Introducing Wai Connection

Wild for Taranaki is thrilled to announce the introduction of Wai Connection to the region.   

Wai Connection is part of a nationwide project by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust that builds capability and capacity in New Zealand’s freshwater management. Wai Connection provides knowledge, tools and expert support to help identify values and solve issues in the local catchment areas. 

Wild for Taranaki is the regional service provider for Wai Connection, partnering with Te Kāhui o Taranaki, Te Kaahui o Rauru and Te Ihowai Ltd a pan-hapū partnership as well as Taranaki Regional Council and Taranaki Catchment Communities. 

During the first Taranaki Wai Connection wānanga, ‘Wai Connectors’ discovered a previously unknown īnanga/whitebait spawning site. 

Ngawai Terry, Pou Taiao/Environmental Manager at Taranaki Iwi feels the introduction of Wai Connection brings enormous value to the region. 

“Wai Connection has strengthened our capacity and skill set in the protection, restoration, and management of our awa, equipping the team with additional knowledge and skills. The discovery of the īnanga spawning location is especially meaningful, given the at-risk status of this taonga species and the crucial role they play in maintaining the balance of the taiao. We look forward to the continuation of this partnership with Wai Connection and the ongoing growth and opportunities it will bring,” Ngawai said. 

Central to the kaupapa is collaboration between local catchment groups, NGOs, hapū/iwi, Regional Council, central Government and farming communities within the catchment – helping deliver the goals of the Government’s Essential Freshwater work package.  

Wild for Taranaki General Manager, Danielle Gibas, says Wai Connection benefits the biodiversity sector across many levels. 

“Not only does Wai Connection raise the profile of our freshwater ecosystems, it aims to 

empower Taranaki communities with a bespoke package of knowledge, tools, and expert support as well as educational programmes. Allowing them to connect with their waterways – from mountain to sea – and amplify protection and improvements to freshwater quality and biodiversity in Taranaki,” she said. 

National Īnanga Spawning Programme National Coordinator for Mountains to Sea, Nic Naysmith, says the discovery is great news for Taranaki.    

“The recent discovery of a new īnanga (Galaxias maculatus) spawning site in Taranaki is exciting news. It shines a spotlight on the region’s biodiversity and ecological health. Īnanga, which are vital for the local ecosystem, and which have huge cultural value, serve as kai for so many. They are a much needed food source of numerous fish and bird species in both the awa and the moana, and are significant in maintaining the mauri of both these environments,” Naysmith said. 

Īnanga numbers are declining due to loss of habitat, mostly through changes in land use. 

Wai Connection’s Regional Coordinator, Lisa Berndt will be based at the Wild for Taranaki office on Ocean Parade and can be reached at [email protected]