17 October 2025
Council is inviting the community to share their thoughts on the future of the Waikanae Stream.
The stream begins in Makaraka, runs through Awapuni, business areas and flows into the Tūranganui River. It may be small but it's deeply significant for its natural values within the urban landscape and for mana whenua, who regard it as a treasured taonga.
Sustainable Futures Director Jocelyne Allen says community input is a vital part of this process.
“By collaborating with mana whenua and our community, we can develop a catchment plan that genuinely reflects the values, aspirations and priorities of local people.”
“The Waikanae Stream is a defining feature of our city’s natural and cultural landscape. Understanding the community’s concerns, ideas and ambitions will help us to protect and restore this waterway for future generations.”
Kaumātua Stan Pardoe has been involved in the project from its inception. “The restoration of the mauri of the awa is important because our tikanga and mātauranga is a legacy we should leave for future generations, for those who reside in Tūranga”, says Dr Pardoe.
Three surveys have been developed to capture feedback from across the community:
- Community / whānau survey – for anyone with an interest in or connection to the Waikanae.
- Rangatahi / school attendees survey – to ensure the voices of young people are included.
- Industry survey – for businesses in the Waikanae catchment.
The surveys can be filled in via Council's participate page below.
Council encourages everyone to complete the survey that applies to them and to share the link with others who care about the awa.
The Waikanae Stream sits in the Waipaoa River Catchment and this plan will inform the Waipaoa Catchment Plan, currently in development as part of the review of Council’s Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan.
“By working together, we can not only improve and restore the Waikanae Stream, but ensure it continues to sustain and inspire the generations to come” says Ms. Allen.
Dr Pardoe reflects that “We acknowledge the kōrero and mātauranga from our Tīpuna. Moving forward we need to recognise the role that we all play in taking care of the awa, and restoring and enhancing the taiao requires what is tika and pono - doing what is right and just.”
The survey closes 31 October 2025.
Fill in the survey here
Waikanae Catchment Plan | Participate (Logged in)
Find out more about Council's catchment planning programme
Catchment planning | Gisborne District Council
Gisborne District Council Review of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan
Review of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan | Gisborne District Council