The Ahuriri Tributaries Catchment Group Trust (ATCGT) is honoured to welcome the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Rt Hon Simon Upton, for a special visit on Tuesday 29 April.

The visit will highlight the work of ATCGT and the wider community in protecting and restoring the ecological health of the Ahuriri catchment’s freshwater systems. The programme will focus on community collaboration, mātauranga Māori, and building long-term environmental resilience across the region.

“We’re honoured to host the Commissioner and share the progress and passion behind our work. This visit acknowledges the dedication of our local communities, mana whenua, and partners who are committed to creating long-term environmental outcomes for our catchment.” says Robert Pattullo, Chair of ATCGT.

The Ahuriri catchment includes a network of tributaries that flow into Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) - a site of immense cultural, ecological, and historical importance. Since forming in 2022, ATCGT has brought together landowners, mana whenua, and other partners to support sustainable land management and coordinated action to improve water quality and biodiversity across the catchment.

As part of the visit, the Commissioner will also be the guest speaker at a public event hosted by ATCGT. We warmly invite members of the community to attend this special event and hear directly from the Commissioner.

What: Public Talk with the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

When: 6.00pm to 7.30pm, Tuesday 29 April

Where: MTG Hawke’s Bay, Century Theatre, Napier

Attendence: Free

This free event is open to all and offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the Commissioner about Aotearoa’s environmental challenges - and the role policy, science, and local action play in shaping a sustainable future.

About Ahuriri Tributaries Catchment Group Trust (ATCGT)

The Ahuriri Tributaries Catchment Group Trust is a community-led organisation focused on improving the health of the Ahuriri catchment and the waterways that flow into Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) - a unique and ecologically significant area in Napier.

The Trust was formed in 2022 following Cyclone Gabrielle, in response to increasing concern over water quality, biodiversity loss, and the impact of land use. By working alongside landowners, mana whenua, and partners, ATCGT supports sustainable land management, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience, particularly among lifestyle block holders and small-scale landowners. The Trust aims to raise awareness, build local capability, and connect the community to nature-based solutions that protect the wellbeing of the catchment for future generations.

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