The WWP has been proud to support two amazing initiatives which are working to clean up and restore the Waikato River, especially between Ngaruawahia and Kemureti | Cambridge. Both Deep Dive Division and the Waikato Kaitiaki River Sweepers are bringing together the community to restore the mauri of the mighty Waikato River which is at the heart of our region. Their complementary skills mean that we can fully support the shared vision of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato which is:

“where a healthy Waikato River sustains abundant life and prosperous  communities who, in turn, are  all responsible for restoring and  protecting the health and wellbeing  of the Waikato River, and all it  embraces, for generations to come.” (Waikato River Authority)

We’ve reported before on the incredible work of Tua and Courtney Karalus from Deep Dive Division. The Deep Dive team continues to use their underwater dive technology and recovery skills to clean up the Waikato Awa. For more information about Deep Dive Division visit their website at https://deepdivedivision.co.nz/  or contact Tua at tua@deepdivedivision.com.

The Waikato Kaitiaki River Sweepers is a grass roots initiative started by our own amazing Manu Taki and WWP kaumatua Norm Hill. With support from the WWP, Waikato Tainui, Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato RiverCare, Norm has brought together kaitiaki and ākonga from primary and secondary schools in Kirikiriroa and Rahui Pookeka to remove litter and trash from the edges of the Awa in Hamilton.

It's real hands-on work and helps to show how much debris and litter is currently being carelessly thrown into our river. Much of the refuse collected was household waste and other everyday items such as supermarket trollies and Lime scooters.

We have supported the Kaitiaki River Sweepers by working with Rhayvon Te Rangipuawhe Mihaere at Reia Creative to capture their work in a video story which will be released very shortly. In the meantime, if you would like to join the kaitiaki, please contact Norm at norm@tehira.co.nz.