Freshwater

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

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    NIWA scientists make surprise discovery

    News article
    After two years of groundwork, NIWA scientists have finally unlocked the mystery of the elusive lamprey breeding grounds.
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    Scientists on hunt for freshwater crayfish

    News article
    NIWA scientists have secured funding for a project they hope will take them a step closer to discovering why the number of freshwater crayfish, or koura, in the Upper Waikato River has dramatically declined.
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    Scientists helping to create safer communities

    News article
  • Waitaki weed surveillance plan

    Research Project
    NIWA and Meridian are developing a management strategy on LINZ crown owned lakes for pest aquatic plants – weeds, the alga Didymosphenia geminata (Didymo) and filamentous green algae (both native and introduced) - in the Waitaki Catchment.
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    River Environment Classification

    Research Project
    The River Environment Classification (REC) is a database of catchment spatial attributes, summarised for New Zealand's river network. The attributes were compiled for the purposes of river classification, while the river network description has been used to underpin models. 
  • Modelling channel dynamics in braided rivers

    Research Project
    NIWA are contributing to and testing the open source Delft3D model so that it can be used to simulate the response of braided rivers and their ecosystems to the changes in river flow associated with water use schemes, such as dams.
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    Restoration of Waikato River islands a step closer

    News article
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    Scientists' crucial discovery in Hamilton Park

    News article
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    Water - managing our most precious resource

    Farms rely on, and affect, the rivers, streams and estuaries around them. We provide resource management, research and technology services to help you optimise your water use and minimise environmental impacts.
  • Mapping our freshwater biodiversity

    Research Project
    The ability to properly manage our freshwater resources requires a solid understanding of the flora and fauna which live in and interact with them.
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    Summer Series 4: Life in the (ex) stream - exploring New Zealand's fabulous freshwater fauna

    News article
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    LakeSPI method summary