Pou Tahi

Biodiversity Regeneration

Biodiversity regeneration is about restoring the natural balance of our ecosystems — bringing native plants, animals, and habitats back to life. We do it because healthy biodiversity means cleaner water, stronger soils, more resilient landscapes, and a better future for people and nature in Hawke’s Bay. It’s not just about planting trees — it’s about reconnecting land, wildlife, and communities.
Nau mai, haere mai

What is Biodiversity Regeneration?

Hawke’s Bay is a unique region. Our landscapes stretch from coast to forest to hill country, but much of the native biodiversity that once thrived here has been lost. Years of habitat destruction, introduced predators, and fragmented restoration efforts have left many ecosystems struggling. The cyclone only made that harder.

But we know what works. The greatest impact comes from people, planting, and pest control — and when those things happen together, the results are transformational.

At Sustainable HB, we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. We’re here to support and connect the people already doing the mahi, and to provide leadership where it’s needed. Whether it’s helping businesses fund planting days, supporting community clean-ups, or working alongside partners toward a predator-free Hawke’s Bay, we’re focused on collaboration, not control.

GIS Services

Mapping catchments is about understanding the land so we can take better care of it.

We use tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to analyse catchment areas — identifying where water flows, where native vegetation is thriving or missing, and where restoration efforts will have the most impact.

This work helps us, and our partners, plan smarter planting, track progress over time, and make informed decisions that support healthier waterways, stronger ecosystems, and more resilient communities across Hawke’s Bay.

Tatai Ki Te Wai

Wai Connection

Wai Connection is a freshwater education programme that empowers communities and schools to monitor and care for their local waterways.

A collaboration with Mountains to the Sea, the programme combines science, mātauranga Māori, and hands-on learning to help people understand the health of their catchments and take meaningful action to protect them.

At Sustainable Hawke’s Bay, we support and deliver Wai Connection as part of our broader mission — reconnecting people to place and restoring the mauri of our rivers and streams.

Predator Control​

Predator control is a critical part of restoring biodiversity in Hawke’s Bay. Introduced species like rats, stoats, and possums have pushed many of our native birds, reptiles, and insects to the brink.

At Sustainable Hawke’s Bay, we work alongside communities and partners to support predator control efforts that are strategic, effective, and grounded in local knowledge. Together, we’re working toward a predator-free future — one trap, one backyard, one catchment at a time.

Our Programmes

At Sustainable Hawke’s Bay, our programmes are built to empower real change - from the boardroom to the classroom to the orchard gate. We partner with businesses, schools, and industries across the region to deliver practical, impactful initiatives that restore our land, protect our waterways, and build resilience for the future. Every project we run is designed to turn good intentions into meaningful action, growing a stronger, more sustainable Hawke’s Bay for generations to come.
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Latest News

Stay in the loop with the latest from Sustainable Hawke’s Bay. From community projects and upcoming events to stories of impact and new partnerships, this is where we share what’s happening and what’s ahead.
Sustainable Hawke's Bay is thrilled to welcome Just Electrics – Quality Electricians to the Sustainable HB whānau as our newest Sustainable Homes and Pīwakawaka Partner!
We’re launching a new initiative to eliminate single-use serve-ware at Hawke’s Bay events. With funding secured and a dishwashing trailer ready to go, we’re now seeking feedback from local event businesses to help shape a reusable, waste-free system. Take our quick survey and be part of the change.
Sustainable HB is launching Hawke’s Bay’s first Biodiversity Restoration Tool Library – a community-powered initiative providing tools for planting, weeding, and clean-up projects across the region.

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