SURFACE WATER FLOWS

About the Surface Water Flows Project 

The project is funded through Aqua Intel Aotearoa (AIA). AIA has worked with Northland Regional Council (NRC), Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust (TTTWT), landowners, Te Puni Kokiri (TPK), and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to identify areas where data on surface water flows is needed. These areas complement monitoring currently being undertaken in the region. AIA contracted Williamson Water & Land Advisory (WWLA) to install equipment, provide monitoring, and reporting of data.

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Surface water flow in rivers and streams is currently monitored throughout the Northland region at a range of flow monitoring sites. Sites include continuous monitoring sites and other sites that can be used for 'spot' measurements.

Continuous flow is currently monitored at: 

• 51 sites by NRC

• 14 sites by TTTWT

• other private flow monitoring sites

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AIA has installed 5 new, continuous flow sites to augment the current monitoring network in locations near to Whenua Māori Trusts where no data was being collected. AIA will monitor and analyse surface water flows at these sites for 2 – 3 years to provide information that can support resource consent applications by nearby Whenua Māori Trusts. Sites have been installed at: Te Kao Stream; Waihopai River near Mitimiti; Motatau Stream; Whakapai Stream, Ngaiotonga and a tributary of the Waima River near Waima. 

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Overall the project steps include:

• using existing surface water flow data

• installation of 5 - 10 new surface water flow monitoring sites

• monitoring of surface water flow at these sites for 2 - 3 years (current step)

• analysis of data from the existing monitoring sites and the monitoring sites installed as part of this project

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Information from the surface water flows project will be used to:

• increase knowledge of surface water flow (over space and time) across the region

• support the development of Maori-owned land

• inform landowners and investors of the likely water that can be used for land production (including water that can be harvested in high flow periods and stored for use at drier times)

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How to find out more

• Email us: info@aquaintel.co.nz

• Download a factsheet about the project (Surface Water Flows Factsheet).

• Send an enquiry via the button below.