Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust is a community-led organisation dedicated to restoring the mauri of our awa and the connection and pride of local people to the Ōtara waterways. 

We revitalise the health of our waterways through ongoing weed and pest control, replanting of native trees and shrubs, rubbish removal, education and advocacy. Our work contributes to strengthened biodiversity, improved water quality and flood resilience that allows for healthy communities and ecosystems to thrive.

Our community initiatives reconnect residents to the area’s awa through activities and events at stream restoration sites that promote long-term conservation. We collaborate with communities to take actions that reflect the diversity of our rohe and empower all residents to become kaiāwhina of their environment.

We acknowledge the 12 iwi and hapū who have mana whenua status over the Ōtara catchment. We are committed to creating space that enables mana whenua and hapori Māori to exercise their leadership and be meaningfully involved in our restoration mahi and participate in ways that reflect tikanga, mātauranga Māori and iwi and hapū aspirations.


At the first planting day marking the launch of Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust in 2016

History

Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust was founded in 2016 as the result of over 50 years of community-led action and concern about the water quality in the Ōtara catchment. Local advocacy for the health of the area’s freshwater systems began in 1974 after the Ōtahuhu Power Station and weir was built, and has continued throughout the rapid transformation of the region over the last half-century. 

Inspired by the leadership and tireless championing of late resident Jim Sinclair, and with the support of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, the first steering group and strategic plan was established in 2015 placing community action and awareness at the forefront of conservation. The steering group was represented by over 30 local businesses, individuals, community groups, mana whenua and Auckland Council. Their determination to act urgently, rather than do nothing and wait for government intervention, has meant that environmental restoration is still within reach. 

Our grass-roots legacy endures through the vision of the Trust as we evolve to meet the growing challenges of water quality and climate change, and support mana whenua and all communities to restore the mauri of the Ōtara streams and lake.


Right: Stephen Grey (original and current Trustee), Jim Sinclair and Hemi (James) Brown (former chairman Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki) planting the first tree at the launch event of the Trust in 2016


Ōtara Creek Reserve 1959


Ōtara Creek Reserve 2024