The WE group is modeled on a community-based coastal ecosystem management project in Canada - the Atlantic Coastal Action Program, and aims to provide the opportunity for everyone interested to become involved in managing local resources, and contribute to the well-being of the catchment.

WE was set up with representatives from:

Whaingaroa Harbour Care Society Inc (Nursery/Streamside Restoration: planting, fencing; re-establish native plants; decrease soil erosion)
Whaanga Coast Ratepayers Association (Visitor amenities, Manu Bay improvement; pest control and enhancement of coastal environment)
Friends of Okete Stream (Stream protection)
Whakamaua Te Aio Trust (Holistic approach to life; traditional healing methods; organic gardening)
Whaingaroa Kite Whenua Trust (shellfish restoration)
Raglan Historic Society
Friends of Wainui Reserve (Native afforestation)
Schools (environmental education/monitoring)
Waikato Salt Water Sport Fishing Club (recreational fishing)
Concerned Residents Te Uku/Kauroa (Okete Stream protection)
Landcare groups
Eel fishers (Habitat protection - fishery enhancement)
Individual farmers and Lifestyle Block owners
Other Whaingaroa community members and Landcare groups (Deep Water Care Group - Te Akau South, Te Mata Stream care; Totara Grove; forestry; soil conservation; fertiliser/pesticide use)
and more!

GROUP SUPPORT

WE has close links with agencies responsible for coastal ecosystem management - Environment Waikato, Waikato District Council, Ministry of Fisheries, and the Department of Conservation. These management agencies recognise that whilst they each have separately defined roles in working with the community; effective ecosystem management involves co-ordination and integration of effort - with the community as the common link.

WE also draws upon the specialist technical knowledge of: Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research NZ Ltd., National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd., AgResearch NZ Ltd., The Waikato Polytechnic and University of Waikato.

The Whaingaroa Catchment pilot project is supported by a grant from the Ministry for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund.

WE also have office space for their computer and library display space provided by Waikato District Council.

WE will continue to:

Identify issues affecting sustainable management of natural and physical resources
Initiate and support community-based action to achieve environmental objectives
Identify research needed to clarify issues and assist with direction and conduct of research
Make recommendations to regulatory authorities for changes in local planning to achieve community objectives.

W.E.C is committed to developing a comprehensive, long term strategy to deal with environmental problems and for managing the resources of Whaingaroa Harbour Catchment in a sustainable way.