The project has four main foundations that run throughout all of the work that is done. Protect, Restore, Enhance and Educate.

We need to protect the Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui.

We need to restore what has been damaged.

We need to enhance the environment for future generations.

We need to educate people about why this is important.

It will take time, effort and investment to achieve and by working together we can achieve more than we can on our own.

This transformational project looks at the ecosystem as a whole (Integrated Catchment Management) and structures the work packages so they are complementary to other works and where possible coordinated to make them more cost effective. We have a number of sub projects underway so there is always something to get involved with.

This project is fully aligned with the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Strategy an alliance of local councils, iwi and Department of Conservation. Read how.

Get involved!

The animals and plants of Tōtaranui need your help now!

Passive Listening Dingy For Critically Endagered Species

Large Passive Acoustic Listening Vessel designed to supply constant data set for research of Dolphin and whale species in Queen Charlotte sound.

Artificial Reefs

An artificial reef is a manufactured underwater structure that mimics the characteristics of a natural reef, they come in all shapes and sizes.

Some like the RM Titanic are quite famous.

Fin ID Programme

Some people think that all dolphins look the same. The reality is they are all unique if you look closely.

It is possible to tell them apart using state of the art technology to compare their physical features and markings.

By knowing how many individuals there are we can monitor them more accurately.

Integrated Catchment Management Plans

Integrated catchment management recognises the importance of ecosystems and their role in supporting plant and animal life. It accounts for the complex relationships within those ecosystems such as the biodiversity and ecology of stream and river systems, light, water temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and substrate all affect the plants and animals living in the freshwater and seawater.

Native Planting

The native planting programme has been underway since 2016 focusing on the pilot site Victoria Domain.

In 2021 the programme is expanding to the area adjacent to the Tūpoupou Marine Protected Area.

Tūpoupou Marine Protected Area

The Tūpoupou Marine Protected Area is a part of the integrated catchment management plan for Arapaoa (formerly Arapawa) Island.

The area offers protected for the endangered Hector’s Dolphin / Tūpoupou who the area is named after and one of the King Shag / Kawau a toru feeding grounds.

Get involved!

The animals and plants of Tōtaranui need your help now!