Catchment area
Regions: Tasman
The Motueka Catchment is one of Aotearoa’s most ecologically diverse river systems. The catchment spans roughly 2,200 km² stretching from its headwaters in the Maungakura / Red Hills, majestic Kahurangi Mountains in the west to the Spooners Range, Richmond Ranges, and Moutere Hills in the east. Ranging from alpine heights to the estuarine margins of Te Tai-o-Aorere / Tasman Bay.
About
The MCC is a community-led network shaped by the people who live and work in the catchment—especially rural landowners, residents, and volunteers. MCC began with grassroots energy and local conversations, and while partners provide valuable support, it is the community that defines the kaupapa, sets priorities, and leads the way.
Many involved wear multiple hats and move between roles—farmers, professionals, advocates, and more. MCC is not a single voice, but a chorus of lived experience, values, and priorities. This diversity fosters connection and shared purpose, but also calls for care, clarity, and honest conversation. MCC exists to weave together local knowledge, lived experience, and technical insight to protect and restore the catchment for generations to come.
MCC enables restoration, connection, and resilience across the catchment. It doesn’t deliver every action—but it helps guide strategy, build partnerships, and support community-led care. Its core functions are:
● Strategic Coordination & Governance – Aligning priorities, guiding delivery, and maintaining inclusive governance
● Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing – Strengthening community capability through training, tools, and peer learning
● Monitoring, Data & Adaptive Action – Supporting community-based monitoring and linking data to restoration and planning
● Engagement, Dialogue & Visibility – Fostering connection, awareness, and shared purpose across the catchment
● Partnership & Collaboration – Working with iwi, council, researchers, and community groups to deliver shared goals
The draft catchment plan provides more information about the MCC - https://motuekacatchment.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MCC-Catchment-Plan-draft-for-consultation-Sept25.pdf