100 | One of NZ’s leading catchment groups Formed in 2014, the farmer-led group has grown into a strong community network. Karen Phelps RURAL SERVICES » Pomahaka Water Care Group From improving water quality and restoring wetlands to protecting one of New Zealand’s rarest native fish, Pomahaka Water Care Group has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading catchment groups. Formed in 2014, the farmer-led group has grown into a strong community network with more than 150 members working together across the Pomahaka catchment in South West Otago. Its long-term approach to environmental improvement has been driven by collaboration, practical action and a belief that lasting change takes time. “We understand that nature takes time to heal, so the group is in it for the long haul,” says Lloyd McCall, one of the founders of the group. The Pomahaka River catchment covers 2060 square kilometres, beginning behind the Black Umbrella mountains and travelling for 80 kilometres before joining the Clutha River/Mata-Au downstream from Clydevale. The group’s vision is for the river to be recognised as having the highest possible water quality so future generations can continue to enjoy it. One of the group’s largest achievements has been its riparian planting project, funded through the Provincial Growth Fund and the One Billion Trees programme. Between 2020 and 2024 it completed 100 kilometres of riparian fencing and planted 220,000 native plants across 330 sites on 110 farms, targeting improvements in water quality. Lloyd expects this to add to the group’s results visible via ongoing monitoring. “The water has definitely improved and it’s also coming across in regional council testing as well, that most of the state of environment testing sites in the lower Clutha catchment area are showing continuing improvements through initiatives such as good management practices on farms,” he says. The group continues to test waterways at several sites throughout the catchment and uses regional council data to track changes. It also works closely with local landowners through tributary meetings, where communities discuss water testing results, challenges and solutions. “A lot of people doing little things gets results,” explains Lloyd. Innovation has also been central to the group’s work. It has developed trial sites investigating how sediment traps and wetlands can reduce contaminants entering waterways. A mini wetland experiment, established in the early 2020s, used plants to filter water after it passed through a sediment trap, with AgResearch carrying out testing over several years and producing encouraging results. Protecting biodiversity is another major focus. The group has begun creating a galaxiid sanctuary near Tapanui to protect the threatened Pomahaka galaxias, a native fish found throughout the catchment. Working alongside Otago Regional Council scientists it is tagging fish to better understand their lifespan, growth, spawning habits and distribution. Community involvement has been central to the sanctuary project with local schools and residents helping plant native vegetation. By June 2026 about 1400 native plants had been planted at the site, with students from Tapanui Primary contributing around 300 plants. From catchment monitoring and farmer collaboration to habitat restoration and education, Lloyd says Pomahaka Water Care Group aims to continue to demonstrate how communities can work together to improve waterways. “Our approach reflects a commitment not only to the health of the river today but to ensuring it remains a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.” A PASSION FOR PLANTS SINCE 1932 Native plant riparian zones help improve waterway quality, control pollution, reduce erosion and provide food for wildlife. Visit us in Tapanui for a wide selection of trees, grasses, natives, flaxes and hedging grown for local conditions or shop online: www.bmn.co.nz OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM • TAPANUI, WEST OTAGO • P: 03 204 8250
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