Freshwater

We provide public information on river, lake, and groundwater conditions across New Zealand including freshwater quantity and quality.

Rachel Crawford and Paul Franklin inspecting a fish passage on the Waikato River.

Freshwater and Estuaries Update

A seasonal review and outlook for New Zealand's water resources, and an update on NIWA's freshwater research

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    Impacts of water dams

    What are the impacts of water dams on water quality and mahinga kai?

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    Wood processing

    Trees are grown and converted into a range of useful timber and paper products.

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    Emergent

    Find out more about emergent aquatic plants.
    Freshwater

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    What is the proposed activity or industry?

    Various industries and land use activities have the potential to impact on water quality and mahinga kai unless properly managed.

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    Water resources and mining

    How may the activities of the mining industry influence water resources?
    Freshwater

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    Tuna - habitat

    Tuna are found in all sorts of habitats (places), including coastal estuaries, lakes, wetlands, rivers, mountain streams and even alpine tarns.
    Freshwater fish

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    Freshwater monitoring and reporting

    Research Project
    NIWA's research on freshwater monitoring and reporting is one of three research areas within the 'Values, Monitoring and Outcomes' (VMO) programme led by Landcare Research.
    Environmental Information
    Freshwater
    Freshwater pollution

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    Proud of your plants? 1 June 2017

    News article
    01 June 2017
    NIWA is doing a nationwide study to discover what makes the best riparian projects. Help us give you the knowledge to make the best riparian management decisions possible by taking our 5 minute survey.
    Rivers
    Freshwater quality

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    Mangroves: to clear or not to clear?

    Media release
    19 May 2017
    NIWA scientists have written a guide for managing mangroves, prompted by a desire for people to learn more about mangrove ecosystems, and what happens when they are removed.
    Estuaries
    Mangroves

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    NIWA Technical Background report for MfE “Clean Water” Swimmability Proposals for Rivers

    News article
    11 May 2017
    NIWA provides technical background information on "Clean Water" swimmability proposals.
    Freshwater quality

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    Paradise for eels? Getting to know the secrets of NZ's new icon

    Feature story
    09 May 2017
    As New Zealand's "Mr Eel", Niwa's Dr Don Jellyman has heard every tall tale. And some of them may be true.
    Estuaries
    Fisheries

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    Wetlands

    Wetland species and wetland management in New Zealand.
    Wetlands