Water Quality
Mixed reaction to national water regulator
The government's being told the new, national water regulator will need teeth if it's to be effective in delivering on its promise to clean up New Zealand's drinking water. Audio
Wastewater woes: Consent sought for overflows in Queenstown
The purity of lakes in the Queenstown district could be under threat by a resource consent being sought by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to discharge wastewater into the region's freshwater… Audio
Waterways not at acceptable swimmability standard
A judge at the environment court has heard just six of 40 waterways in that part of the nation are at an acceptable swimmability standard. Environmental scientist Roger Hodson joins us to elaborate Audio
When the chips are down
Groundwater scientists are using John Saywell's Canterbury farm to measure how well buried trenches filled with woodchips and bacteria break down nitrates in drainage water. Audio, Gallery
Boil water notice remains in Martinborough, water cannot be chlorinated
Further testing is being carried out in the south Wairarapa town of Martinborough after E coli was detected.
Simon Upton: MP's professional green conscience
MPs have a lot of things on their minds. But to keep them on track on some issues they hire professional consciences. One of them is shaded green. Audio
More Taranaki swimming spots closed because of bacteria
Three more popular Taranaki swimming spots have been issued with health warnings because of elevated E. coli bacteria levels.
Town water supply not yet back to normal in Marton
Residents of the Rangitikei town Marton are being asked to continue conserving water as reservoir levels remain low.
Taranaki swimming hole contamination dismays health officer
The E coli contamination of popular Taranaki swimming spots has saddened the area's medical officer of health.
E coli risk forces closure of Queenstown swimming spot
High levels of E coli bacteria have been found at a popular swimming spot in Queenstown.
Farming nutrient programme can be 'manipulated' - watchdog
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's latest report has focused on a programme used by farmers called Overseer.
Water safety call ahead of regulation review
Local councils are calling for the government to make sure drinking water is safe before pushing on with regulation for the wider sector.
The rights to water: Robin Kundis Craig
Professor Robin Kundis Craig has made it her life's mission to know about all things water - especially how water intersects with law, but also the relationship between climate change and water; water… Audio
'DOC's been missing in action for the last 10 years'
Freshwater ecologist Dr Mike Joy, who is sceptical about recent reports indicating that water quality has improved, says he's happy with the direction the government is headed. He says the… Video, Audio
NZ's freshwater insects, worms and snails under threat - report
Freshwater insects, worms and snails are under pressure, but scientists are divided over what this means for the overall state of our rivers.
The ex-miner bringing Ngāi Tahu sustainability knowledge to Canterbury farmers
For hundreds of years, Māori have strategically tended, harvested and protected food resources around Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) in Canterbury. Today, local farmers are learning these same indigenous… Video, Audio
Mussels on the move
Kākahi or freshwater mussels are being moved to Zealandia sanctuary in Wellington as part of an ambitious restoration project. Audio
Land & Water Forum confident quality will improve
Environment Minister David Parker said the government is planning immediate action on water quality after a report from the Land and Water Forum. But the forum itself is going into abeyance. Hugh… Audio
The ex-university lecturers offering free environmental education
Errol Wood and Kelvin Nicolle believe that the best way for today's teenagers to learn about the environment is to be in the environment. They run environmental outreach programme for school and… Audio, Gallery
Govt expects action over waterways
The government has made it clear that it expects regular progress reports from farmers after it released an action plan to improve water quality.