Rukumoana Marae Topehahae Stream and Wetland Restoration Project

In February 2026, a hui was held at Rukumoana Marae, near Morrinsville, to discuss the restoration of the Topehahae stream. The hui was led by Ngāti Haua iwi and attended by marae whānau, local landowners, funders, government agencies, freshwater scientists, and environmental trusts. 

Facilitated by Makoha Nightingale-Pene from Ngāti Haua Iwi Trust and Taiporutu Hauraki from Ngāti Haua Mahi Trust, the kaupapa was to connect, share stories and recollections, and explore a vision for the restoration of the Topehahae stream. 

Local kaumātua spoke of the historical importance of the Topehahae for gathering kai, including kāeo (freshwater mussel), tuna (eel), watercress, and the preparation of kānga pirau (fermented corn porridge) and kina using the freshwater of the Topehahae. 

“The river sustained us, we ate, we fished, we got our watercress…you see the topography has changed and the drains have changed, and the eels don’t come frequent our waterways as they used to.” – Pare Holder, Rukumoana Marae kaumātua

Kaumatua spoke of the deep connection between the people, the land and the awa. The Topehahae has been a focal point for the community for generations. Originally, the stream was papa kāinga - homes were built along the stream, life revolved around the awa. The awa was used for baptisms, birthday celebrations, childhood adventures, and social events. The awa includes a popular swimming hole ‘tōtara’ which is still used by rangitahi today. 

“The wairua of ourselves always drove me back to the land, always drove me back to the wai, the water” - Kaikino Hotene, Rukumoana Marae kaumātua 

Current landowners spoke of their childhood experiences enjoying adventures on the Topehahae and neighbouring Tonepi streams and their aspirations for the restoration of the waterways for future generations to enjoy. 

Kaumatua spoke of memories of swimming in the Topehahae with clear waters and a sandy and cobbled bottom. The current state of the Topehahae is quite different. Oliver McLeod, Mātauranga Māori Scientist at Waikato Regional Council, reported the current state of the stream including fine sediment and mud, large amounts of macrophytes (Duckweed, Nitella, red algae), regular dumping of rubbish, persistent low flows and slumping banks. Significant faecal contamination has also been detected in the Toenepi stream, which flows into the Topehahae. This is especially concerning given the ongoing use of the swimming hole by the community. 

“The stream is not very nice to work in. Staff have been sick from sampling this site before, and I quite often see dead sheep in this stream; people must dump them over the bridge. It will be cool to see some restorative action on this awa.” - Waikato Regional Council Monitoring Staff

Research by Jacques Boubee from Vaipuhi Freshwater Consulting showed the original path of the Topehahae stream included an oxbow and wetland area near the marae. When and how this was cut off is unknown. There is the potential to restore the oxbow in the stream, create wetland and tuna pond areas, and establish native plants to provide shade and reduce water temperatures. These changes would increase water quality and create significant habitat for tuna and other native freshwater species. Directing waterflow towards ponds or designated wetland areas would improve land use for agricultural purposes as well as improve water quality in streams. Potentially up to 3.5ha of pasture/cropping improvement could be obtained. 

Former path of Topehahae Stream showing oxbow

A plan for implementing the restoration is underway and will include the ongoing control of invasive weeds, fencing, planting, and redirecting water flows to improve tuna habitat. A stepped phased approach is preferred to ensure the restoration can be maintained until plantings are established. 

It was a successful day with relationships established and strengthened, and commitment across the group towards improving the health of the Topehahae. The vision for the restoration was discussed, and common themes included: clean water, greater connection to the awa, sustainable mahinga kai, and restoration to benefit future generations. A collaborative approach was favoured, and interest was shown in forming a Topehahae catchment group to lead the work. 

We would like to thank our partners and funders of this project – Ngāti Haua Mahi Trust, Ngāti Haua Iwi Trust, Vaipuhi Freshwater Consulting, Waikato Regional Council, Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund, Go Eco WaiConnect - Tataki ki te Wai, Ministry for Primary Industries, Valder Conservation, and Waikato-Tainui Taiao. A special thank you to Water New Zealand for funding towards the expenses of this hui. 

 This project is ongoing. If you have an interest in the Topehahae stream and would like to be a part of the restoration discussion, please email Matt Vare from Piako Waihou Catchment Trust at matthew.vare@pwct.org.nz.