Projects

Water from multiple sources in the Arawhata catchment current flows onto the site of the wetland complex. That water contains nitrogen, sediment and phosphorus which contributes to poor water quality in Punahau Lake Horowhenua. The Arawhata Constructed Wetland Complex will help to reduce the concentrations of nitrogen, sediment and phosphorus within the water. This, combined with the other interventions within the catchment and the lake itself, will improve the water quality within Punahau.

This page covers work by Horizons Regional Council and partners to improve water quality and aquatic health for the Waiopehu Freshwater Management Unit (FMU), located in the Horowhenua District. You can learn more about the Waiopehu FMU and the pressures impacting its freshwater quality in the link below.

A modern, purpose built marine precinct, with enhanced flood protection is at the heart of Te Pūwaha – a project that will embrace the Whanganui Port as a community asset for the next 50 years, and beyond.

Central government’s Budget in 2020 included $210 million for climate resilience and flood protection projects across New Zealand. This funding formed part of government’s response to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Horizons Regional Council received $26.9 million of this funding via Kānoa, the government’s Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, for projects designed to increase communities’ resilience to the effects of climate change.

In July 2023, Horizons was granted $300,000 from the Ministry for the Environment, through Nature Based Solutions for Resilience Planning, to conduct a feasibility study looking at if management practices such as channel symmetry, alignment and confinement are still relevant, and to further explore the concept of mobility corridors for the Ōroua and Pohangina rivers.

The removal of the Ākitio Rabbit Weir is by far the biggest fish barrier remediation project undertaken by Horizons.

The $1.2 billion Jobs for Nature initiative 2020 saw the introduction of a New Zealand government project as part of the COVID-19 economic recovery. In addition to delivering long-lasting environmental rehabilitation, it generated thousands of nature-based jobs nationwide.

The Manawatū River flows through all of us, it shapes our region and reflects our people. It is our treasure, our taonga, and only by working collectively can we protect and care for it, ensuring our awa flourishes for generations to come. This shared belief led to the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord. Kei te ora te wai, kei te ora te whenua, kei te ora te tangata If the water is healthy, the land and the people are nourished

On 28 May 2020, then Minister for the Environment under the previous Central Government, David Parker, announced new national direction for halting the degradation of our rivers, lakes and streams. The Essential Freshwater announcement signalled where changes to the proposed policy package had been made in response to consultation in September 2019.