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RMA reform and what it could mean for catchment groups

Understanding the changes and what our members are telling usSignificant changes to New Zealand’s environmental and planning framework are now underway, with the Government progressing legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). For catchment groups, these reforms raise important questions about community participation, freshwater management, and how local knowledge will be recognised in future decision-making.To better understand both the policy direction and how these changes a...

Project Parore – Caring for the Land, Restoring the Moana

Project Parore is a catchment care group based in Katikati in the Western Bay of Plenty. It was formed in 2004 by local people who could see that the health of the Uretara River and its estuary mattered, not just for nature, but for the future of the productive land and community that surrounds it. Since then, Project Parore has grown well beyond the Uretara. Today, its work is aimed at the eleven rivers that flow into the northern Tauranga Harbour. T...

Catchment Communities Aotearoa Position Statement on; Government Reforms to Regional Councils - November 2025

Our Current Position Catchment Communities Aotearoa (CCA) acknowledges the Government's announced reforms to regional governance structures, specifically the proposal to abolish elected regional councillors and establish Combined Territories Boards comprising regional mayors. As the collective voice of New Zealand's catchment communities, CCA recognises that effective land and water management requires stable, science-informed decision-making at the catchment level, regardless of the governance ...

Rural Nats Parliamentary Breakfast with CCA Board.

Tied in with the November Board meeting, the Board and Stuart joined Members of Parliament known collectively as the Rural Nats for a breakfast dialogue. Hosted in their select committee rooms in the Old Houses of Parliament, it was a great opportunity for Ben and the Board to reinforce the invaluable work our member catchment groups do enhancing environmental, social and economic outcomes in their areas. Ben was able to land several key messages with the group –Catchment Communities Aotearoa ...