Protecting Our Waterways, Together
Who We Are
We are a passionate coalition of local Rotary members, community groups, and environmental partners, part of a global Rotary International initiative. We're dedicated to protecting, restoring, and sustaining the freshwater ecosystems right here in our South Island communities.
Why Fresh Water Matters
Healthy rivers and streams are the lifeblood of our community. They provide our drinking water, support local wildlife, and offer spaces for recreation and connection. Yet, they face threats from pollution, development, and climate change.
The key to their future? Our community. That’s why Rotary has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to form the global Community Action for Fresh Water (CAFW) initiative—and why we’ve brought this mission home.
What We Do in D9999
Since July 2023, we've been rolling up our sleeves to make a tangible difference. Our approach is built on connection, collaboration, and hands-on action.
Our Core Activities:
🌱 Community Action Days: Join us for fun, family-friendly planting days and river clean-ups. It’s a great way to learn, meet your neighbours, and make a visible impact.
🤝 Strategic Partnerships: We work closely with trusted local experts like the Styx Living Laboratory Trust and the Christchurch Community Waterways Partnership to ensure our efforts are effective and science-based.
📚 Building a Learning Community: We share knowledge and success stories through webinars and meetings, helping all of us become better stewards of our environment.
🔬 Citizen Science: We support vital, evidence-based projects like the FreshWater Watch water quality monitoring on the Styx and Halswell Rivers. This data is crucial for guiding protection efforts.
Get Involved!
Whether you’re a Rotary member, a representative of a community group, a school teacher, or simply a concerned resident who loves our local rivers, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Let’s work together for the health of our waterways.
For more information, please contact Prawindra Mukhia: pmukhia56@gmail.com