March 2026
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to the March 2026 edition of the Check Clean Dry newsletter, your update on the mahi happening across Aotearoa to protect our precious lakes, rivers and wetlands.
This edition celebrates the power of community advocacy in protecting our waterways. From a curious young angler helping uncover the first invasive freshwater clam discovery outside Waikato, to tamariki, educators, iwi, and ambassadors championing the Check Clean Dry message across Aotearoa, these stories highlight the impact of curiosity, creativity, and local leadership. We also share summer highlights from our ambassador programme and the nationwide paid media campaign, with strong engagement showing the message is resonating with water users.
The Check Clean Dry programme remains a key part of New Zealand’s freshwater biosecurity strategy. empowering water users to take simple steps that make a big difference.
Together, we’re protecting what we love.
Creativity and community engagement drive a busy summer for ambassadors
ORC ambassador George at the Clutha River Photo credit: ORC
Creativity and fresh approaches to connecting with people have been at the heart of a busy and successful summer for our ambassadors. Despite some unpredictable weather along the way, ambassadors have been out in force across New Zealand, sharing the Check Clean Dry message with communities around our lakes and rivers.
And it’s clear the message is getting through.
Conversations in the field have shown just how engaged many water users already are when it comes to protecting the places they enjoy. Ambassadors recorded several encouraging moments in their debrief app while out on the ground.
One ambassador shared: “Really lovely chat with one boatie - he and his son were all over it.”
Another noted meeting “a really engaged group of people, all with a vested interest in keeping their waterways healthy.”
Younger water users are getting involved. As one ambassador reported: “Lovely group of kids having rides from a jet ski racing group, very aware of Check Clean Dry.”
These small but meaningful interactions show how awareness is growing. Every conversation helps strengthen a community effort to keep our waterways healthy for everyone to enjoy.
To all our ambassadors - thank you for your energy, passion, and commitment this summer. You’ve made a real difference.
Check Clean Dry paid media campaign update – summer highlights
With the summer holidays now behind us, it’s a great time to share a quick update on how the Check Clean Dry nationwide paid media campaign has been performing over the busy recreation season.
From the campaign launch through to the end of January, engagement has been strong across all channels. In fact, the campaign landing page has been the second most visited page on the MPI website throughout both December and January, a great sign that people are actively seeking information on how to help protect our waterways.
Some key highlights include:
- 1.2 million people reached across campaign channels
- 4.7 million impressions, meaning the campaign message has been widely seen
- 132,000 website sessions, with visitors spending an average of 2 minutes 58 seconds on the site
Our strongest performing channel continues to be programmatic display advertising; digital banner ads placed across a wide range of websites and apps. This channel has delivered the majority of campaign reach, impressions and website traffic, along with higher-than-average time spent on the website. Click-through rates from ads to the website are also above industry benchmarks, suggesting the messaging is resonating with our target audiences.
The campaign will continue running through April, with advertising to Cook Strait ferry users through until the end of May.
We also have campaign posters available for partners. If you’d like copies, or have any feedback on the campaign, we’d love to hear from you at Jane.LeGuay@mpi.govt.nz
When curiosity meets advocacy
Max at Lake Rotomanu, Taranaki. Photo credit: Biosecurity Taranaki
A well-placed display, a curious ten year old and an approachable ambassador became the catalysts for an important biosecurity discovery in Taranaki’s Lake Rotomanu in November last year.
Something clicked for young biosecurity advocate Max, when visiting Biosecurity Taranaki’s Check Clean Dry table at a Take a Kid Fishing event. He noticed the clam in resin blocks on the table and thought they resembled a shell he’d noticed when he snagged his line on a rock. He asked questions of ambassador Abby Lagula Biosecurity Taranaki and made some comparisons. Moments later he returned with what would turn out to be the first confirmed freshwater invasive clam find outside of the Waikato.
This example demonstrates the power of getting the right tools and messages in the right places and seeing the potential of young ones in the community - they love to learn, and sometimes they join the mission.
“Kids are amazing as some of you already know, don’t discount them, get your messaging out in front of them if you’re not already and make it fun! Their also pretty good at holding adults to account 😊” Abby Lagula
Our work as advocates isn’t just about information. Your efforts make a big difference, sparking awareness, empowering communities, and creating champions of biosecurity - one conversation, one display, and sometimes one kid at a time.
Hear Max tell his story: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4135523310097164
Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa tamariki lead the way
Photo credit: Waikato Regional Council
Boaties using ramps in the Reporoa area may have noticed some vibrant new artwork alongside the familiar Check Clean Dry signage. These eye-catching designs were created by Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa tamariki, who have brought their creativity and care for the taiao to some of their busiest waterways. The project was supported by Jordan Taoho, Kai Whakahaere Kaupapa Taiao |Projects Co-ordinator for Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa Rūnanga Trust and Gordon Tieman, Waikato Regional Council.
Jordan explains every year, our iwi hosts a two‑day wānanga, bringing our tamariki onto the marae to learn about the taiao and the important mahi the Rūnanga leads to protect it. These wānanga give our young people the chance to connect deeply with the environment through a Māori lens, understanding whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, and the relationships that bind all living things.
At times, we also invite experts from outside our iwi to help broaden their learning. This summer Waikato Regional Council joined us to talk about the invasive freshwater clam, its rapid spread, and the challenges it could bring for our waterways. Their kōrero resonated strongly with our tamariki.
Inspired by what they learned, we set our tamariki a challenge: create signs to help promote the Check Clean Dry message. The results were bright, bold, and full of heart.
Today, their signs are proudly displayed at the boat ramps on River Rd, Te Toke Rd, Vaile Rd, Tutukau Rd, and the Ōhakuri boat ramp near the dam, reminding everyone that protecting our waterways is a responsibility we all share.
The latest on the invasive freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea)
Photo credit: Earth Science New Zealand
Freshwater invasive clam found in Lake Rotomanu, Taranaki.
On 8 November 2025, the invasive freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea was discovered in Lake Rotomanu, a small man-made lake on the outskirts of New Plymouth. The find, made by 10 year old Max (read his story above), marked the first detection of the species in New Zealand outside the Waikato River.
The lake was closed to motorised watercraft, and a thorough survey was undertaken to understand the extent of the infestation. A mobile wash station was put in place, while Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors where on site to ensure lake users were aware of the invasive clam’s presence and the importance of adhering to the protocol.
The lake remains closed to motorised traffic.
For updates visit the Taranaki Regional Council news web page: Council news / Taranaki Regional Council
Additional wash station in Whakatāne for Te Awara lake users
This summer, the designated wash stations were used more than 400 times by Lake Ōkataina boaties. This included people using Eastern Bay of Plenty's Whakatāne Boat Wash, approved for users at the start of the summer.
A Controlled Area Notice has been in place across the Te Arawa Lakes since November 2023.
All boaties wishing to access Lake Ōkataina, which is protected by a controlled gate, must Check Clean Dry Certify and complete an additional wash at a designated wash station. Once washed, boat owners receive a pin number that allows them through the gate and onto the lake.
In addition, any watercraft that has been used in the Waikato River within the past 30 days must complete Check Clean Dry Certify and undergo an additional wash at a designated wash station before entering the lakes.
The designated wash station in Rotorua is The Wash Place, 338 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua.
The Whakatāne Boat Wash is located at Whakatāne Harbour Boat Ramp, 32 Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne.
To keep updated see the MPI website: Rules to stop the spread of Corbicula | NZ Government
Plankton nets - a new tool to detect corbicula
Highly effective plankton nets will soon become Aotearoa New Zealand’s main national surveillance method in the fight against Corbicula and the early detection of aquatic invasive species not yet present in the country.
The cone-shaped, fine-mesh devices offer a range of distinct advantages, including direct visual identification of Corbicula larvae, straightforward deployment, minimal environmental disruption and a broad operational range. Plankton nets are reliable tools that have been used in North America for the surveillance of Corbicula and other invasive mussels for several decades.
The move will allow Biosecurity New Zealand, regional councils, iwi and other operational partners to extend surveillance coverage to a greater number of freshwater bodies throughout the country. Sampling is planned to commence this month.
Check Clean Dry Comes to Life in Taupō
Photo credit: Kids Greening Taupō
The energy has been high and the creativity even higher thanks to Kids Greening Taupō Check Clean Dry video competition. Check out some of their entries: https://www.kidsgreeningtaupo.org.nz/greening-news/video-competition
At the heart of it all is Rachel Thompson, who quietly set herself a bold 2025 mission: visit every single school across the Taupō/Tūrangi region and teach students about invasive freshwater clams and the powerful role tamariki can play in protecting their local waterways.
And true to form, she did exactly that. From classroom to classroom, Rachel sparked curiosity and action, empowering young people with knowledge and a clear message: protecting Lake Taupō starts with us.
When the Taupō Santa Parade rolled through town in full festive colour, so did Check Clean Dry. Rachel and a team of 50 passionate tamariki turned the streets into an entertaining showcase of young biosecurity champions in action.
Photo credit: Kids Greening Taupō
Dressed in bright, creative costumes and carrying bold, eye-catching signs, the group brought big smiles and an even bigger message to thousands of parade-goers:
Lake Taupō is still free of invasive freshwater clams — but keeping it that way takes all of us.
Rachel, your dedication has inspired a generation of waterway protectors. A true Check Clean Dry Champion and proof that when tamariki lead, communities listen.
And that’s a wrap.
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