The Waikato River is one of New Zealand’s most precious natural resources with enormous cultural, environmental, recreational and commercial significance.
Mighty River Power's sponsorship of Waikato RiverCare reflects its commitment to the ongoing environmental management of this resource. The RiverCare project is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of 120 kilometres of riverbank from Hamilton City to Port Waikato. Through concentrated planting of native flora RiverCare hopes to prevent erosion and weed growth, and to provide an improved habitat for native bird and animal life. Initiated in 1999, the project has already seen the establishment of seven enhancement sites, which equates to at least five kilometres of riverbank and more than 45,000 new plants. Most recently the RiverCare project has started restoration work at Taupiri, downstream from the confluence of the Mangawara and Waikato Rivers. The site was specially selected for its spiritual significance to local iwi.