About Kahu Ora
Kahu Ora, meaning The Reviving Cloak, was developed through an agreement between the Department of Conservation (DOC), Meridian Energy and Genesis Energy as part of the Waitaki and Takapō Power Schemes reconsenting process to compensate for the impacts of hydro-electric development in the Waitaki catchment.
The name reflects a cloak woven in kotahitanga between Papatipu Rūnanga, DOC and the generators. It represents togetherness, collaboration and coming together for a shared purpose.
Kahu Ora builds on the legacy of Project River Recovery and takes a whole-of-catchment approach to improving the condition, resilience and biodiversity of braided rivers, wetlands, lakes and associated cultural values.
The programme is delivered by DOC in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Te Rūnanga o Waihao, Meridian Energy and Genesis Energy.
The Waitaki catchment stretches from Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) to the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa). It contains globally rare braided rivers, wetlands, lakes and lake margins that support nationally significant native plants, fish, invertebrates, lizards and birds, as well as important cultural values including mahinga kai and connections to place for Ngāi Tahu whānui.
Kahu Ora's long-term vision is a future where the Waitaki catchment supports thriving braided rivers, wetlands and lakes, healthy populations of indigenous species, and strong, enduring connections between people and place. Through collaboration and long-term investment, Kahu Ora aims to leave a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.
Waitaki catchment
The Waitaki catchment and eleven of the most prominent braided rivers that connect the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) to the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa)
Resources
Species
- Robust grasshopper
- Black-fronted tern/tarapirohe
- Wrybill/ngutu pare
- Black billed gull
- Black stilt/kakī
- Lowland longjaw galaxias
- Australasian crested grebe/kāmana/pūteketeke
- Australasian bittern/matuku-hūrepo
- Marsh crake/koitareke
Media releases
- DOC takes out insurance for rare tiny fish: Media release 30 April 2026
- DOC shock as ducks kill pūteketeke chicks: Media release 4 February 2026
- New campaign for pūteketeke/crested grebe : Media release 4 December 2025
- True love takes a ‘tern’ in the Mackenzie basin: Media release 19 November 2025
- Rare pink grasshopper spotted in Mackenzie basin: Media release 18 November 2025
- “Little battler” black-fronted terns defy the odds: Media release 10 April 2025
- DOC, Meridian and Genesis agreement to significantly boost freshwater conservation: Media release 26 July 2023
Project River Recovery 1990-2026
Project River Recovery (PRR) was delivered by DOC from 1990 to 2026. The project was funded through a compensatory agreement with Meridian Energy Limited and Genesis Energy Limited, recognising the impacts of hydroelectric development on braided rivers and wetlands of the Upper Waitaki Basin. PRR worked to maintain and restore braided river and wetland habitat for the benefit of its native plants and animals, some of which are only found in, or only breed in, this region.
PRR's work included intensive weed control, predator control, construction and maintenance of wetlands, and research and monitoring programmes. This work was complemented by a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing knowledge and respect for braided rivers and their unique wildlife. Details of PRR’s delivery can be found in the Annual reports.
PRR Reports
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2024-25 (PDF, 3,306K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2023-24 (PDF, 6,999K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2022-23 (PDF, 5,772K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2021-22 (PDF, 6,145K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2020-21 (PDF, 4,500K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2013-14 (PDF, 885K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2012-13 (PDF, 410K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2011-12 (PDF, 282 K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2010-11 (PDF, 272 K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2009-10 (PDF, 95K)
- Project River Recovery Annual Report 2008-09 (PDF, 88K)
Rivers Rare: The first 25 years of Project River Recovery 1991-2016
Neville Peat’s book Rivers Rare outlines the work that PRR has achieved in its first 25 years, taking the reader through the project’s initial seven years of work. It also looks closely at the unique species that can be found in the Upper Waitaki Basin’s braided rivers and adjacent habits.
This book is available on request at the Te Manahuna /Twizel Office.