Healing Our Waterways, One Stream at a Time: Awhi Awa Expands Nationwide
- Natalie Jessup
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Aotearoa’s freshwater ecosystems are in crisis, but across the country, a movement is growing for urban waterways, one that empowers communities to learn more about our endangered freshwater species and take action to restore our precious waterways.
A Growing Nationwide Movement for Freshwater
With 76% of native freshwater fish species threatened or at risk of extinction, the need for action has never been greater. The Awhi Awa initiative was born from a simple yet effective idea: if people understand the plight of our endangered freshwater fish species - like the tuna (longfin eel) and kōaro - they will be inspired to protect them.
Since its launch, the Awhi Awa project has flourished, engaging kura (schools), hāpori (communities), and kaipakihi (businesses) from as far north as Te Taitokerau, Northland to Cromwell in Ōtakou, Central Otago.
The map of where Awhi Awa packs have been taken up can be viewed here.
Each group that joins the Awhi Awa project receives a kete of resources, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to restore their local waterways.
"It’s been very heartening to see so many people embracing their local waterways, learning about the species that depend on them, and taking real steps to make a difference." says Natalie Jessup, General Manager of Tāngaro Tuia te Ora
Hands-On Learning: Workshops That Inspire Action
During Conservation Week in September, tamariki from Tamahere, Ohaupo, Rukuhia, and Kaipaki schools worked alongside Bupa residents, hearing firsthand stories of how local rivers have changed over time.
At the Awhi Awa workshops students learn how everyday actions can have a huge impact on the health of our waterways. Armed with this knowledge, the children developed practical plans to engage their schools in ongoing restoration work.
Bupa residents, tamariki and Natalie Jessup at Mystery Creek for the Drains are Streams workshop. Photographer: Lesedi Bapegi
The momentum continued In March, World Freshwater Day saw Waikato tamariki gather at Les Batkin Reserve in Tuakau for a day of immersive learning. The Waikato Freshwater Guardians Event brought together experts from Waikato Regional Council, DOC, EnviroSchools, and Tāngaro Tuia te Ora to teach students about native fish passages, invasive species, and waterway restoration.
Businesses Embrace Awhi Awa Project
Hayes Common Café in Kirikiriroa Hamilton has joined the Endangered Species Foundation’s Awhi Awa project, leading the way in how businesses can contribute to waterway restoration. By purchasing two Awhi Awa kete and caring for the waterways outside their café they are helping educate customers and restore the habitats of endangered native freshwater species.
“The streams outside our café flow straight into the Waikato River, and what happens here affects our awa and ultimately the ocean,” says Lisa. “All waterways are connected, and by caring more about what we put into these precious systems, collectively we can make a massive difference.
Hayes Common has supported the kōaro (endangered fish) and tuna (long-fin tuna) through Awhi Awa as a way of honouring this connection and increasing awareness about these taonga species. Their commitment to Awhi Awa shows how local action can create positive impacts, for our urban waterways and the life that depends on them.
“It’s inspiring to see a business like Hayes Common take such a proactive approach to environmental care,” says Natalie Jessup, General Manager of Tāngaro Tuia te Ora – Endangered Species Foundation. “This is the first business in Waikato to embrace this initiative and we hope that many more will follow.”
Developments are now currently underway with a major construction company, who are leading the way in sustainability initiatives. They are keen to protect waterways on building sites and teach their staff and clients about the importance of maintaining the health of waterways for our native, endangered species.
How You Can Get Involved
Every Awhi Awa kete purchased enables schools and communities to take action. These packs include:
Bilingual educational resources (te reo Māori & English)
Endangered fish signage (made from sustainable materials)
Interactive classroom modules
Tools for stream restoration
Ongoing updates on freshwater conservation
By supporting Awhi Awa, you’re not just protecting a stream - you’re helping safeguard the future of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable species. You can purchase an Awhi Awa pack by visiting our website, then you will receive a physical pack of materials and a link to online resources including presentations, factsheets, videos and more.
🌿 Join the movement today: www.endangeredspecies.org.nz/awhi-awa
Together, we can turn the tide for our freshwater ecosystems - one stream at a time. 💙