This programme is focussed on understanding the effects of human use of surface and groundwater systems to inform more sustainable water allocation decisions that benefit ecosystems and communities.
The goal of the Freshwater Biosecurity programme is to support the New Zealand Biosecurity Strategy by reducing the risk of new freshwater invasive species incursions and establishment, minimising the adverse impacts of established populations of these species, and developing methods for reducing or eradicating those populations.
The abundance and diversity of life in our rivers, lakes and estuaries is the ultimate indicator of the health and wellbeing of our aquatic ecosystems. NIWA is helping to ensure that New Zealand’s unique and iconic freshwater species are healthy, abundant and thriving.
New Zealanders are increasingly demanding better information on how much water is in our rivers and groundwater aquifers, how that has changed over time and how it might change in the future.
This programme will increase our understanding of the hydrological cycle: the quantity of freshwater in our rivers and groundwater systems, where that water came from and how long it took to get there.
This programme is developing techniques for protecting, enhancing and rehabilitating the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems and the cultural value they provide.
