Together, the river will thrive.
Next funding round
The Waikato River Authority 2026 funding round opens on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 and closes on Monday, 27 July 2026. Up to $6 million will be available for restoration projects across the Waikato catchment that align with the 2026 Funding Strategy and restoration priorities.
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Our role in restoring the Awa
The Waikato River Authority is an independent statutory body leading the restoration and protection of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers and their catchments, to ensure their health and wellbeing for present and future generations.
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Latest Annual Report
The difference we’re making
Through funding, partnership, and practical restoration, the Waikato River Authority is helping create measurable change across the catchment. These figures reflect the scale of the work supported to protect and restore the health and well-being of the awa, including $80.6 million allocated to 496 projects over the last 14 years.
Kilometres of
waterway fenced
2011 – 2025
Community engagement
events held
2011 – 2025
hectares of land
restored
2011 – 2025
iwi, hapu and marae
based projects
2011 – 2025
Trees and shrubs
planted
2011 – 2025
Where funding meets action
Explore the projects helping restore and protect the health and well-being of the Waikato River. From iwi and community-led initiatives to large-scale restoration work, these stories highlight the practical action, partnerships, and long-term commitment making a difference across the catchment.
Te Arawa River Iwi Trust 2025 Tira Hoe
A four-day waka journey reconnecting three affiliate iwi with their awa and whānau while sharing mātauranga Māori and science related to water quality and monitoring, traversing stretches from Lake Taupō to Te Pūaha o Waikato and staying at marae along the river.
Farewell to Roger Pikia
Roger Pikia farewelled after more than 15 years of service to the Waikato River Authority…
Tooku awa koiora me oona pikonga he kura tangihia o te maataamuri
The river of life, each curve more beautiful than the last
Guided by Te Ture Whaimana
The Waikato River Authority works toward a future where a healthy Waikato River sustains abundant life and thriving communities. It is the foundation for the long-term restoration and protection of the awa, and for the shared action needed to care for it for generations to come.
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