Te Hakapupu Pleasant River
About the catchment
Te Hakapupu Pleasant River is a culturally and environmentally significant catchment where landowners, iwi, community groups and agencies are working together to improve water quality, restore habitat, and strengthen the health of the river and wetland/estuary complex.
The catchment covers around 130 km² in coastal East Otago, from the hills to the sea, supporting a range of native species and important ecological values. Land use is a mix of farming and forestry, with three main tributaries feeding into the main stem of the river and then into the estuary. Te Hakapupu also holds strong cultural significance for Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, particularly as a traditional mahika kai area (food gathering).
Over time, pressures including sediment loss, habitat degradation, barriers to fish passage, and changes in land use have impacted the health of the catchment. In response, collaborative work is underway to better understand the river system and identify practical actions that will support long-term improvements.
Current work
A key focus of the work happening in Te Hakapupu is recognising the connection between land, waterways, estuaries and coast, and the importance of managing the catchment as one connected system.
The catchment continues to build momentum through strong local partnerships, practical action, and a shared commitment to protecting and restoring the health of Te Hakapupu for future generations.
Pest management
A pest management strategy for the Te Hakapupu Pleasant River catchment has been developed collaboratively by the East Otago Catchment Group in partnership with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, landowners, forestry representatives, hunters and the wider community.
It sets out a coordinated, community-led approach to managing pest plants and animals across the catchment over the next five years, bringing together the knowledge, priorities and experience of local landowners, forestry, and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki.
Find out more about the pest management strategy here.
What’s next
Future work across the catchment will continue to focus on pest management, practical restoration projects, community involvement, biodiversity enhancement, and improving water quality outcomes. This includes ongoing planting and fencing work, fish passage improvements, monitoring, and supporting landowners and the wider community to take action across the catchment.
Keep the momentum going
The Jobs for Nature programme laid a strong foundation for restoration work across Te Hakapupu. Now it's up to all of us to carry that momentum forward.
Whether you're a landowner, resident or simply interested in the future of the catchment, it's easy to get involved. Join the East Otago Catchment Group (it’s free!), connect with your local pod group, and be part of the ongoing effort to protect and restore Te Hakapupu for future generations.
Te Hakapupu Pleasant River catchment water quality report
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