Find the latest Otago river water flow and levels on our Environmental Data Portal.
Environmental Data PortalFind the latest Otago river water flow and levels on our Environmental Data Portal.
We are developing a Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) in partnership with Kāi Tahu whānui, and with feedback from the greater Otago community.
Join the kōrero on the proposed direction of the Plan to care for Otago's lakes, rivers and streams and guide the activities that impact them.
We have a summary of proposed new rules and regulations that we encourage you to look over:
The Dunedin & Coast Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) spans more than 1,000 square kilometres, from just south of Karitāne to the mouth of the Clutha/Mata-Au. Dunedin city is the largest urban area and has the largest population in Otago.
Average rainfall is 738mm per year. Main catchments are the Waitati River, Leith Stream and Kaikorai Stream catchments within Dunedin city and the Tokomairaro (Tokomairiro) River in the south. Except for Tokomairaro River catchment, many are short river or stream catchments, some associated with estuaries and/or wetlands, especially where the Taieri River cuts through.
The area has a marine-temperate climate and outstanding features, including natural coastal landscapes like the Otago Peninsula; ecological values, such as the cloud forests of the Leith and Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary; healthy estuaries like Hoopers/Papanui, Blueskin, Akatore, Pūrākaunui; wetlands like Swampy Summit Swamp; notable wildlife such as the hoiho, northern royal albatross, seals, sea lions, red-billed gulls and black-billed gulls; and healthy marine habitats. It is also home to threatened species, including lamprey in coastal streams.
Māori settlement dates back to around 1250 AD, with moa supporting a growing population. The Otago Harbour and rivers, estuaries and lagoons in the Dunedin coastal area were significant mahika kai (gathering resources) that supported numerous Kāi Tahu settlements.
The whaling industry, then the gold rush in the mid 1800s, attracted many Europeans (mainly Scottish) and led to the establishment of Dunedin city.
Freshwater policies for the Dunedin & Coast FMU can affect environments beyond the FMU boundary. Hence the rest of the Dunedin city area (including Mosgiel and the surrounding area up to Middlemarch, which are part of the Taieri FMU but are less than an hour’s drive from Dunedin city centre) are combined with the Dunedin & Coast FMU when presenting socio-economic information. This combined area is referred to as Dunedin and surrounds.
In 2018, the Dunedin and surrounds area was home to around 130,000 residents (or nearly 60% of Otago’s population). In the 12 years between 2006 and 2018, the population increased by 7% (or 8,100 people). This is lower than the increase for the Otago region (+16%) and New Zealand (+17%). Most residents (nearly 80%) live in Dunedin City centre area, while the remainder are split between Mosgiel and the surrounding area (10%), and smaller towns and rural areas (10%).
Nearly two in three Otago residents’ livelihoods directly rely on the water resources in this FMU, from domestic water consumption and discharge to commercial and industrial water use and discharge.
The economy in Dunedin and surrounds is more diverse than other parts of the Otago region. Residents mostly work in tourism-related industries, health care and social assistance, education and training, construction, or public administration and safety. Employment in the primary sector is relatively small, providing around 2% of jobs. The large residential population and approximate two million visitors annually (pre-COVID 19) are increasing the pressure on water use (water takes and discharges of pollutants or contaminants to water) and its infrastructure.
An understanding of Māori history and the Māori economy is essential for developing policy and assessing its impact. Pre-European Māori history shapes today’s Aotearoa, and the Māori economy is integral to the national economic system. ORC is partnering with Aukaha and Te Ao Marama to develop an overview of Kāi Tahu history and economy.
The Dunedin & Coast FMU has a marine-temperate climate and many outstanding features, including the natural character and form of coastal landscape (e.g., Otago Peninsula), ecological values including forests (cloud forests of the Leith and Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary), healthy estuaries (e.g., Hoopers/Papanui, Blueskin, Tokomairaro, Akatore, Purakaunui), wetlands (e.g., Swampy Summit Swamp), notable wildlife (e.g., hoiho, northern royal albatross, seals, sea lions, red-billed gulls, black-billed gulls), and healthy marine habitats. It is also home to threatened species (e.g., lamprey in coastal streams).
The main land use in the Dunedin & Coast FMU is plantation forestry (28%). A significant portion of this FMU is used for dry stock farming, including sheep and beef (19%), mixed sheep, beef and deer (4%), beef (5%) and sheep farming (8%). Dairy farming takes up close to 8% of the area, and around 7% is for urban use.
Notable trends in land use change over the past 30 years are an increase in dairy farming by 38%, public conservation estate by 55%, plantation forestry by 19%, and urban land use by 4%. Dry stock farming has decreased by 14%, although it remains one of the main land use activities in the FMU.
Brown soil covers 48% of the area, and Pallic soil covers 39%. This includes the north and south of Dunedin city and most of the Tokomairaro catchment. Brown soils are well-drained with moderate permeability and found mostly in plantation forests. Pallic soils have poor drainage and moderate to slow permeability and are mainly used for high-producing grasslands. Melanic soils are mainly around the Otago Harbour, are well-drained, and have moderate to rapid permeability.
Surface water use in this area is relatively low. To the north of the FMU, Dunedin city water supply includes water take consents on the Leith and Waitati catchments, but these takes are now only for emergency supply and are not currently used. Most of the city’s water supply comes from the neighbouring Taieri FMU. In the southern part of the FMU, surface water is used for dairy sheds and stock water, mining and landfill activities, rural domestic water supply, and a small amount of irrigation.
Water quality is monitored at eight river and stream sites, and ecological monitoring is at three river sites in the FMU.
This monitoring shows high bacteria and nutrient concentrations at every site other than the Waitati River. Nutrient concentrations are highest in the urban streams.
The Water of Leith, Kaikorai Stream and Tokomairaro all have degrading nutrient concentrations over the long term but have improved in the the last 10 years.
Of the four sites monitored for aquatic health, two (Kaikorai and Lindsay’s Creek) do not meet the required standard for the Macroinvertebrate Community Index (MCI). This is likely to be because of the urban environment.
Dunedin has large areas of hard surfaces for parking, which require a network of stormwater drains. These drains discharge contaminants, which often have high bacteria and nutrient concentrations, into local rivers and streams.
Dunedin & Coast FMU Water Quality State and Trends Technical Report
LAWA Macroinvertebrate Community Index (MCI)
Groundwater use is low. The primary groundwater resource is the Tokomairaro Groundwater Management Zone, which is mainly used for domestic supply, stock water, irrigation, and dairy sheds. The consented allocation is a small proportion of the current Mean Annual Recharge. This FMU has only one monitoring bore, which generally shows good groundwater quality, with low E. coli and nitrates.
Dunedin is known as the “wildlife capital of New Zealand” due to the rare and endangered species near the city and has areas of outstanding biodiversity, including the Otago Peninsula, a renowned wildlife and eco-tourism destination, and Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a wildlife reserve with rare species including forest birds, reptiles, and plants.
Rare and threatened freshwater ecosystems within the FMU include lagoons, dune slacks, estuaries, and wetlands. These ecosystems are often threatened by land use change and invasive species. We know little about the extent and/or condition of these ecosystems.
The Dunedin & Coast FMU has many species that depend on freshwater habitats, including fishes, invertebrates, plants and birds, among which are 44 threatened species. Native freshwater fishes are three non-migratory galaxias, four migratory galaxias (whitebait), two eel and five bullies. The lamprey and all non-migratory galaxias in this FMU are threatened.
Freshwater invertebrates are koura, shrimp, and mussels. Threatened freshwater-dependent plants are Crassula peduncularis and Carex strictissima.
Many native birds depend on freshwater ecosystems as permanent or mobile residents, including the threatened Australasian bittern and the at-risk black-billed gull. We lack information at a species level, particularly for freshwater invertebrates, non-vascular plants and algae.
Exotic fishes are goldfish, perch and four salmonids. Many native freshwater species are under threat and continue to decline.
Natural wetlands in the Dunedin & Coast FMU are mainly associated with estuaries and lower reaches of rivers and streams. Flaxlands are the most common wetland vegetation type with oioi restiad rushland widespread in coastal wetlands and carex in upland areas. The wetlands are generally small and scattered along water courses and around the coast. The Okia Flat wetland and the Tokomairaro River Swamp are the largest wetland systems, both over 170 hectares.
Within the Dunedin & Coast FMU 16 sites are recognised as Regionally Significant Wetlands. These are presently classified as swamp (8 sites), several grading to salt marsh (2), marsh (4) and bog (1).
Starting with the bog site, the flat crest of Swampy Summit (48 hectares) holds several tarns with margins of sphagnum bog grading to tussock and shrubland. The substrate is peat, which in places is exposed as dried, wind-eroded surfaces that reveal subfossil stumps of a former pink pine woodland, as well as quartz pebbles derived from moa gizzard stones. These are both indications of the bog’s history and changes over time for its flora and fauna.
There are also bog communities in stream heads to the east of Swampy Summit, in basins that have up to six metres of peat, along with communities of sphagnum, carex sedgelands, mountain flax, surrounded by subalpine scrub and regenerating cedar cloud forest.
One other bog site is recognised: Black Swamp, an isolated six hectare dome of peat on a ridge crest inland from Milton. This site has wire rush, sphagnum and sedge communities, and heath scrub of manuka and dracophyllum in surrounding farmland.
Coastal wetland sites that have not yet been identified in the Dunedin & Coast FMU are those of Pūrākaunui Inlet and Blueskin Bay (including the Orokonui arm).
The latitudinal distribution limits of plants are interesting – for example, species that are more common in northern New Zealand come south only as far as they can tolerate the cold, so sea rush (Juncus kraussii), reaches itssouthern limit in Pūrākaunui Inlet, and the tall sedge Bolboschoenus caldwellii at Tomahawk Lagoon.
This FMU has seven estuaries, with natural or modified ecosystems depending on surrounding land use. The Tokomairaro and Kaikorai estuaries are the most affected by sedimentation and increases in nutrients due to upstream land use and are in a “fair” and “poor” state, respectively.
The Kaikorai Estuary has experienced high modification and habitat loss due to urban development. The Blueskin Bay catchment is less modified, with native and plantation forests and low-intensity agriculture. Because of this, the estuary is in a “good” state, although it is vulnerable to habitat loss and modification of estuary margins.
Papanui and Hoopers inlets both have large seagrass beds — a good sign of estuarine health. However, like all estuaries, they are susceptible to human activity and vulnerable to modification.
The Dunedin & Coast FMU also contains several coastal lagoons. Little is known about most of these ecosystems. The Tomahawk Lagoon is a regionally significant wetland and wildlife sanctuary under stress from nutrient and habitat alteration. It experiences harmful algal blooms.
This summary provides an overview of the provisions relating to the Dunedin and Coast Freshwater Management Unit (FMU). This includes environmental outcomes, target attribute states and area-specific rules and limits. The rules and limits are in addition to those in the region-wide rules covered in the other summaries.
If you are unsure of any particular terms, there is a glossary of terms.
Overview of content updates:
In its new Land and Water Regional Plan ORC must set environmental outcomes for the freshwater values identified in the Dunedin and Coast FMU. An environmental outcome statement describes the desired future state that communities in the Dunedin and Coast FMU and tangata whenua would like to see for a specific value.
The environmental outcome statements are very similar across all FMUs and rohe in Otago, which reflects the fact that the aspirations that tangata whenua and the different communities have for the environment are largely consistent across the region. Table 1 sets out the draft environmental outcomes for the Dunedin and Coast FMU.
Value |
Environmental Outcomes for Dunedin and Coast FMU |
Attributes to measure and monitor
|
NPS-FM compulsory values (apply to every FMU/rohe) |
||
Ecosystem health |
Freshwater bodies support healthy freshwater ecosystems with thriving habitats for a range of indigenous species, and the life stages of those species, that would be expected to occur naturally. |
Rivers: Ammonia Nitrate Suspended fine sediment E. Coli Dissolved reactive phosphorus Periphyton Macroinvertebrates (MCI/ASPM) Fish IBI E. Coli primary contact sites Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score*¹ Deposited fine sediment* Dissolved oxygen* Ecosystem metabolism*
Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Total nitrogen Total phosphorus Ammonia Cyanobacteria* Submerged plants (natives)* Submerged plants (invasive)* Lake-bottom dissolved oxygen* Mid-hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen* |
Human contact |
Water bodies are clean and safe for human contact activities and support the health of people and their connections with water bodies. |
Rivers: E. Coli Suspended fine sediment Periphyton E. Coli primary contact sites Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Cyanobacteria (Biovolume cubic millimetres per litre) |
Threatened species |
The freshwater habitats of threatened species are protected and support the persistence and recovery of threatened species over time. |
All the attributes listed for Ecosystem Health above.
Recency of presence National conservation category and status Regional conservation category and status Number of sub-populations |
Mahika kai (food and resource gathering) |
Mahika kai resources are restored to a condition in which populations of valued mahika kai species are self-sustaining and plentiful enough to support cultural take. Mana whenua are able to safely access, harvest and use these resources now and in the future. |
All the attributes listed for Ecosystem Health above.
|
Other values (apply to every FMU/rohe) |
||
Natural form and character |
Freshwater bodies and their riparian margins, and any connected receiving environment including any estuaries and hāpua (lagoon) are able to behave in a way that reflects their natural form and character to the greatest extent practicable, and the natural form and function of unmodified water bodies is protected. |
Rivers: Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score* Deposited fine sediment* Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a)* Cyanobacteria* Submerged plants (natives)* Submerged plants (invasive)* Lake-bottom dissolved oxygen* Mid-hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen* |
Drinking water supply |
Provided the health and wellbeing needs of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems are met, source water from water bodies (after treatment) is safe and reliable for the drinking water supply needs of the community. Activities do not introduce or increase the concentration of contaminants in water, so that, after existing treatment, it no longer meets drinking water standards |
Information available soon. |
Wāhi tūpuna (sites of significance to iwi) |
Cultural associations with wāhi tūpuna are maintained, visible, and whānau are able to access, use and relate to wāhi tūpuna now and in the future. |
Information available soon. |
Fishing |
Fish are safe to eat; and Insofar as it is consistent with the protection of indigenous and threatened species, the spawning and juvenile rearing waters for trout and salmon are provided for. |
Rivers: E. Coli Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Nitrate Suspended fine sediment Macroinvertebrates (MCI/ASPM) Fish IBI Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score*
Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Cyanobacteria (Biovolume cubic millimetres per litre)* |
Irrigation, cultivation and production of food and beverages |
Provided the health and wellbeing of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems and human health needs are met, the cultivation and production of food, beverages and fibre is enabled. |
Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Water quantity |
Wetlands |
Wetlands are protected, and their ecosystem health, indigenous biodiversity, and hydrological functioning is restored where degraded. |
Information available soon. |
Taoka species (treasured species) |
Thriving, connected habitats for indigenous species are restored and sustained for ever and their mauri is intact. |
Information available soon.
|
Values that apply to specific FMU |
||
Commercial and industrial use |
Provided the health and wellbeing of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems and human health needs are met, commercial and industrial activities are enabled. |
Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Water quantity |
¹*Asterisk indicates that the baseline state of these compulsory attributes is not known, but monitoring is now being undertaken.
Attributes are indicators that we can measure and monitor. Attributes tell us about the state of a river or lake. A target attribute state (TAS) is the state that an attribute must achieve to make sure that an environmental outcome is met. The timeframe for achieving the TAS for each FMU is set by the environmental outcomes for the FMU. For the Dunedin and Coast FMU, the environmental outcomes are to be achieved by 2040. By monitoring attributes and comparing their baseline state with their TAS we learn how well how well we are on track towards achieving the environmental outcomes for this FMU.
While the environmental outcome statements are largely consistent across Otago, baseline states and TAS are usually specific to each FMU and rohe. Attributes for each value and baseline states for those attributes have been identified along with trends derived from the Otago Regional Council's State of the Environment (SoE) monitoring data.
The baseline state and TAS for the Dunedin & Coast FMU are in the map below.
Zoom into an area and view the various locations of proposed monitoring sites in an area(s).
Select the yellow dot representing a proposed monitoring site to see the Target Attribute States.
You can further select the Target Attribute States table to view a larger version of the table.
(Note: If you are on a mobile device, tap on the arrow next to the 'X' icon for the table to show.)
National direction requires Council to set limits as rules or action plans (as appropriate) to achieve the environmental outcomes. This can be done at a region-wide level or at FMU/rohe level. The draft region-wide rules are set out in different chapters, including Primary Production, Wastewater Management, Stormwater Management, Earthworks and Drilling, Environmental Flows and Limits (Water Quantity) and various others. However, for the Dunedin and Coast FMU a number of specific rules are proposed that are needed to make sure the environmental outcomes for this FMU are achieved overtime. These additional rules, which will be included in the Dunedin and Coast FMU chapter of the new Land and Water Regional Plan, are shown in the table below.
Contaminants of concern |
Draft LWRP |
Rivers:
Groundwater:
|
|
The Dunedin and Coast FMU chapter will also include take limits and environmental flows and levels for rivers, lakes and aquifers in this FMU.
Take limits reflect the total quantity of water that can be taken, dammed or diverted from a stream, river, lake or aquifer. Once the combined rate of take for all consented water takes, diversion or damming activities from a water body matches this take limit no further water can be allocated in new consents.
Environmental flows (for rivers or streams) or environmental levels (for lakes and aquifers) include minimum flows or levels that when reached all consented (and some permitted) takes, diversions and damming activities must cease. These restrictions on water taking, diversions or damming activities typically occur during dry periods and are needed to make sure after important values, such as threatened fish, drinking water supply or mahika kai (food and resource gathering) values, are looked after.
Environmental levels and take limits for the lakes in the Dunedin and Coast FMU are shown in the table below.
Given its high values and uniqueness, it is proposed that a narrative take limit is set for Tomahawk Lagoon. This limit will prohibit any new takes, damming or diversions that could impact water levels in this lagoon (except for takes that are permitted under the Resource Management Act 1991). As there are currently no consents for the taking, damming or diversion of water from the lagoon, the prohibition will ensure that this water body will continue to behave naturally.
The Dunedin and Coast FMU also contains three controlled lakes or reservoirs: the Ross Creek Reservoir, Sullivans Dam and the Southern Reservoir. Because these reservoirs are located within the Water of Leith and Kaikorai Stream catchments, any takes from these reservoirs will be subject to the take limits that apply to these river catchments, and water levels of these reservoirs will be managed by the environmental flows that apply to these catchments.
Name |
Environmental level(s) |
Take limit (l/s) |
Further allocation available (estimate based on best available information) |
Natural lakes (unmodified) |
|||
Tomahawk Lagoon |
Natural minimum water level |
Narrative - no new taking, diversions, damming or discharges from the lake or upper catchment |
No |
Controlled lakes |
|
||
Ross Creek Reservoir (Water of Leith catchment) Sullivans Dam (Water of Leith catchment) |
Lake level managed by the minimum flow of the Water of Leith (tbc) |
Subject to the take limit of Water of Leith |
No |
Southern Reservoir (Kaikorai Stream catchment) |
Lake level managed by the minimum flow of Kaikorai stream (tbc) |
Subject to the take limit of Kaikorai Stream catchment |
No |
Environmental flows and take limits for the Dunedin and Coast FMU’s rivers are shown in the table below. Take limits and environmental flows are often set as a percentage of the 7-day Mean Annual Low Flow (7-day MALF). The 7-day MALF is a flow statistic that provides an indication of how low the flow gets in a typical year.
For smaller rivers or streams with a mean flow of 5,000 l/s or less, such as Orokonui Creek or Otokia Creek, a total take limit is set as 20% of 7-day MALF. For larger rivers with mean flow of more than 5,000 l/s, such as the Tokomairiro River, a larger take limit is set at 30% of the 7-day MALF.
Restrictions on water takes, diversions and damming activities in catchments of smaller rivers or streams are triggered when flows are at 90% of the 7-day MALF, whereas for larger rivers these restrictions do not kick in until flows are at 80% of the 7-day MALF.
Table 4 provides estimates of the actual minimum flows and take limits for different catchments based on the default method using the best available information to determine the 7-day MALF of each catchment. The numeric minimum flows and take limits will not be included in the LWRP. Instead, the LWRP will refer to the relevant % of 7-day MALF.
Name | Environmental flow (l/s) | Take limit (l/s) | Further allocation available (estimate based on best available information) |
River catchments with a mean flow ≤ 5,000 l/s and managed by default limits
|
|||
Abernethys Creek |
92 |
20 |
Yes |
Akatore Creek |
373 |
83 |
Yes |
Alexanders Creek |
90 |
20 |
Yes |
Battery Creek |
105 |
23 |
Yes |
Baynes Creek |
126 |
28 |
Yes |
Big Creek |
335 |
75 |
Yes |
Bull Creek |
107 |
24 |
Yes |
Carey's Creek |
129 |
29 |
Yes |
Coutts Gully Stream |
11 |
2 |
Yes |
Craigs Creek |
124 |
28 |
Yes |
Drivers Creek |
199 |
44 |
Yes |
Fern Stream |
258 |
57 |
Yes |
Finnies Creek |
123 |
27 |
Yes |
Flax Stream |
224 |
50 |
Yes |
Jennings Creek |
123 |
27 |
Yes |
Johnstons Creek |
55 |
12 |
Yes |
Jones Creek |
0 |
0 |
No |
Kaikorai Stream |
118 |
26 |
Yes |
Mabel Creek |
174 |
39 |
Yes |
Morris Creek |
200 |
44 |
Yes |
Nobles Stream |
138 |
31 |
Yes |
Okia Creek |
171 |
38 |
Yes |
Omimi Creek |
407 |
91 |
Yes |
Orokonui Creek |
116 |
26 |
Yes |
Otokia Creek |
251 |
56 |
Yes |
Purakaunui Creek |
159 |
35 |
Yes |
Reids Stream |
5 |
1 |
Yes |
Roberstons Creek |
229 |
51 |
Yes |
Rocky Valley Creek |
403 |
89 |
Yes |
Shagree Creek |
15 |
3 |
Yes |
Smiths Creek |
155 |
35 |
Yes |
Stewarts Creek |
126 |
28 |
Yes |
Styles Creek |
212 |
47 |
Yes |
Taylors Creek |
138 |
31 |
Yes |
Thomson Creek |
302 |
67 |
Yes |
Tomahawk Creek |
163 |
36 |
Yes |
Tomahawk Lagoon |
200 |
44 |
Yes |
Wangaloa Creek |
500 |
111 |
Yes |
Washpool Creek |
548 |
122 |
Yes |
Weipers Creek |
184 |
41 |
Yes |
River catchments with a mean flow > 5,000 l/s and managed by default limits
|
|||
Tokomairiro River |
407 |
152 |
Yes |
For the Waitati River and Water of Leith river catchments the Otago Regional Council proposes to set interim take limits and environmental flows according to the default method above. These will be implemented through the resource consent replacement process. However, prior to this resource consent replacement process Council will assess whether there is a need to set bespoke minimum flows and take limits for these rivers through a plan change process. Given the current level of water use and allocation, these rivers will in effect be either fully allocated or over-allocated and any new taking of water will not be available.
Table 5 provides estimates of the actual minimum flows and take limits for different catchments based on the default method using the best available information to determine the 7 day MALF of each catchment. The numeric minimum flows and take limits will not be included in the LWRP. Instead, the LWRP will refer to the relevant % of 7-day MALF.
Name |
Environmental flow (l/s) |
Take limit (l/s) |
Further allocation available (estimate based on best available information) |
River catchments where default limits will be set as interim limits to be given effect to at the time of consent renewal, unless bespoke limits are set |
|||
Waitati River |
270 |
60 |
No |
Water of Leith |
294 |
65 |
No |
For river catchments where a transition may be needed to achieve the environmental outcomes of the catchment and phase out over-allocation, it is proposed to set a common consent duration expiry date for any new consent granted under the LWRP framework, the proposed common catchment date for rivers where this will apply in the Dunedin and Coast FMU is 2030.
The Dunedin and Coast FMU contains one known aquifer, the Tokomairiro Plain Groundwater Management Area.
For this aquifer a take limit will be set based on a proportion (35%) of the aquifer’s mean annual. National direction requires Otago Regional Council also to set environmental levels for this aquifer. The Otago Regional Council does not have sufficient groundwater level monitoring data to set environmental levels in the Land and Water Regional Plan when it will be notified. Therefore, environmental levels for the Tokomairiro Plain Groundwater Management Area will be set at a later date.
Table 6 provides an estimate of the actual takes limit for the aquifer based on the default method using the best available information to determine the aquifer’s Mean Annual Recharge (MAR). The numeric take limit will not be included in the LWRP. Instead, the LWRP will refer to the relevant % of the MAR.
Name |
Environmental level(s) |
Take limit (volume in m³/year) |
Further allocation available (estimate based on best available information) |
Aquifers managed by default limits
|
|||
Tokomairiro Plain Groundwater |
Not required to be included in the new LWRP at this time |
3,605,000 |
Yes |
Outstanding water bodies are water bodies that have one or more outstanding values. National direction requires the Otago Regional Council to identify outstanding water bodies and protect their important values. The table below lists the outstanding water bodies in this FMU and describes their outstanding values.
Below is a map featuring all the water bodies in Otago.
You can zoom in and view the various water bodies in an area(s).
Water bodies are shown in a blue colour. Select an area to view the water body name.
(Note: if you are on a mobile device, after selecting a water body, tap on the arrow next to the 'X' icon to view more information.)
Unique identifier |
Site identifier |
Values and characteristics |
Ecology |
||
ECL39 |
Tokomairaro River |
|
ECL40 |
Ōkia Wetland Management Area |
|
ECL41 |
Whawha-raupō / Swampy Summit Swamp |
|
ECL42 |
Aramoana Saltmarsh |
|
ECL43 |
Akatore Estuary |
|
ECL44 |
Makahoe/Papanui Inlet |
|
ECL45 |
Blueskin Bay Estuary |
|
Physical |
||
PHY21 |
Ross Creek water supply dam, Ōtepoti |
The first major water supply in Aotearoa. The earth dam was opened in 1867.
|
PHY22 |
Akatore gorge and estuary |
Outstanding example of a narrow, deeply incised gorge cut through uplifted coastal block opening out into fault-controlled estuary.
|
PHY23 |
Tokomairaro salt meadow |
Possibly the largest and best developed high-tidal salt meadow in Aotearoa, cut by deeply incised intertidal channels. Fills lower 1km section of small tributary on north side of Tokomairaro estuary mouth.
|
PHY24 |
Blueskin Bay Quaternary tidal flats and coastal features |
Best Holocene and good Late Pleistocene section in Otago. Also important as location of many carbon dated shells used to construct Aotearoa’s sea level curve. Tidal flats, low bluffs and cuttings around Blueskin Bay.
|
PHY25 |
Pūrākaunui Inlet |
An easily accessible, almost pristine example of a small, drowned valley forming an intertidal estuary with a sand dune barrier across the entrance. A steep-sided inlet with salt meadows and salt marshes around the fringes. A wide barrier spit composed of numerous longitudinal dunes almost closes off the entrance to the estuary.
|
PHY26 |
Makahoe/Papanui Inlet drowned valley |
|
PHY27 |
Hoopers Inlet drowned valley |
|
Recreation |
||
None identified. |
||
Natural character |
||
None identified. |
||
Natural features and landscapes |
||
LAN55 |
Aramoana Saltmarsh |
|
LAN56 |
Makahoe / Papanui Inlet |
|
LAN57 |
Hoopers Inlet |
|
Contact your FMU's Catchment Advisor for advice and assistance on sustainable land management practices that protect Otago’s waterways.
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