The Trusts are proud to announce a strengthened partnership with Rivercare Group Te Wai o Pareira, a community-led environmental organisation working to restore the health and mauri of one of West Auckland’s most important waterways, Te Wai o Pareira (Henderson Creek).

The new sponsorship builds on a longstanding relationship that began in 2021, enabling Rivercare Group to continue their impactful mahi across the entire catchment, from the Waitākere Ranges to Te Atatū Peninsula. Their work is guided by a blend of mātauranga Māori and Western science, and focused on community empowerment, ecological restoration, and advocacy.

"The Trusts has been a supporter of Rivercare Group since 2021, and has been one of the pillars of support for our group to become what it is today," says Alan Clist, of Rivercare Group Te Wai o Pareira. "We are delighted that our relationship with The Trusts has been strengthened with this Sponsorship agreement. This relationship will enable us to continue to have a lasting positive impact on the environment in West Auckland, with SafeSwim monitoring on Te Wai o Pareira now established, our advocacy with Watercare to reduce sewage overflows having an impact, our advocacy with Healthy Waters to improve environmental outcomes of stormwater outflows, pest control, Tawa Esplanade Reserve restoration and an education programme reaching hundreds of children."

Rivercare Group’s achievements to date are a testament to what grassroots, well-organised community efforts can accomplish:

• Over 40 advocacy meetings with Watercare, Auckland Council, Healthy Waters, local boards and government representatives

• Over 20 public planting and restoration events, with nearly 2,000 native trees planted and a significant volume of invasive plants removed

• 2,400 conservation education interactions with tamariki across local schools

• A pest control programme that has removed 230 pests from key habitats

• More than 100 water quality tests carried out to monitor the awa’s health

The Trusts’ sponsorship will directly support the coordination of environmental restoration at Orangihina Reserve alongside mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki and other groups including Community Waitākere, Forest & Bird Te Atatū Peninsula, Birds NZ, Sustainable Coastlines, and Conservation Volunteers.

“This is exactly the kind of long-term, community-driven initiative we are proud to support,” says Allan Pollard, CEO at The Trusts. “Rivercare Group Te Wai o Pareira are kaitiaki in action, restoring, educating, advocating, and leading the way for a healthier future for all of West Auckland.”

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