Awaroa Ki Karioitahi Landcare
Some awesome work has been going on across the Awaroa Ki Karioitahi Catchment, but to get the job done, we need everyone in the game
Why this project matters
Awaroa Ki Karioitahi (AKK) is a community-based environmental organisation working across the lower Āwhitu Peninsula, from the Waikato Awa to the Tasman Sea. AKK supports farmers, lifestyle block owners, schools, mana whenua, and local residents to combine as a connected community, working together to restore and protect the unique landscapes they call home.
Through practical conservation programmes, training, technology, and community coordination, AKK helps people take meaningful action while building local capability and long-term stewardship.
AKK acts as a steward and support organisation for the Predator Free Whiriwhiri and Otaua School Rat Rangers programmes.
The Otaua School Rat Rangers are a student-led conservation programme that has been running for over eight years, taking a unique Mahi First approach where students learn by doing.
Rat Rangers take real responsibility for training, teaching, and inspiring their school and wider community while actively protecting native wildlife through predator control.
Their success has helped inspire schools across Aotearoa to become involved in hands-on conservation, demonstrating that young people can be leaders in community-led environmental restoration.
Get involved with Awaroa Ki Karioitahi Catchment group
Karioitahi, Maioro, Otaua
1. Join the Awaroa Ki Karioitahi project newsletter
2. Get in touch with the local project coordinator
3. Check out our events calendar
Awaroa Ki Karioitahi & Predator Free Whiriwhiri Hub Days are held monthly on the 1st Friday of each month (excluding January).
📍Otaua Bowling Club 🕘9am-12pm
When nature thrives, we all thrive.
Te Ara Hīkoi empowers communities across Franklin to protect and restore nature through predator control, habitat restoration, pest plant management, and conservation education.
