Freshwater
Adequate clean water will be one of the biggest issues facing the planet this century.
Research projects
Featured research project
Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems
Date: April 29, 2009
This project aims to increase our knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and their restoration, and apply this to degraded streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries. Read more about Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems
The National Centre for Water Resources (NCWR) provides public information on river, lake, and groundwater conditions across New Zealand including water quantity and quality. It also acts as a distribution point for new technology and management tools for water-related issues. Examples include daily flood forecasts in collaboration with Regional Councils and Unitary Authorities, and the development of linked databases containing a wide variety of aquatic information. Scientists at the Centre are active in monitoring and researching New Zealand's freshwater systems, particularly the influences of changes in land-use and climate variability on both the physical and biological aspects of rivers, lakes, wetland and aquifers.
News
Scientists count ‘tagged’ whitebait species – a case of catch me if you can!
Date: March 29, 2010
Scientists returned to the Nukumea Stream in Orewa last week, to investigate the trial release of giant kōkopu. This is the first controlled trial in New Zealand to test whether the native fish, giant kōkopu, can be successfully stocked into a stream. Read more about Scientists count ‘tagged’ whitebait species – a case of catch me if you can!
Publications
Freshwater Update
a quarterly magazine that informs readers about collaborative work throughout the country. Each issue of the newsletter includes an update on New Zealand’s water resources and a feature article on a river or catchment.
Sign up to the FWU.
Read more about Freshwater Update
Our Services
Our goal is to bridge the gap between science and the community in the field of freshwater resources, by providing science, technology and resource management services to New Zealand. Read more about Our Services
Water Quality Monitoring and Advice
Read more about Water Quality Monitoring and Advice
Water Resources Modelling
- Water Allocation Impacts on River Attributes - WAIORA
- The Simple Catchment Load Estimation System (SCALES)
- Flood frequencies
- Low flows
- River flow and flooding forecasting (daily to weekly)
Specialist Analytical Services
Algal species identification and enumeration
Read more about Specialist Analytical ServicesManagement Tools
Some of the useful methodologies and software we have developed. Read more about Management Tools
Riparian Management Classification
Management of stream riparian areas - including vegetation and stock access - influences the health of streams and downstream water bodies. Read more about Riparian Management Classification
Models to help manage erosion
Managing land erosion, and subsequent sedimentation in streams, lakes, and coastal areas, is a big headache for many local authorities. Read more about Models to help manage erosion
River Environment Classification
NIWA has developed a GIS-based environmental classification of New Zealand’s rivers. The development of the River Environment Classification (REC) was supported by the Ministry of the Environment (MfE) with the involvement of a number of regional councils. Read more about River Environment Classification