On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

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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    Instream barriers and urbanisation

    How do instream barriers as a result of urbanisation influence water resources?

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    Riparian vegetation and urbanisation

    How can urbanisation impact riparian vegetation around a waterway?

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    Nutrients and urbanisation

    What are the potential sources of nutrients from urbanisation?
    Freshwater quality

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    Chemical contamination and urbanisation

    What are the sources of chemical contamination resulting from urbanisation?

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    Riparian vegetation and horticulture

    How may horticultural activities impact riparian vegetation around a waterway?

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    Water resources and horticulture

    How do horticultural activities potentially influence water flows?

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    Chemical contamination and horticulture

    What are the potential sources of chemical contamination from horticulture activities?

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    Nutrients and horticulture

    What are the potential sources of nutrients from horticultural activities?
    Freshwater quality

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    Sediment and horticulture

    How may horticultural activities increase sediments in waterways?
    Freshwater quality

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    Instream barriers and forestry

    How do instream barriers as a result of forestry activities potentially influence water resources?

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    Riparian vegetation and forestry

    How may forestry activities impact riparian vegetation around a waterway?

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    Chemical contamination and forestry

    What are the potential sources of chemical contamination from forestry activities?