The Natural Environment within the Whaingaroa area is diverse and comprises many types of natural habitat encompassing our unique rugged coastline and a range of land types with underlying rocks including limestone, volcanic and mudstones. The land varies from very steep and unstable to gentle fertile river valleys.
The forest covered Mt Karioi is the largest formally protected area in the catchment. Extensive predator control is currently being carried out on the maunga and surrounding land my the Karioi Maunga ke te Moana project.
The Harbour – The Whaingaroa harbour catchment covers 525 km2 and the harbour covers 35 km2 and has 220 km of coastline. It runs 12 km inland from the entrance, for the most part is less than 2 km wide. Many small streams draining the steep catchment join to form larger rivers such as the Waingaro, Kerikeri, Waitetuna, Wainui and others. These feed into the many arms of the Whaingaroa harbour. Raiparian fencing and planting by landowners and Whaingaroa Harbour care over the past 20 years has improved the water quality within the harbour.
Groups & Organisations
Xtreme Zero Waste
Whāingaroa Environment Centre
Karioi Project
Para Kore
Weedbusters
Projects
Whāingaroa Repair Cafe
Raglan Grower’s Market
Whāingaroa Community Gardens
Pest Management on Karioi Maunga
Crop Swap
Beach Cleans
Learn
Local Planning Documents
Weed species to look out for
Recycling Guide
Waste and Climate Change
Get Involved
Xtreme Zero Waste – Currently hiring
Whāingaroa Environment Centre – Take part in an event
Hapu/Tangata Whenua
Large, engaged and diverse volunteer base
Environmental professionals (skills in community)
Permaculture Community
Environmental / organic agriculturalists
Eco-tourists (visiting because of Raglan’s eco-reputation)
Passionate, supportive and engaged individuals and community
Whaingaroa Harbour – extensive and varied ecosystems
Karioi (one of 12 outstanding natural features and landscapes of regional significance)
Surf Breaks (national significance)
Coastline
Wetlands – Aro Aro,
Waireinga / Bridal Veil Falls
Reserves
Raglan is surrounded by wild places, many with good access
Sand dune ecosystems
Hopes and Johnsons Bush on the deviation that receive intense pest control as they are halo sites and key in the Tui numbers increasing
Toreparu Wetland – the second largest coastal wetland in the north island.
Manuaitu paa site, one of the largest pre-European site’s
Whaingaroa Environment Centre
Xtreme Zero Waste
Whaingaroa Harbour Care
Karioi Project
Coastal Reserves Committee
KASM
Beachcare
Board Riders Club
Sport Fishing Club
Local Schools
MetOcean
eCoast
Waikato District Council
Waikato Regional Council
DOC
West Coast Zone Committee
Waikato Biodiversity Forum
Māui Dolphin Day
Predator control network around town / coast / mountain
Many Environmental Education initiatives
Local environmental initiatives (e.g. PBFR) have positive impact on natural environment
Township is surrounded by wild places – connects people to natural environment. Attracts people to the area (to visit and to live)
Raglan has many success stories
Long tradition of community-driven environmental initiatives
Good community support for environmental initiatives
Many local businesses are environmentally aware
Common themes in our community:
Protect flora & fauna
Pest control
Community gardens & food forest
Remove litter from beaches & other public places
Tree planting
Control of weeds
No spray
Environmental education
Aspirations
Protection and enhancement of our natural areas and wildlife (land and sea).
All plants, animals, fish and shellfish are managed to protect the resource for future generations to enjoy their use at the same levels as today, and if possible restore stocks to better levels.
Community and individual ownership of environmental problems.
Environmentally conscious development.
No pollution (land and sea).
Climate change action.
Continue to be a national and global leader on environmental issues.
Possible pathways toward achieving these aspirations
Plant more native plants and set traps for pests to help our native animals.
Manage weeds without spraying.
Fruit trees in all parks and reserves.
Continue to support local organisations working in the environmental space e.g. Whaingaroa Harbour Care, Xtreme Zero Waste and Whaingaroa Environment Centre.
Accessible green spaces including mixed ability access ways (i.e. pushchair, wheelchair, flat options)
All harbour catchment waterways are appropriately fenced and riparian buffer zones planted in native species
Community gardens and food forests. Fruit trees in public spaces.
Community is aware of what is going on, and empowered to have their voices heard
Continue sand dune planting and protection to act as natural buffers for sea-level rise and coastal erosion
Continued priority and resources for waste management, moving towards zero waste.
Eco-tourism
Environmental education for all ages (adults and children)
Harbour-wide development consents taking into account changing sea levels
Landowners implementing land use practices that protect the soil and water e.g. organic, regenerative, sustainable practices
More local food production on a range of scales (backyard to commercial)
More restored forest mimicking Wainui Bush Reserve
No storm water or wastewater discharge to sea
Planting of native trees
Reduction of animal pest species
Removal of pest plant species (public and private land), manage weeds without use of spraying when/where possible
Restoration of wetlands and conversion of marginal land to bush or wetland
Sound environmental urban and rural planning
Encourage construction and development to consider eco building and sustainable backyards
Video for tourists and new residents – ‘this is how we do it in Raglan’ – inspiring habit change for environmental protection
Walking track connecting township to beaches and surf breaks – connects people to the environment, encourages people out of cars
Waste water treatment plant upgrade – land-based system, circular economy
