Water Quality
Inspired farmers take action to clean waterways
A catchment restoration project in the Marlborough Sounds is bringing a farming community together to tackle water quality issues and achieve wider conservation goals Audio
Farmers help to restore one of New Zealand's most polluted estuaries
Leah Tebbutt heads to Bay of Plenty to find out how farmers are restoring the health of one of New Zealand's most polluted estuaries. Audio
Community concerned about wellbeing of Waiau River
A dispute between the Waiau Rivercare Group in Southland and Meridian Energy over the health and flow levels in the Waiau River has been at a low ebb, but both parties are keen to bridge the gap. Audio
Regenerating stream is great news for Rakaia salmon
It's been 70 years since fresh mountain water rippled through the east branch of Glenariffe Stream in Canterbury's Rakaia Gorge. Now, thanks to a generous bequest, it will soon flow again. Audio
Former Federated Farmers' first female president sets her sights on an international organisation
Katie Milne was the first female National President of Federated Farmers now she is throwing her name into the hat to become the President of the World Farmer's Organisation. Audio
Lake Wanaka nears lowest levels in 30 years
The life blood is draining out of Lake Wanaka - water.
The lake is approaching it's lowest level in almost 30 years - threatening marine life, and worrying local farmers after what has been described… Audio
How to check water quality at summer swimming spots
Karyn speaks to scientist Anna Madarasz-Smith about how water quality is monitored, and what to look out for Audio
Waikato River deteriorating, improvements will take time - report
The water quality of the Waikato River is still deteriorating despite many actions to improve it, a new report reveals.
'Groundswell' exposes rural / urban divide in media
At the biggest national protest for years last week, farmers made it clear they're unhappy with the government and they feel unloved by the country - and the media. The media coverage also revealed a… Audio
Meeting hears concerns over nitrate levels in Canterbury water
More than 100 people turned out at a public meeting to debate the level of nitrates in Canterbury's drinking water.
Marlborough septic tank scheme too costly, say residents
Community groups are appealing a new scheme which aims to stop septic tanks leaking human waste into the Marlborough Sounds.
Ecologist responds to new water rules
There are also new measures to ease the financial impact on farmers. Audio
Native Nursery Supports Local Farmers
A large nursery is flourishing in the old gardens at the back of the meeting house at Takutai o te Titi Marae at Colac Bay in Southland. It was established in 2017 by Riverton man Jade Maguire who… Audio
Can farming survive the push for clean water
The poor quality of our fresh water is a top worry for New Zealanders. But some farmers fear the new proposals might mean their farms are no longer viable. Philippa Tolley investigates. Audio
Wellington coast residents upset with water quality
Wellington's Owhiro Bay residents are fed up after more than two decades of human waste making its way into their local stream and bay. Over 20 years, the bay and it's swimming spots have been opened… Audio
Advances in water treatment and reducing pollutants
Strategies to stop the degradation of waterways and improve drinking water quality, a US-New Zealand collaboration aims to improve water quality and make advances in water treatment options. The… Audio
Govt reveals plan to clean up rivers, lakes and wetlands
The brakes will be put on some rural land development and more pressure put on farmers to protect New Zealand's waterways, as part of a new plan to clean up rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Government turns off the tap for big water news
The government’s handling of an important announcement last Wednesday muddied the waters when it turned off the tap for all media but one.
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