March Fish Surveys 2026 - Collective Kaitiakitanga in Action
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Summary
As Hine Raumati departs and Takurua approaches, our March fish surveys have come to a close. From late February through March, hapū within NKONWM came together to carry out our annual fish surveys across the Wairua Catchment. This kaupapa plays an important role in helping us understand and protect the health of our waterways.
He mahi tahi – A collective effort
Across the catchment, our hapū worked within their respective awa and tēpu, setting and retrieving nets, as well as carrying out electric fishing across key sites.
This mahi reflects collective kaitiakitanga in action, bringing together mātauranga, experience, and time on the whenua to build a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the surface of our waterways.
The scale of the mahi
Spanning multiple sites across the Wairua Catchment, these surveys provided a broad snapshot of the species present and the overall condition of our awa.
Weather conditions throughout the month were on and off, meaning our kaitiaki had to carefully choose safe windows to head out and carry out this mahi.
Every net set, every site surveyed, and every observation adds to our understanding, helping us track patterns, changes, and ongoing challenges within our environment.
What we observed
Across our surveys, we recorded a mix of native species alongside a high presence of pest fish, particularly catfish and gambusia. These species continue to place pressure on our native populations, competing for food and habitat within our waterways.
At the same time, it was encouraging to see native species still present across the catchment. Of note was the presence of juvenile tuna (elvers), ranging from approximately 55mm to 150mm, indicating that recruitment is still occurring within our systems.
A key part of this year’s surveys was the ability to compare our findings with data gathered in November last year. This allows us to begin identifying patterns and changes over time, strengthening our understanding of how our taonga species are tracking.
Why this mahi matters
These surveys are more than just data collection - they help guide how we care for our waterways moving forward.
By understanding what species are present, and how those populations may be changing, we can make more informed decisions to protect and restore the Wairua Catchment.
The best part
One of the most rewarding parts of this kaupapa is the release of our native species back into their environment 💧🐟
These moments are a reminder of why we do this mahi — for our hapū, for our taiao, and for our mokopuna.
Looking ahead
This year’s surveys are a reflection of hapū working together with a shared purpose, strengthening our role as kaitiaki of the Wairua Catchment.
The knowledge gathered through this collective effort will continue to guide our mahi as we move into the colder months.
Mauri ora.
