powerful way to express heritage and cultural identity. It promotes a sense of belonging and artistic expression.

Plus - mark your calendars!

Free local recycling drop-off event!

Council is trialing a free local recycling drop-off event, 

10th May, 9-12pm, Te Akau community Hall (beside the school)

If the trial is well supported, Council is proposing to offer this service monthly, with a small annual rates charge.

We also encourage you to make a submission for a long-term recycling service which is part of Waikato District Council's 2025-2034 Long Term Plan. Your feedback is valued and may help shape the future of recycling in our community!

Looking ahead, don’t forget to take a look at our website to check what’s coming up and see how you can get involved.

We appreciate all those who have paid their new memberships. Anyone who has previously been a member should have received an account. Please contact Robyn or Sandra if you didn’t receive a new membership account. 

Heoi anō tāku mō nāianei, That’s all for now, 

From the WWCC team, Sandra, Robyn and Sarah.