Which 'outstanding' water bodies in the Gisborne region need protecting?

The Tairawhiti Environment Centre in Gisborne is calling for feedback about important rivers and lakes in the region that need protecting.

"We would appreciate your feedback on the issue of fresh water bodies within the Gisborne region.

The Ministry for the Environment's National Policy Statement on Fresh Water Management requires protecting the quality of 'outstanding' freshwater bodies in NZ. The fresh water plan is currently under development for this region, and part of its development will include the defining of our outstanding water bodies.

The national policy statement defines 'outstanding' as; "those water bodies with outstanding values, including ecological, landscape, recreational and spiritual values" or "exceptional in some way".

Are you aware of any 'outstanding' water bodies in the Gisborne region that need protecting? What information do you have on those water bodies, that supports their significance as 'outstanding'?

The Gisborne district is a huge catchment with many rivers, lakes, streams and tributaries. The 'outstanding' water body does not have to be a whole catchment or river, but rather an area of that river or its headwaters.

It is important to note its significance. Does it have exceptional ecological qualities? For example, the Karakatuwhero River near Te Araroa has many native frogs not found elsewhere in New Zealand.

Please send your fresh water feedback to [email protected] attention Bridget – Waterways