Knowing the quality and condition of our local rivers and streams and how these are changing over time contributes to well informed community catchment action, and communities who are better connected with their local waterway. The Motueka River is well studied. The Motueka Integrated Catchment Management Research Program was comprehensive, spanning from 2000 – 2011. The designation of the Water Conservation Order, scientific research by Cawthron Institute, and Tasman District Council’s long term monitoring programme also add to this sound information base.

MCC’s Freshwater Monitoring Group, with 11 members currently, has collated existing water sampling data across the catchment. We know that water quality in the catchment is good overall, but there are some trends and areas of concern, and some waterways have poor habitat. Changing land use, and patterns of water extraction, along with the impacts of climate change, is a concern to the community in terms of how this is impacting on low water flows in the river. The community wants rivers that are swimmable and freshwater that is drinkable.  The group aims to continue hosting talks about water quality, and promoting healthy aquifers and ecosystem health. 

Many sub-catchments also aren’t being monitored regularly, and the community identified that expanding freshwater monitoring, to support and supplement the ongoing TDC monitoring, was a priority. The Freshwater Monitoring group is focusing on training community members to undertake water quality monitoring of their local streams and helping to set up community monitoring in sub-catchments, in collaboration with Tasman Bay Guardians. The group also hopes to support iwi efforts to set up additional cultural health monitoring.

If you would like to find out more about this Thematic Group and enquire about becoming a member, contact Shannon Parker on coordinator@motuekacatchment.org.nz