Key points
This indicator measures the presence and numbers of freshwater invertebrates (such as insects, crustaceans and worms) in rivers across the region. Different types of invertebrates have different tolerances to pollution and are also affected by quality of their habitat. This means that we can tell how good the water and habitat quality is by the types and numbers of invertebrates living in the river.
- The ecological health and habitat quality of rivers and streams we have sampled is better in some parts of the Waikato region (for example, Taupo), than in others (for example, Hauraki).
- Poorer ecological stream health is often experienced in parts of the region with intensive land use, large areas of lowlands and developed hill-country.
- Over half of the samples from lowland Waikato indicated unsatisfactory ecological condition.
Source: Environment Waikato
What agencies are doing
- We track changes in the ecological health of rivers using invertebrates to update this indicator and to assist policy making and consent decisions.
- Environment Waikato has classified different waterbodies into different management classes. We have established these classes to manage water use and protect water quality values.
- Environment Waikato manages and requires the monitoring of resource consents to take water or discharge wastewater to rivers, or to dam or divert rivers and streams.
- We support voluntary guidelines and codes of practice such as the NZ Fertiliser Manufacturer’s Research Association’s Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use.
- We support care groups in the region that are involved in riparian management such as planting and fencing.
- We work with teachers to provide workshops and field trips focused on examining stream health.
- Clean Streams is an Environment Waikato project which has been put in place to encourage and support farmer efforts to reduce the impacts of farming on waterways. Advice and financial support of up to 35 per cent of farmers’ costs for fencing and planting waterway margins is available.
What you can do to help
- Don’t put rubbish or harmful chemicals down stormwater drains – these drains run into rivers and streams.
- Avoid spraying insecticides when rain is expected.
- Don’t clear non-nuisance vegetation along stream banks. Shade is important.
- Keep stock out of rivers and streams and don’t let them trample banks.
- Join or form a care group in your area.
More information
More detail on this indicator, including how and where this information is collected, is available here.
What we want to achieve
The community outcomes we are seeking to achieve by monitoring river biology are:
- The iconic landscapes and natural features of our environment define and sustain us. We respect and celebrate them as taonga.
- Our natural environment is protected and respected. Its ecological balance is restored, its air, soil and water quality is improved and its native biodiversity is enhanced.
- The traditional role of iwi and hapu as kaitiaki is acknowledged, respected and enabled.
- Our region’s waterways have consistently high water quality.