Freshwater Data

Wetlands support high levels of biodiversity. They provide habitat for native invertebrates, plants, fish, and bird species (eg fernbird, kōkopu, and eels), many of which live only in wetlands. Wetlands act as ‘kidneys’ and giant sponges – they clean the water of excess nutrients and sediment, control flood water and pollutants, and act as carbon sinks (removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere). Wetlands have strong cultural and spiritual importance for Māori. They are a food source (eg eel, whitebait) and provide material for weaving (eg raupō, harakeke (flax)). Draining wetlands for agricultural and urban development over the past 150 years has led to significant wetland loss and deterioration.

Summary report available at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/fresh-water/analysis-...

More information on this dataset and how it relates to our environmental reporting indicators and topics can be found in the attached data quality pdf.

"Water clarity is a measure of underwater visibility in rivers and streams and can vary due to differences in land use, climate, elevation, and geology. Water clarity can be reduced by the presence of fine particles like silt, mud or organic material in the water. This affects the habitat and feeding of aquatic life like fish and aquatic birds. Water clarity is an important indicator of the health of a waterway, and is also a consideration for recreational activities like swimming and wading.
This dataset relates to the ""Geographic pattern of river water clarity"" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website. "

Water clarity is a measure of underwater visibility in rivers and stream. Water clarity can be reduced by the presence of fine particles like silt, mud or organic material in the water. This affects the habitat and feeding of aquatic life like fish and aquatic birds. Water clarity is an important indicator of the health of a waterway, and is also a consideration for recreational activities like swimming and wading.
This dataset relates to the "River water quality trends: clarity" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website.

"Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant and animal life. Phosphorus can vary due to differences in land use, climate, elevation, and geology. Total phosphorus (TP) includes all concentrations in a sample, whether dissolved, in solid form or bound to sediment in the river. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) is the portion which is dissolved and can immediately support plant and algae growth. Excess phosphorus in our rivers can cause large amounts of (sometimes toxic) algae to grow, which can harm river health and reduce the recreational and aesthetic value of rivers.
This dataset relates to the "Geographic pattern of phosphorus in river water" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao "

"Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant and animal life. Total phosphorus (TP) includes all concentrations in a sample, whether dissolved, in solid form or bound to sediment in the river. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) is the portion which is dissolved and can immediately support plant and algae growth. Excess phosphorus in our rivers can cause large amounts of (sometimes toxic) algae to grow, which can harm river health and reduce the recreational and aesthetic value of rivers.
This dataset relates to the "River water quality trends: phosphorus" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao "

"Small amounts of nitrogen are a natural component of healthy rivers. Nitrogen in rivers can vary due to differences in land use, climate, elevation, and geology. Nitrogen is transferred from land to water and is cycled through different forms, which can have different effects. Moderate concentrations of nitrate can cause weeds and algae to grow too fast. High concentrations of ammoniacal and nitrate nitrogen can be toxic to fish and other aquatic animals.
This dataset relates to the "Geographic pattern of nitrogen in river water" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website. "

"Small amounts of nitrogen are a natural component of healthy rivers. Nitrogen is transferred from land to water and is cycled through different forms, which can have different effects. Moderate concentrations of nitrate can cause weeds and algae to grow too fast. High concentrations of ammoniacal and nitrate nitrogen can be toxic to fish and other aquatic animals.
This dataset relates to the "River water quality trends: nitrogen" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website. "

"River flow refers to the quantity of water passing a point in the river over a certain amount of time. Different rivers have different flow patterns, such as sharp peak flows following rain with low flows in between, or high spring flows from snow melt. These flow characteristics affect how much water is available for irrigation, drinking water, hydro–electric power generation, and recreational activities such as fishing and boating. River flows are also very important for maintaining the health and form of a waterway.

This dataset relates to the "Geographic pattern of natural river flows" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website. "

For more information, refer to the March 2015 report: 'Hydrological indices for national environmental reporting' www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Fresh%20....

"Wetlands support unique biodiversity and provide important services. They clean water of nutrients and sediment, help dampen floods, provide habitat, and act as carbon sinks. They are also valued for their spiritual and cultural significance and as important sources of food and materials, such as flax. Draining them for agricultural and urban development has reduced their extent. Understanding this reduction provides insight into the loss of biodiversity and natural function.
This dataset relates to the ""Wetland extent"" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website. "

"Fine sediment is the collective term for inorganic particles deposited on the streambed less than 2mm in size. Urban development and agriculture and forestry around waterways can increase the amount of sediment entering river systems. Sedimentation can clog space between pebbles that are used by aquatic insects and fish, alter food sources, and remove sites used for egg laying. Excess sediment can affect the appeal of rivers and streams for recreation.
This dataset relates to the ""Streambed sedimentation"" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website.

Header Description
NZREACH Stream segment label
FINES Mean observed percentage cover of fine sediment (<2mm)
SD Standard deviation of observations
RANGE Range in observations
COUNT Number of observations
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