ORC monitors water quality and ecosystem health at over 100 river and lake sites. Results from our monitoring are reported as:
- Annual reports, based on the latest 5 years of water quality and ecosystem health data. Results are assessed against the National Policy Statement – Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and Schedule 15 of the current Regional Plan: Water for Otago.Â
- State and trend reports, based on longer-term data sets to determine if the state of our waterways is improving or degrading.
- Catchment studies, based on targeted investigations of water quality in a catchment. This typically involves short-term studies of multiple sites to provide a detailed assessment of patterns of water quality in a specific area.
- Real-time water quality and environmental data can be viewed on our Environmental Data Portal.
For earlier reports or for more information about the publications published here contact science.enquiries@orc.govt.nz
February 2024
PDF | 939 KB
December 2024
PDF | 324 KB
July 2024
PDF | 11 MB
August 2024
PDF | 23 MB
July 2023
PDF | 1001 KB
July 2023
PDF | 523 KB
July 2023
PDF | 521 KB
September 2022
PDF | 1 MB
September 2021
PDF | 856 KB
October 2019
PDF | 1 MB
November 2018
PDF | 2 MB
July 2018
PDF | 1 MB
August 2016
PDF | 1 MB
December 2019
PDF | 3 MB
NIWA was engaged by Otago Regional Council (ORC) to provide an assessment of selected water quality and ecological data for the Manuherikia River catchment in Central Otago. This study confirms that the information analysed provides an effective benchmark against which future ecological condition assessments of catchments can be compared.
June 2017
PDF | 2 MB
This study found that water quality within the Waiwera catchment shows elevated concentrations of nutrients and bacteria that generally exceed the Schedule 15 limits/targets set out in Otago’s Regional Plan: Water. These elevated nutrient concentrations are sufficient to cause prolific algae growth. No discernible trends were found in the catchment’s State of Environment monitoring data set (2006 to 2017), other than the concentration of total phosphorus declined significantly during this period. An accumulation of fine sediment within the catchment’s waterways appears to be behind the dramatic reductions in abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrate communities and fish populations, particularly in the mainstem of the Waiwera River. Appropriate mitigation measures need to be implemented to protect the river from further degradation and to aid recovery.
April 2016
PDF | 10 MB
The Otago Regional Council is responsible for managing Otago’s groundwater and surface-water resources. ORC carries out regular and extensive long-term monitoring as part of its State of the Environment (SoE) programme and carried out a targeted, short-term monitoring investigation of the Cardrona River in 2004-2005. This study repeated this work ten years later.
January 2016
PDF | 1 MB
The Lindis River is a major tributary of the upper Clutha River. There is heavy demand for water abstraction in the lower catchment. This report updates earlier studies to review the impact of changes in land use on the river catchment.
November 2014
PDF | 1 MB
Lake Tuakitoto is a large freshwater wetland situated in the lower Clutha River catchment in South Otago. Much of the catchment consists of intensively grazed pasture with some scrub, and plantation forestry. There has been intensification of land use in the catchment which has the potential to affect water quality in the lower part of Lovells Creek and Frasers Stream.
November 2014
PDF | 1 MB
The Shag River/Waihemo is a small river flowing from the slopes of Kakanui Peak and flowing in a south-easterly direction past the township of Palmerston before entering the Pacific Ocean just south of Shag Point/Matakaea. Most of the catchment consists of agriculture and forestry with some short-rotation cropping in the lower catchment. The objectives of this report are to: • Provide a baseline of water quality in the Shag River/Waihemo catchment, including at unimpacted (reference) sites, • Compare water quality in the Shag River/Waihemo catchment to water quality limits set out in Plan Change 6A, • Identify any patterns in water quality in the Shag River/Waihemo catchment and to relate these to land-use activities, where possible
November 2013
PDF | 1 MB
This study examines how water quality has changed at a range of locations in the catchment over the past 12 years, and how present water quality compares with Plan Change 6A limits.
October 2013
PDF | 828 KB
The objectives of this report are to: • provide a baseline of water quality in the Waianakarua River catchment, including at unimpacted (reference) sites • compare water quality in the Waianakarua catchment to water quality standards set out in plan change 6A • identify any patterns in water quality in the Waianakarua catchment and to relate these to land-use activities, where possible.
June 2013
PDF | 3 MB
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is responsible for managing Otago’s groundwater and surface-water resources. Although the ORC carries out regular and extensive long-term water quality monitoring as part of its State of Environment (SOE) programme, it has not carried out a targeted short-term monitoring investigation in the Kakanui River catchment.
September 2012
PDF | 2 MB
This report provides the results from a more detailed, short-term investigation carried out in the Upper Taieri River catchment.
November 2012
PDF | 1 MB
The Tokomairiro catchment is dominated by intensive farming. The monitoring programme which ran from August 2011 to April 2012 sought to identify pollution hotspots, and appropriate strategies to better manage water quality.
September 2011
PDF | 1 MB
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) carries out regular water quality monitoring as part of its State of Environment programme, as well as short-term targeted water quality monitoring programmes. This report provides the results from a more detailed, short-term investigation carried out in the Manuherikia River catchment between 2009 and 2011.
November 2011
PDF | 785 KB
This report provides the results from one of the more detailed investigations carried out on water quality in the Catlins area.
April 2011
PDF | 2 MB
This report provides the results from one of these more detailed investigations carried out in the Pomahaka River catchment. The investigation was implemented to more accurately understand how different land-uses can affect water quality and in-stream ecological values.
May 2010
PDF | 402 KB
ORC conducted a 12-month water quality sampling programme, with the aim of getting a better understanding of the effects of land use on water quality in the Pomahaka catchment.
November 2009
PDF | 3 MB
This report provides the results from short-term studies, which monitored the health of five high country lakes ( Hayes, Johnson, Onslow, Wakatipu, and Wanaka). ORC and local communities can use this information to work together to ensure the wellbeing of these five important lakes.
May 2006
PDF | 1 MB
A monthly water quality monitoring programme was carried out between September 2005 and March 2006 at six sites on the Cardrona River and nine sites on the Lindis River. Water was tested for a range of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. This report provides more detailed information than that gathered for the State of Environment programme, which has been undertaken since the late 1980's.
May 2006
PDF | 2 MB
This report outlines results of a surface water quality monitoring programme carried out in tributaries of the Manuherikia, Taieri, and Waitaki rivers.
May 2005
PDF | 4 MB
This report presents the results and findings of a water quality monitoring programme undertaken in the Island Stream and Waiareka Creek catchments between September 2004 and March 2005.
March 2005
PDF | 1 MB
A two-year trophic level investigation of Lakes Waipori and Waihola was carried out between October 2002 and October 2004 to gain a better understanding of the two lakes' nutrient status.
March 2004
PDF | 3 MB
This report presents the results and findings of the 12-month Lower Taieri monitoring programme, including routine state of the environmental biological monitoring in the lower Taieri River catchment.
March 2003
PDF | 2 MB
This report presents the results and findings of a 14-month monitoring programme. Information is also drawn from ORC’s long-term State of the Environment monitoring sites, principally those located at Stonehenge (Hore's Bridge) and Halls Bridge.
November 2023
PDF | 482 KB
This memo addresses whether to retain a nitrogen limit for pastoral farming systems and the suitability of implementing such limits for vegetable growing and arable production.
October 2023
PDF | 644 KB
October 2023
PDF | 935 KB
This science summary gives an easy-to-understand snapshot of the Dunstan rohe, looking at things like land use, waterways, soil, climate, and biodiversity to help guide local environmental planning.
August 2023
PDF | 1 MB
June 2022
PDF | 657 KB
Development of the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) requires the science team to develop a range of management scenarios to improve water quality across the Otago region. The purpose of these scenarios is to estimate the possible improvements in water quality that are achievable for a given set of interventions. The scenario modelling will be used by the ORC Policy Team to highlight the scale of intervention required to give effect to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management and as a tool to guide proposed LWRP management options and rules.
November 2023
PDF | 406 KB
August 2021
PDF | 4 MB
This report describes the equations and parameterisations for models that can be used to predict the effects of different nutrient loads in 20 Otago coastal hydrosystems, along with predicted current eutrophication state.
October 2021
PDF | 2 MB
August 2023
PDF | 3 MB
October 2023
PDF | 8 MB
November 2022
PDF | 366 KB
August 2023
PDF | 159 KB
February 2024
PDF | 3 MB
April 2021
PDF | 1 MB
August 2023
PDF | 538 KB
April 2023
PDF | 2 MB
July 2023
XLSX | 441 KB
March 2024
PDF | 560 KB
February 2024
PDF | 359 KB
February 2024
PDF | 186 KB
Authors: Jason Augspurger and Tom Dyer
February 2024
PDF | 276 KB
Author: Jason Augspurger
February 2024
PDF | 3 MB
Report writer: Jason Augspurger
March 2024
PDF | 14 MB
Many of New Zealand’s freshwater environments are under pressure from land use intensification resulting in deteriorating water quality and ecosystem health. As a result, limits must be set on resource use to achieve receiving environment water quality objectives such as the health of rivers, lakes, and estuaries. To aid communities in determination of desired level of ecosystem health, a model is needed which can fill the knowledge gap on required emission reductions to achieve target attribute states and whether different mitigation suites (GMP and GMP+) may achieve the desired reductions. Report writer: Jason Augspurger
April 2021
PDF | 2 MB
This study analysed the available water quality data in upper Clutha/Mata-Au lakes and their tributaries.
February 2024
PDF | 249 KB
This memo presents known information about the sediment issues from plantation forestry in Otago.
November 2023
PDF | 268 KB
November 2023
PDF | 275 KB
December 2023
PDF | 250 KB
The purpose of the memo is to present the best information available to inform the Target attribute state and baseline states for lakes in Otago
November 2023
PDF | 179 KB
June 2022
PDF | 587 KB
October 2024
PDF | 4 MB
May 2024
PDF | 442 KB
Provisions for setbacks to limit agrichemicals entering waterways
November 2023
PDF | 140 KB
October 2024
PDF | 3 MB
October 2022
PDF | 550 KB
May 2022
PDF | 5 MB
March 2023
PDF | 6 MB
November 2023
PDF | 747 KB
November 2022
PDF | 656 KB
November 2022
PDF | 2 MB
November 2021
PDF | 1 MB
January 2023
PDF | 856 KB
February 2021
PDF | 4 MB
January 2023
PDF | 212 KB
November 2022
PDF | 708 KB
August 2022
PDF | 3 MB
August 2022
PDF | 4 MB
October 2022
PDF | 985 KB
October 2022
PDF | 3 MB
Reports and information about Otago's water dynamics, where monitoring reveals strengths and challenges related to water quantity. ORC closely tracks indicators to assess river health and trends over time, and what affects water quantity and flows.
June 2023
PDF | 678 KB
November 2023
PDF | 1 MB
March 2023
PDF | 804 KB
October 2024
PDF | 6 MB
December 2016
PDF | 294 KB
An analysis was carried out to estimate the flow loss in the Lindis River between the Ardgour Road hydrological site and Clutha confluence using data collected between 1 October 2015 and 18 January 2015.
December 2017
PDF | 1 MB
October 2023
PDF | 644 KB
October 2024
PDF | 5 MB
October 2022
PDF | 550 KB
October 2023
PDF | 935 KB
This science summary gives an easy-to-understand snapshot of the Dunstan rohe, looking at things like land use, waterways, soil, climate, and biodiversity to help guide local environmental planning.
November 2022
PDF | 656 KB
November 2023
PDF | 747 KB
May 2023
PDF | 30 MB
February 2021
PDF | 4 MB
November 2022
PDF | 708 KB
May 2023
PDF | 8 MB
October 2022
PDF | 985 KB
2017
PDF | 1 MB
October 2022
PDF | 3 MB
March 2024
PDF | 160 KB
November 2023
PDF | 1 MB
January 2020
PDF | 1 MB
June 2020
PDF | 3 MB
September 2019
PDF | 12 MB
July 2020
PDF | 869 KB
August 2022
PDF | 1 MB
January 2023
PDF | 367 KB
January 2023
PDF | 780 KB
January 2023
PDF | 1 MB
November 2023
PDF | 583 KB
July 2023
PDF | 523 KB
June 2023
PDF | 502 KB
May 2023
PDF | 6 MB
February 2021
PDF | 749 KB
November 2021
PDF | 563 KB
January 2020
PDF | 30 MB
September 2019
PDF | 12 MB
January 2021
PDF | 501 KB
January 2003
PDF | 9 MB
January 2016
PDF | 13 MB
January 2020
PDF | 141 KB
June 2023
PDF | 315 KB
December 2021
PDF | 259 KB
March 2017
PDF | 1 MB
March 2024
PDF | 3 MB
September 2016
PDF | 8 MB
July 2020
PDF | 981 KB
March 2023
PDF | 1 MB
September 2022
PDF | 4 MB
July 2020
PDF | 9 MB
July 2021
PDF | 2 MB
May 2021
PDF | 9 MB
May 2021
PDF | 3 MB
May 2021
PDF | 3 MB
January 2022
PDF | 4 MB
March 2021
PDF | 650 KB
October 2019
PDF | 381 KB
September 2021
PDF | 1 MB
May 2008
PDF | 4 MB
February 2017
PDF | 187 KB
June 2023
PDF | 599 KB
October 2020
PDF | 908 KB
May 2021
PDF | 580 KB
January 2016
PDF | 2 MB
September 2023
PDF | 294 KB
October 2023
PDF | 1 MB
June 2023
PDF | 711 KB
February 2024
PDF | 4 MB
The Waianakarua River rises in the Horse Range and Kakaunui Mountains in North Otago. The catchment is 262 km2 consisting of extensively grazed grasslands and scrub, native forest, and plantation forestry. Land use in the lower catchment is more intensive, with dairy farms operating near the mouth of the river and on the South Branch upstream of State Highway 1 (SH1).
October 2023
PDF | 274 KB
The purpose of this memo is to provide advice to the Policy Team regarding the practicality, benefits, challenges, and methodology for lake water accounting.
May 2024
PDF | 5 MB
This report provides the physical habitat model details for three habitat models for the Arrow River.
June 2024
PDF | 2 MB
October 2024
PDF | 1 MB
This memo describes the methods used to calculate the days when nine Otago rivers would have had restrictions on the water available for irrigation during the irrigation season based on the new minimum flows proposed for these catchments in the proposed Otago Land and Water Regional Plan.
October 2024
PDF | 4 MB
May 2023
PDF | 1 MB
April 2025
PDF | 932 KB
The purpose of this memo is to assist in the consideration of the current approaches to B-block allocation in catchments with existing supplementary allocation and established flow sites. This memo shows the nature of flow modification in catchments with Schedule 2B supplementary minimum flows and allocation and compares these provisions relative to various flow-sharing ratios.
February 2024
PDF | 3 MB
The purpose of this report is to present information to inform decision making on water allocation and flow management in the Luggate Creek catchment. This includes hydrological information (including flow naturalisation and flow statistics), data on aquatic values (including the distribution of indigenous fish). application of instream habitat modelling to guide flow-setting processes, and consideration of the current state of Luggate Creek compared to the proposed objectives for the Dunstan Rohe set out in the proposed Otago Land and Water Regional Plan
Otago Regional Council undertakes research on nutrient modelling, highlights strategies to reduce nutrient loads, impacts of land use, and advanced modelling techniques for better water quality.
October 2021
PDF | 2 MB
October 2023
PDF | 8 MB
August 2023
PDF | 1 MB
June 2023
PDF | 693 KB
August 2023
PDF | 3 MB
January 2023
PDF | 856 KB
November 2023
PDF | 406 KB
November 2022
PDF | 2 MB
November 2021
PDF | 1 MB
August 2021
PDF | 4 MB
This report describes the equations and parameterisations for models that can be used to predict the effects of different nutrient loads in 20 Otago coastal hydrosystems, along with predicted current eutrophication state.
November 2022
PDF | 366 KB
January 2023
PDF | 212 KB
June 2022
PDF | 657 KB
Development of the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) requires the science team to develop a range of management scenarios to improve water quality across the Otago region. The purpose of these scenarios is to estimate the possible improvements in water quality that are achievable for a given set of interventions. The scenario modelling will be used by the ORC Policy Team to highlight the scale of intervention required to give effect to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management and as a tool to guide proposed LWRP management options and rules.
August 2022
PDF | 4 MB
August 2022
PDF | 3 MB
November 2023
PDF | 222 KB
ORC publishes research and strategy documents to help understand the geography and fluid dynamics of our rivers.
Channel morphology, river channel morphology or river morphology are all terms used to describe the shapes of river channels and how they change in shape and direction over time.
Because river channels are affected by the water flow and sediment movement, you may also want to view our publications on water quality, water quantity or soils.
April 2016
PDF | 1 MB
How bank erosion varies within catchments and the variable effectiveness of riparian interventions.
February 2010
PDF | 291 KB
Understanding the channel morphology and sedimentation characteristics of Otago’s rivers enables their effective management. The Otago Regional Council (ORC) undertakes scheduled cross-section surveys of selected rivers as part of its river monitoring programme. This information is used to understand the dynamic fluvial processes of the river and to establish the general state of the river’s channel morphology and gravel resource. The ORC has completed a study of the Cardrona River and the information contained in this report notes the main findings of the more comprehensive technical report Channel Morphology and Sedimentation in the Cardrona River.
October 2010
PDF | 1 MB
An analysis of channel morphology and sedimentation in surveyed reaches of the Kakanui River and Kauru River has been undertaken using aerial photography, cross-section surveys and relevant documentation. This information can be used to support assessment of community vulnerability and river management.
July 2008
PDF | 1 MB
Channel morphology and sedimentation in the Lower Clutha has previously been monitored using cross-section surveys at a limited number of sites from Beaumont bar downstream to the sea. Cross-section monitoring points are introduced here to extend the analysis of gravel resources upstream from Beaumont bar to Roxburgh dam. Although these are recent additions to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) cross-section monitoring program, previous surveys have been undertaken at many of these sites and this historical information has been collated and assessed in this report.
October 2008
PDF | 448 KB
The Rees River is 41 km long and drains a remote alpine catchment of 412 km2. The majority of the catchment is dominated by foliated semischist deposits derived from undifferentiated volcaniclastic sandstone and siltstone that are highly susceptible to physical weathering. Sediment supplies within the Rees River are primarily derived from the adjacent tributary catchments such as Twelve Mile and Precipice Creeks.
November 2009
PDF | 1 MB
ORC monitors Otago's river morphology and sedimentation through cross-section surveys to manage gravel extraction and flood risks amidst regional growth. This report examines changes in the Shag River's dynamics, offering insights for future river management.
November 2008
PDF | 524 KB
A desktop analysis of channel morphology and sedimentation in surveyed reaches of the Waianakarua River has been undertaken using aerial photography, cross-section surveys and relevant documentation. This information can be used to support assessment of community vulnerability and river management.
May 2016
PDF | 14 MB
This report assesses changes in the morphology of the Cardrona River using visual inspections, aerial and ground photography, and cross-section data collected in 2003, 2007, and 2015. This assessment provides an update on changes in channel morphology that have occurred since the last catchment-wide analysis of long-term trends in 2010 (ORC, 2010).
September 2013
PDF | 2 MB
This report reviews recent changes in the Rees River's channel morphology from Lovers Leap to Lake Wakatipu using cross-section surveys and LiDAR. It updates findings since ORC's 2008 analysis, helping assess flood risk and inform river management decisions.
September 2014
PDF | 2 MB
Changes in the Shag River/Waihemo's channel morphology were evaluated using visual inspections, aerial and ground photography, and cross-section data gathered in April 2009 and October 2013. This assessment updates changes since the 2009 catchment-wide analysis, focusing on significant alterations in channel morphology.
December 2014
PDF | 1 MB
The Waianakarua River's channel morphology changes were assessed using data from visual inspections, aerial and ground photography, and cross-sections collected. This report updates on observed changes since 2008 to guide river management decisions, including gravel extraction, floodwater conveyance, and asset management.
October 2015
PDF | 2 MB
The Kakanui River morphology and riparian management strategy, prepared by ORC with community input, aims to protect recreational, cultural, and ecological values of the riverbeds. It guides sustainable land use and activities, promoting community engagement and effective decision-making for long-term benefit.
May 2016
PDF | 8 MB
The Pomahaka River morphology and riparian management strategy, developed by ORC in collaboration with the local community, aims to preserve the recreational, cultural, and ecological values of the riverbed. It promotes sustainable land use and guides community engagement, informing decisions and activities for long-term environmental benefit.
March 2017
PDF | 1 MB
ORC is developing a river management strategy for the Pomahaka River, akin to the Kakanui River strategy available on their website. This strategy will inform decisions about activities in the river channel and riparian zones, focusing on the main stem from Dusky Forest to Conical Hill, with relevance to surrounding areas.
March 2016
PDF | 1 MB
ORC is developing a river management strategy for the Taieri River, similar to the Kakanui River strategy available on their website. This strategy will guide decisions on activities in the river channel and riparian areas, focusing on the main stem from Hyde to Matarae, with relevance to surrounding areas.
June 2018
PDF | 2 MB
May 2016
PDF | 15 MB
The ORC has developed a Taieri River morphology and riparian management strategy to safeguard its recreational, cultural, and ecological values. This strategy, outlined in accompanying diagrams, directs community, stakeholder, and ORC efforts toward sustainable land use along the river. Residents, workers, and recreational users within the Taieri River catchment are encouraged to support and implement the strategy's principles, objectives, and actions.
June 2018
PDF | 14 MB
June 2018
PDF | 25 MB
ORC's strategy for the Shag River/Waihemo aims to protect its recreational, cultural, spiritual, and ecological values. It guides community, stakeholder, iwi, and ORC actions for sustainable land use along the river. Residents and users in the catchment are encouraged to support its objectives.
Groundwater is a source of recharge for lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It's found underground in the spaces and cracks in the soil, sand, and rock and it moves slowly through geologic formations called aquifers.
October 2023
PDF | 935 KB
This science summary gives an easy-to-understand snapshot of the Dunstan rohe, looking at things like land use, waterways, soil, climate, and biodiversity to help guide local environmental planning.
October 2023
PDF | 644 KB
May 2023
PDF | 8 MB
March 2021
PDF | 12 MB
November 2017
PDF | 4 MB
The groundwater basins in South Otago, including Pomahaka, Clydevale, Wairuna, and Kuriwao, are mainly made up of weathered rock and clay-bound gravels. These basins have aquifers managed as unconfined systems, with different water flow rates and characteristics. Changes in management and protection measures are suggested based on these findings.
July 2014
PDF | 1 MB
The Otago Region Council (ORC) is responsible for managing Otago’s water resources on behalf of the Crown and the community. The basin investigations that ORC conducts from time to time for the 20-plus groundwater areas around Otago are important building blocks in delivering informed water resource management.
March 2014
PDF | 1 MB
The purpose of this report is to investigate the flows required to maintain the habitat of the fish species in the Benger Burn and to recommend a sustainable allocation limit for the Ettrick Basin Aquifer.
October 2012
PDF | 1 MB
The Cromwell Terrace Aquifer, close to Lake Dunstan, is an important water source formed from merging gravel terraces. The aquifer's water level rose significantly after Lake Dunstan was created in 1993. Testing showed that water moves easily through the aquifer in the Cromwell area.
October 2012
PDF | 1 MB
South Dunedin was originally coastal land reclaimed for urban use, with a shallow water table close to the surface, comprising sandy aquifers connected to the sea, making it susceptible to rising sea levels, as confirmed by recent drilling investigations and groundwater modeling.
September 2012
PDF | 1 MB
The Alexandra groundwater basin includes four aquifers situated in glacial outwash, alluvial fans, or flood plains, with the Earnscleugh Terrace and Dunstan Flats aquifers originating from glacial outwash but differing in their proximity to the Clutha River.
March 2012
PDF | 1 MB
This study has successfully used the aerial geophysical data to delineate groundwater drilling targets in the Ida Valley. Exploratory drilling into the Tertiary sediments has shown the existence of productive groundwater-bearing horizons in the south-western part of the Poolburn catchment.
December 2011
PDF | 1 MB
Rainfall is a primary source of groundwater replenishment in Otago, with this report estimating recharge for 13 groundwater basins to inform allocation assessments in the Regional Plan: Water, utilizing a soil moisture model with data from NIWA and Landcare Research, archived in ORC's Hilltop database.
December 2010
PDF | 1 MB
The Bendigo-Tarras groundwater basin faces increasing demand for irrigation water in its dry climate. Groundwater is found within Quaternary and Tertiary sediments, with varying permeability levels. Geophysical data, including cross-sections and spatial maps, helped define the basin's depth and identify low permeability silts underlying the area.
2010
PDF | 1 MB
The Bendigo-Tarras groundwater basin faces increasing demand for irrigation water in its dry climate. Groundwater is found within Quaternary and Tertiary sediments, with varying permeability levels. Geophysical data, including cross-sections and spatial maps, helped define the basin's depth and identify low permeability silts underlying the area.
August 2010
PDF | 3 MB
This technical study assesses environmental impacts using available data, offering insights for future policy decisions following comprehensive public consultation on socio-economic factors. Groundwater pumping in the Lower Taieri Basin.
December 2009
PDF | 402 KB
This summary covers the context and findings of an investigation that was conducted in 2008 and 2009 for the Lower Taieri Basin.
April 2009
PDF | 465 KB
The council monitors 101 bores throughout the region. The water quality results vary depending on location, age and depth of the bore and connection with surface water.
April 2009
PDF | 703 KB
Groundwater levels (groundwater hydrographs) give a good indication of the state of groundwater quantity. Looking for long-term trends in the groundwater levels indicates if a system is reaching its sustainable abstraction limit.
December 2008
PDF | 419 KB
Otago Regional Council (ORC) manages groundwater quality in terms of its responsibility under the Resource Management Act and has been monitoring ambient groundwater quality in groundwater intensive areas throughout Otago since 1995.
December 2008
PDF | 1 MB
The groundwater bearing volcanic marine sediments surrounding Oamaru have been classified under a variety of names and hydrogeological schemes. This study has chosen to group the variously associated sediments, such as tuff, limestone, basalt, siltstone and diatomite, into a single aquifer unit named the North Otago Volcanic Aquifer (the Aquifer).
December 2006
PDF | 802 KB
This report summarises knowledge about groundwater in the Ettrick Basin, and recommends the introduction of integrated water management to achieve sustainable management of both the aquifer and to provide protection of the Benger Burn.
August 2006
PDF | 2 MB
This report provides an analysis of groundwater quality monitoring in the Kingston and Glenorchy areas over the 2002-2003 period, as well as results of preliminary groundwater investigations by J K Lindqvist Research for the Otago Regional Council during 1996-1997. Houses in Kingston have individual wells for water supply whereas Glenorchy has a community water supply now, which is sourced from one well adjacent to the Buckler Burn.
October 2005
PDF | 1 MB
This report summarises knowledge about groundwater in the Alexandra Basin and recommends further work focused on improving water allocation.
December 2023
PDF | 25 MB
March 2021
PDF | 12 MB
May 2023
PDF | 8 MB
June 2024
PDF | 4 MB
This report provides an overview of the current natural and regulatory context that will inform the development of the Toitū Te Hakapupu – Pleasant River Catchment Management Plan (CMP).
May 2023
PDF | 56 MB
Otago Regional Council (ORC) has commissioned Lincoln Agritech Ltd to undertake the development of a groundwater conceptual model and numerical transient modelling of groundwater flow in the Hāwea Basin, Queenstown Lakes District.
October 2023
PDF | 2 MB
This memorandum summarises the main Policy recommendations stemming from Lincoln Agritech’s Hāwea Basin transient numerical groundwater flow modelling report (LAL, 2023).
November 2023
PDF | 3 MB
This document describes the Hawea Model report
November 2023
PDF | 1 MB
June 2024
PDF | 1 MB
If you or your business work with concrete, lime or cement products, this guide helps you to make sure your activities do not result in air, land or water pollution.
October 2023
PDF | 2 MB
This memorandum summarises the main Policy recommendations stemming from Lincoln Agritech’s Hāwea Basin transient numerical groundwater flow modelling report (LAL, 2023).
May 2023
PDF | 56 MB
Otago Regional Council (ORC) has commissioned Lincoln Agritech Ltd to undertake the development of a groundwater conceptual model and numerical transient modelling of groundwater flow in the Hāwea Basin, Queenstown Lakes District.
November 2023
PDF | 3 MB
This document describes the Hawea Model report
June 2024
PDF | 706 KB
Groundwater contamination is a serious risk that can result in significant adverse health, environmental, and economic effects.
May 2022
PDF | 5 MB
March 2023
PDF | 6 MB
November 2022
PDF | 23 MB
November 2023
PDF | 132 KB
October 2023
PDF | 1 MB
November 2023
PDF | 747 KB
August 2023
PDF | 538 KB
November 2022
PDF | 708 KB
October 2022
PDF | 985 KB
October 2022
PDF | 3 MB
August 2021
PDF | 4 MB
This report describes the equations and parameterisations for models that can be used to predict the effects of different nutrient loads in 20 Otago coastal hydrosystems, along with predicted current eutrophication state.
2004
PDF | 3 MB
August 2023
PDF | 1 MB
March 2022
PDF | 2 MB
June 2022
PDF | 11 MB
May 2023
PDF | 508 KB
State of the Environment monitoring in Pleasant River Estuary to assess trends in the deposition rate, mud content, and oxygenation of intertidal sediments.
June 2023
PDF | 8 MB
NIWA study of sediment sources which have led to dense algae, low oxygen, and mud buildup in the the Pleasant River Catchment and Estuary.
2025
PDF | 3 MB
The current report describes the results of annual sediment plate monitoring undertaken in November 2024 in 11 estuaries in Otago. From north to south these are: Shag, Pleasant River (Te Hakapupu), Waikouaiti, Blueskin Bay, Pūrākaunui, Kaikorai, Akatore, Tokomairiro, Catlins (Pounawea), Tautuku, and Waipati River (Chaslands) estuaries
July 2023
PDF | 867 KB
August 2023
PDF | 5 MB
July 2022
PDF | 3 MB
June 2022
PDF | 2 MB
The report places the Otago wetlands in a national context, describes the types and diversity of wetlands in the region, and provides an account of wetlands in each of the Freshwater Management Units and Rohe developed for the Otago Region.
July 2007
PDF | 296 KB
This publication gives an overview of the Upper Taieri River Scroll Plain, which is protected by the Otago Regional Council as a "significant wetland"
August 2024
PDF | 1 MB
This report sets out a framework and methods for monitoring wetlands in Otago as part of the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM 2020; Ministry for the Environment, 2020). The core objectives of the NPS-FM are to ensure the health and well-being of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems; the health needs of people; and provision for social, economic, and cultural well-being.
August 2023
PDF | 981 KB
In this report, we outline the monitoring and reporting requirements in the NPS FM 2020, summarise attempts elsewhere in New Zealand to select wetlands for monitoring, and present variables that could be used to structure a prioritisation framework for monitoring wetlands.
August 2023
PDF | 5 MB
This report gives a brief overview of the current understanding of the vegetation of the Upper Taiari Scroll Plain and presents results of a new vegetation survey (2022–2023). We discuss how these data can be used as a baseline for ongoing monitoring of wetland condition and trend changes to fulfil requirements under the NPS-FM and associated regulations.
July 2024
PDF | 2 MB
Otago Regional Council (ORC) contracted Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research to design and implement vegetation monitoring for four regionally significant wetlands.
September 2021
PDF | 875 KB
Guidance to support the interpretation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020.
October 2022
PDF | 550 KB
January 2017
PDF | 4 MB
January 2017
PDF | 3 MB
January 2017
PDF | 2 MB
November 2023
PDF | 747 KB
November 2022
PDF | 656 KB
November 2022
PDF | 708 KB
October 2022
PDF | 985 KB
October 2022
PDF | 3 MB
May 2024
PDF | 288 KB
Technical advice elucidating circumstances in which stock grazing can be allowed to manage natural wetland values, including whether this differs based on the type of wetland and/or the type of stock.- Implications of Porps Decisions Wetland Grazing
Explore comprehensive insights on the cultural, natural, and recreational values of water. How do we interact with the different bodies of water in Otago? What social values are influenced by the state or access of our water? Research and publications on Social Values help us understand the connections.
March 2021
PDF | 11 MB
February 2021
PDF | 4 MB
December 2016
PDF | 2 MB
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) commissioned Versus Research to understand residents' values and perceptions about water in Otago. The research aimed to clarify key water values, engage the public on what matters most about the region's rivers, streams, and coasts, and understand perceptions of water quality. Residents highlighted important attributes such as availability for future generations, access for everyone, healthy ecosystems, suitability for recreation, and natural aesthetic qualities, which were highly rated across all waterbodies.
December 2017
PDF | 2 MB
March 2022
PDF | 274 KB
June 2022
PDF | 13 MB
May 2017
PDF | 2 MB
March 2023
PDF | 437 KB
August 2018
PDF | 1 MB
January 2009
PDF | 2 MB
May 2023
PDF | 17 MB
The survey showed that Waipati River Estuary is overall in a healthy state. It's one of the few estuaries in Otago with a natural transition from salt marsh to freshwater wetland to indigenous forest.
June 2023
PDF | 5 MB
Tahakopa Estuary is in a healthy state overall, with a catchment boasting a considerable area of indigenous forest, despite some areas developed for farmland and exotic forestry.
March 2023
PDF | 447 KB
June 2022
PDF | 7 MB
June 2022
PDF | 19 MB
August 2022
PDF | 43 MB
June 2021
PDF | 5 MB
March 2022
PDF | 283 KB
July 2023
PDF | 6 MB
June 2021
PDF | 22 MB
June 2023
PDF | 5 MB
April 2008
PDF | 2 MB
June 2018
PDF | 5 MB
June 2019
PDF | 1 MB
May 2018
PDF | 3 MB
June 2020
PDF | 12 MB
June 2022
PDF | 32 MB
June 2023
PDF | 5 MB
March 2023
PDF | 381 KB
July 2020
PDF | 11 MB
May 2018
PDF | 3 MB
June 2019
PDF | 1 MB
To assess the impact of future changes on Tokomairiro Estuary, ORC asked NIWA to evaluate its eutrophication susceptibility using the NZ Estuary Trophic Index.
June 2018
PDF | 5 MB
November 2009
PDF | 1 MB
Otago Regional Council State of the Environment Report
November 2023
PDF | 1 MB
June 2023
PDF | 8 MB
January 2009
PDF | 1 MB
June 2021
PDF | 16 MB
July 2015
PDF | 9 MB
April 2023
PDF | 766 KB
June 2022
PDF | 41 MB
March 2023
PDF | 508 KB
State of the Environment monitoring in Pleasant River Estuary to assess trends in the deposition rate, mud content, and oxygenation of intertidal sediments.
June 2022
PDF | 7 MB
May 2017
PDF | 4 MB
May 2017
PDF | 3 MB
May 2018
PDF | 1 MB
March 2023
PDF | 398 KB
March 2007
PDF | 5 MB
August 2016
PDF | 6 MB
Characterisation of the hydrodynamics and investigation of the influence of summer low flows on the physical and chemical condition of the estuary.
May 2017
PDF | 2 MB
March 2023
PDF | 339 KB
