Cawthron Freshwater Champions Forum 2026

Freshwater Champions Aotearoa New Zealand celebrates individuals and communities who are helping to restore and protect the health of our freshwater. 

We’re excited to announce that our 2026 Freshwater Champions have been selected and will be revealed at the Freshwater Champions Forum in Nelson on Friday 28 August.

A huge thank you to our assessors for reviewing more than 60 outstanding nominations received from across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Registrations are now open for this free event, and we’d love to have you join us as we celebrate the 2026 Freshwater Champions.

Penny Nelson (former Director-General of the Department of Conservation) will open the Forum, followed by two panel discussions. The panels will feature experts, champions on the ground, and those who are still learning what works best.

The topics for these discussions will be:

• Partnerships for Better Freshwater – Led by Cawthron Institute.

• Farmer-Led Freshwater Change: What’s Working in Catchments Across Aotearoa? – Led by NZ Landcare Trust

The Forum will conclude with the announcement of the 2026 Freshwater Champions and a celebratory networking function.

This year’s Forum is being held in Nelson and includes an option to attend a field trip at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary prior to the Forum at 12pm. If you would like to attend, please make sure to select this when you register.

Registrations close on Thursday 20 August. Tickets are limited.

Freshwater Champions Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 is proudly delivered by Cawthron Institute with support from NZ Landcare Trust.

Disclaimer: All registered participants for this event will be added to the Freshwater Champions Aotearoa New Zealand mailing list. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time.