Keep our water safe
From best to worst. There are several Horizons Regional Council water quality monitoring sites along the Waikawa Stream. The site at North Manakau Road regularly records some of the lowest bovine E. coli levels in the region, yet less than 10 kilometres downstream, the monitoring site at the Waikawa Footbridge often records some of the highest.
Not only does our awa experience elevated E. coli levels, but parts of our groundwater are also affected by high nitrate concentrations.
For a growing community like Waikawa Beach, this presents a significant challenge. Our residents and visitors should be able to enjoy waterways that are safe, healthy and support thriving ecosystems, recreation and cultural values.
Residents and holiday makers are frustrated at the cancellation of much loved traditions
E.Coli levels at the pedestrian bridge are the highest in the region
White-baiting is a highly valued tradition at risk
What are we doing? The Waikawa Beach Environment Group continues to advocate strongly for improved freshwater outcomes on behalf of our community. We work collaboratively with local residents, iwi, councils and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the issues affecting our catchment and to support practical, evidence-based solutions.
In 2025, WBEG prepared and submitted a comprehensive response to the Government's proposed changes to freshwater protections, advocating for strong safeguards for waterways such as the Waikawa Stream.
Recognising that many people wanted to have their voices heard but found the submission process difficult or time-consuming, we also prepared a simplified submission guide containing local water quality data, statistics and information about the state of our awa and the challenges facing our catchment.
To support community participation, we established an information stand at the Waikawa Footbridge where residents and visitors could learn more about the proposals, ask questions and receive assistance with preparing their own submissions. We also helped facilitate the lodgement of completed submissions with the Ministry for the Environment on behalf of those who requested support.
We were incredibly grateful for the level of support shown by our community, with a significant number of local submissions ultimately being made.
We are now awaiting further updates from central government regarding the future direction of freshwater policy and protections and will continue to keep our community informed as new information becomes available.
Protecting and restoring the health of our awa is a long-term journey, but it is one that our community has shown it is ready to be part of.