About

The Maitai / Mahitahi River flows through the lives of Nelsonians – it is entwined with who we are and how we live in this city. Its waters provide a stunning natural habitat for a diverse range of species.

For generations, the Maitai / Mahitahi has been an enviable source of water, food and fun for Nelsonians of all ages and stages – swimmers, walkers, cyclists, runners, picnickers, dog owners, families and visitors. The river is also of immense spiritual, traditional and historical significance to manawhenua iwi.

The overarching aim of Project Maitai was to create a river that is safe to swim in and take kai from, and that everyone can enjoy and feel proud of.

The river has a big job. It not only provides the city’s drinking water, it also acts as a stormwater and flood channel. Inevitably there are trade-offs when a natural asset like a river intersects with an urban environment.

Overall, the river is considered to be in good health but improvements are ongoing. Project Maitai/Mahitahi received $400,000 over  four years, to make improvements across multiple fronts.

Who was involved

Council worked closely with a number of key partners to improve the health of the Maitai/Mahitahi River. See below a list of some of the Iwi, community groups, government agencies and companies involved.

• Friends of the Maitai
• Cawthron Institute
• Department of Conservation
• Nelmac
• Fish and Game
• Fish and Wildlife Services
• Ngāti Kōata
• Te ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui
• Ngāti Rārua
• Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu
• Ngāti Kuia
• Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō (Wairau)
• Rangitāne o Wairau
• Ngati Toa Rangatira
• Rotary Club of Whakatu - Nelson
• Victory Primary School
• York Stream Group
• Nelson College
• Nelson College for Girls
• Kiwi Conservation Club
• Landcare Research
• Fulton Hogan