Erosion funding
Funding remains available to support farmers in preventing hill country erosion, particularly in priority areas where land is highly susceptible due to steep slopes, high rainfall, and weathered geology.
In these farming regions, erosion risk increases when land lacks protective vegetation or is poorly managed. Climate change is expected to intensify these risks, especially on steep slopes — making it even more important to build resilience now and into the future.
Soil erosion can reduce farm productivity, damage infrastructure, and degrade water quality. High sediment levels affect river clarity, harm aquatic ecosystems, and diminish the cultural and recreational value of waterways.
Since the hill country erosion programme began, significant progress has been made in priority catchments. Landowners have planted poplars and other trees to stabilise vulnerable slopes and reduce sediment runoff. Some have retired steep, low-productivity land or preserved bush remnants, allowing them to manage their better land more strategically.
Waikato Regional Council’s Waipā and West Coast Zone Manager, Paul Smith, says there’s much to celebrate – but also more to do.
“We encourage anyone farming hill country within the Waipā and West Coast priority catchments to contact us about what projects might be beneficial, just give us a call to get the ball rolling.”
Areas where Hill Country erosion funding is available
