Freshwater

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

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    Proud of your plants? 1 June 2017

    News article
    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.
  • Mangroves: to clear or not to clear?

    Media release
    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.
  • NIWA Technical Background report for MfE “Clean Water” Swimmability Proposals for Rivers

    News article
    NIWA provides technical background information on "Clean Water" swimmability proposals.
  • Paradise for eels? Getting to know the secrets of NZ's new icon

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

    Wetland species and wetland management in New Zealand.
  • Ten years of willow control at Whangamarino Wetland 1999 - 2008

    NIWA review of the ten year Whangamarino willow control programme and evaluation of willow distribution and other wetland vegetation types.
  • Modelling vegetation-impacted morphodynamics in braided rivers

    NIWA is developing numerical models for predicting how the morphology of braided rivers responds to flow regulation and invasive exotic woody vegetation.
  • Modelling vegetation-impacted morphodynamics in braided rivers

    Research Project
    NIWA is developing numerical models for predicting how the morphology of braided rivers responds to flow regulation and invasive exotic woody vegetation.
  • Managing mangrove expansion

    This manual aims to provide the guidance needed to manage mangrove expansion, while maintaining the ecological integrity of estuaries and harbours.
  • Managing water allocation on the West Coast

    Research Project
    This project investigated the capabilities and utility of NIWA’s Cumulative Hydrological Effects Simulator (CHES) tool for facilitating discussions and decision making associated with setting and applying water quantity limits in the Grey River catchment on the South Island’s West Coast.
  • Environmental flow tools

    Tools and software to assist with determining and managing environmental water flows.
  • Ngā repo o Maniapoto - Maniapoto wetland inventory

    Research Project
    Through the Te Wai Māori fund Ngā Repo o Maniapoto is a collaborative project between NIWA and the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board (MMTB) Whanake Taiao team that looks to develop an inventory of repo and puna (springs) for the Maniapoto rohe.