Freshwater Champions Aotearoa New Zealand celebrates individuals and communities who are helping to restore and protect the health of our freshwater.
Know an individual or group making an outstanding contribution to the health of our freshwater environments?
We recognise that restoration is a collective effort and want to support the great mahi taking place in catchments throughout the country. We also recognise the importance of knowledge sharing. Find out how to make a nomination for Freshwater Champions 2026 below!
Nominate a Champion today!
We want to hear about the great work that is being done – by individuals and groups – to improve the health of our freshwater environments.
Nominations close on Monday 23 March 2026.
Keep scrolling to find out more about the entry criteria, assesors and background to this event.
Moutere Catchment Group – 2024 Freshwater Champion Early Impact Winner
Assessment Panel
Thanks to our assessors who will complete the enormous task of reviewing nominations from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year’s event will be assessed by the following scientists:
Dr Joanne Clapcott
Dr Katharina Doehring
Dr Kiely McFarlane
Dr Roger Young
Dr Jenny Webster-Brown
Criteria for assessing Freshwater Champions nominations
Values and objectives
- Catchment values and objectives are clearly articulated and reflect the aspirations of
the wider community. - Objectives and values align with the hierarchy of obligations in Te Mana o Te Wai / Te
Mana o Te Taiao. - Strong partnerships and connections are evident, including collaboration and collective
action. - Mana whenua are meaningfully involved in shaping values, objectives and actions.
- Objectives address both short-term priorities and long-term outcomes.
- Activities or plans demonstrate an understanding of the scale of action required to
achieve the stated objectives.
On-the-ground actions
- Actions demonstrate innovation and creativity in addressing freshwater challenges.
- A range of appropriate on-the-ground actions is being applied to address key issues.
- Clear processes or systems are in place for recording actions undertaken.
Advocacy and voice
Demonstrates initiative and leadership in freshwater stewardship.
- Inspires others to engage in freshwater protection or restoration.
- Makes a positive contribution to the community or the cause they are working toward.
- Promotes equity and inclusion by ensuring diverse voices are represented and
empowered.
Making a difference and encouraging others
- Records provide evidence of landscape-scale changes resulting from actions (e.g.,
changes in stocking rates, land use, planting, or fencing). - Effective processes are in place to monitor and measure change over time.
- Evidence shows environmental improvements resulting from actions (e.g.,
improvements in waterway health). - Actively shares knowledge within the group and with wider networks.
- Builds community capability through capacity building, training, and education.
Future-proofing the efforts
- Demonstrates reflection on outcomes and adaptation of approaches over time.
- Shows a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Leadership supports sustained engagement and participation form a diverse range of
people. - Considers climate change impacts and incorporates resilience planning.
Background
Launched in 2023, this event replaces the Cawthron New Zealand River Awards, a biennial event that has been celebrating freshwater restoration efforts by groups and individuals since 2013.
Our objectives are to:
- Raise public awareness about the importance of freshwater health
- Recognise and celebrate those who have contributed to improving the state of rivers and lakes, wetlands and estuaries, and
- Share actions being taken by individuals, communities and organisations
Cawthron Institute’s founder, Thomas Cawthron, believed science was the key to a better future. Our involvement in this event came about due to the scientific expertise we hold in freshwater ecology. We’re privileged to deliver an event that will see landowners, businesses, central and local government and Māori join Cawthron to celebrate freshwater restoration efforts and explore the latest science about freshwater ecology and restoration solutions.
Stay tuned to this webpage, follow Cawthron’s social media accounts or sign up to our newsletter to remain up-to-date on information about Freshwater Champions.
Past Freshwater Champions
The 2024 Freshwater Champions were announced at our inaugural Freshwater Champions Forum at Te Papa in Wellington on 23 May 2024.
Freshwater Champions Aotearoa New Zealand is proudly delivered by Cawthron Institute in collaboration with the following organisations.
