Mangahao Catchment Area
The Mangahao River begins in the Tararua Ranges and travels 86km to join the the Manawatu River prior to the Manawatu Gorge.
The River is recognised locally as a significant trout fishery, is a nesting habitat for Dotterel, with well-loved recreational sites for the community. The catchment group began monthly water testing in November 2023 to be better placed to maintain and manage the health of the river.
Mangahao Catchment Group Vision:
Caring about the environment, the future and community has brought this group together to achieve a goal of improving and protecting the river. The group wants to target actions that will have the greatest impact, by creating community good projects (Marima Domain and Poplar Reserve) encouraging non-farming residents and to engage with stakeholders, including damn owners and operators at Manawa Energy, Iwi and district and regional councils.
Gathering data about river health and building a strong Catchment community will lead to good strategic decisions, it will ensure strong viable businesses and do our bit to contribute to the vision of restoring New Zealand’s freshwater environments to a healthy state.
Activities
Manawa energy Mangahao Dam visit
As part of understanding the Mangahao catchment, and the part this grand lady plays in managing the river and surrounding environment, the group toured the Mangahao Dam system.
We learned the history, vision, engineering and infrastructure from 100 years ago.
Well worth the visit facilitated by Ryan (and big thanks to him), Stakeholder Relations, Manawa Energy.
