Local projects and priorities

Maintaining the unique wilderness and undeveloped character of Kaikōura's natural environment is a key focus for our work in the zone.

We work with landowners, community, groups and other organisations to undertake a number of actions in the zone which support the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, water quality, mahinga kai and more.

Read about some of the key projects and priorities for the zone below, or contact our Kaikōura office on 03 319 5781 to find out more.

Key projects

Wetlands in Kaikōura

Wetlands are vital to maintaining healthy waterways and are rich in biodiversity, providing habitat for plants, animals, fish, and insects.

Read about some of the wetland projects in Kaikōura.

Waterways in Kaikōura

Kaikōura has short, steep, hill-fed rivers, as well as unique braided river environments. The lower catchments on the Kaikōura Plains flow through farmland and the Kaikōura township, while the Waiau Toa Clarence River is one of the longest and remote rivers in New Zealand.

Funding for hill country erosion

Landowners in Hurunui and Kaikōura can apply for funding to help combat hillside erosion as part of the Soil Conservation and Revegetation Programme.

Find out more about the Soil Con Programme.

Kaikōura Plains Recovery Project

The Kaikōura Plains Recovery Project (funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries) supported Kaikōura farmers after the 2016 earthquake. The project was completed in 2020 and produced a range of resources for landowners in the zone.

Find out more about the Plains Recovery Project.

Support for farmers and community

Support is available to farmers - to help meet Good Management Practice and mahinga kai outcomes. We also have support available for community groups and landowners looking to undertake an environmental project. Read on to find out more about these topics.