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
Wallabies eat a lot
Wallabies eat a lot of grass and compete with livestock for food making it difficult for farmers.
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.
Wallabies have invaded
Help us stop pest wallaby spreading into the Waikato region! Report any wallaby sightings or signs through the online tool.
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.
See something?
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?
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.
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.
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.
On the move
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.
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?
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.
To ask for help or report a problem, contact us
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