Wai Care is a community-based water quality monitoring and action programme. It brings schools, community groups, businesses and councils together to regularly monitor the water quality of local streams and then take action to restore their health.

With the help of a dedicated coordinator, Wai Care groups are trained to assess habitat and water quality, and to develop an understanding of stream dynamics. There is a strong link between water quality and land management, so groups also learn about the many sources of pollution and how they can be reduced.  

If you would like to find out more about how to set up a Wai Care group or arrange a Wai Care talk or field-trip please contact our Environmental Education Coordinator.

For more information about Wai Care groups that are active in the district and links to related websites, please visit www.waicare.org.nz. 

Wastewise Schools

WasteWise Schools is an Education for Sustainability programme that assists schools to reduce their waste and in turn, their ecological footprint. The programme engages students in best waste reduction practices that they can transfer into their home and everyday life. It supports students to make informed decisions and educate others to act sustainably. The programme can be integrated into all aspects of the New Zealand curriculum and adapts a whole school approach that is designed to compliment the Enviroschools programme.