Between the Two Rivers Community Catchment Collective (B2R), a pioneering initiative in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay, has been named one of six recipients of a $10,000 grant through the 2025 Westpac Water Care Project.

A joint initiative between NZ Landcare Trust and Westpac NZ, the grants support sustainable, community-led initiatives that enhance biodiversity, river health, and wetland ecosystems across the country.

B2R was established by farmers, growers and mana whenua across 90,252 hectares and eleven subcatchments between the Ngaruroro and Tūtaekurī rivers.

The grant will enable the construction and installation of floating wetlands on Lake Rūnanga, which covers 110 hectares northwest of Hastings city. It is one of several local lakes currently suffering from eutrophication and water quality decline. The project is intended to demonstrate how innovative techniques can be used to restore freshwater ecosystems, while also uplifting cultural connection, community engagement, and environmental awareness.

The initiative is grounded in strong relationships, shared aspirations, and a genuine governance partnership with Ngāti Hinemanu, Ngāi Te Upokoiri, Ngāti Honomōkai, and Ngāti Māhuika. For mana whenua, kaitiakitanga is not just a value—it is a lived expression of identity. That is why restoring the mauri of the takiwā’s highly significant natural lakes and wetlands has become a cornerstone of B2R’s work.

Nathan Burkepile, NZ Landcare Trust Hawke’s Bay Coordinator comments: “This project will be used to bring the community together to work as one to restore our precious ecosystems. This is where support from Westpac will enable a cornerstone project. The project will provide a practical solution to addressing eutrophication and water quality decline, while also promoting kaitiakitanga – future planning for our community.”

NZ Landcare Trust CEO, Dr Nick Edgar, says it has been great to see the progress made by different catchment groups since the Westpac Water Care Project was established in 2022. 

“Catchment groups have used their grants to achieve some meaningful environmental outcomes in their regions,” Dr Edgar says. 

“The aims of the different projects are diverse, meaning we’ve seen a fantastic range of initiatives undertaken. Over the past year, grants have enabled catchment groups to do everything from expand predator control, improve biodiversity and protect rare wetland birds, to provide community access to wetlands. We’re looking forward to seeing the 2025 grant recipients embark on their projects.”  

Westpac NZ Head of Agribusiness, Richard Anderson, says: “Farmers and rural communities have long been at the forefront of enhancing and protecting the natural environment. Our partnership with NZ Landcare Trust is proud to support this important grassroots work through our grants programme. Our network of Agri bankers also directly support many of our farmers to enhance their farms through our Sustainable Farm Loan, which provides benefits for the whole catchment area.”