We provide public information on catchment, river, lake and estuary conditions across New Zealand including water quantity, quality and ecosystem health.
Freshwater and Estuaries
Freshwater and Estuaries
Robust science is critical in the sustainable management of our precious freshwater resources and estuarine environments.
The National Centre for Freshwater and Estuaries provides public information on river, lake, and groundwater conditions across New Zealand including water quantity and quality. It also acts as a distribution point for new technology and management tools for water-related issues.
Feature: NIWA's underwater health check
13 June 2019
At the bottom of our lakes are NIWA divers with waterproof clipboards. Sarah Fraser jumps in to find out what they’re doing.
Scientists hoping to solve great eel mystery
16 May 2019
NIWA freshwater scientists are pinning their hopes of solving an age-old mystery on 10 female longfin eels who are about to begin an epic journey to their spawning grounds somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
Protecting freshwater taonga
12 June 2019
Taonga species such as tuna (freshwater eels), kōura (freshwater crayfish) and kākahi (freshwater mussels) are central to the identity and wellbeing of many Māori.
