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Winter is a busy time in the Waikato.

We’ve collected a range of helpful information, practical tips and gentle reminders in one place for the winter period. We’ve also been working with the national wallaby programme, Tipu Mātoro, to help protect the Waikato from wallaby pests.

Find what’s helpful to you or pass it onto others who need to know.

On the lookout

AI generated image of wallabies on farmland

Wallabies eat a lot

Wallabies eat a lot of grass and compete with livestock for food making it difficult for farmers.

AI generated image of a wallaby

Save natives from wallabies

Wallabies devour seedlings and shrubs preventing native bush from regenerating. Report signs or sightings of wallabies below to help our native forests.

Night camera image of wallaby

Wallabies have invaded

Help us stop pest wallaby spreading into the Waikato region! Report any wallaby sightings or signs through the online tool.

Image of a rook hiding in the trees

20 rooks to find

We think there are fewer than 20 rooks left in the Waikato. Help us find these last few pest birds! Report any sightings of rooks or their nests to 0800 801 401 or on our website.

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See something?

Image of sediment in a river

Say something

Say something. Our hotline – 0800 800 401 – is available 24/7 to report environmental incidents. 

How to report 

  • Report it right – Save time and reach the right people fast by checking first that the incident falls within what we respond to. 
  • Call it in quick – Use the hotline if it’s an emergency or a time critical incident like an oil spill. If it’s less urgent and you don’t require immediate assistance, then you can report it online. 
  • Take pictures – Any supporting evidence you are able to provide could assist our ability to make swift enquiries but never put yourself at risk. 
  • Be specific – Noting addresses or proximity to obvious landmarks really helps our response team. 
  • Be contactable – Give your name and phone number so we can contact you if we need more information and keep you updated regarding the outcome.

On the coast?

Image of the pest plant boneseed

Boneseed smothers dunes

Boneseed spreads swiftly across dunes forming a dense cover that shades out light and stops native plants from establishing where we need them to. Report it to us if you find it.

Community coastcare planting group

We need volunteers

We need volunteers to help with tasks like planting and protecting native dune species. Connect with like-minded people who make a difference. Come along and help care for our coast. 

Planting native species on the coast

Plants need space

Coastcare volunteers have planted thousands of new natives in Waikato dunes. Stay clear so they have a chance to grow and protect the dunes. 

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On the move

Community members using public transport

Waipā trips doubled

Waipā's regional buses travel to Hamilton twice as often with 20 return trips from Cambridge and 19 from Te Awamutu on weekdays. Take advantage of the convenience and enjoy emission-free travel on our new EV fleet. 

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Bee cards held by person in community

Fares have changed

Public transport fares have increased by 20 per cent, but Bee Cards activate weekly fare caps for both youth (5–18) and adult travellers. Other concessions are available too. 

Find out more about fare changes and concessions on Waikato buses and Te Huia. And get your Bee Card if you haven’t already. 

Environmental project?

Community planting day supporting environmental projects

Get it funded

Get up to $40,000 for your environmental project. Whether you’re a community group, iwi or hapū, this fund is for you! The Environmental Initiatives Fund provides financial support to projects that enhance and/or benefit the environment.

  • Applications are open from 9 am on Monday, 24 June 2024 until 3pm on Friday, 19 July 2024. Find more details and apply online.
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