Proposed Values

What have we heard so far from the community?

In our first round of community engagement, we asked what you valued about freshwater and received almost 400 comments relating to values. Around 20% of these were values applied across the whole Marlborough region, an additional 41% related specifically to the Wairau FMU.

Combining these values with existing values, for example with those recognised in the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan, other sources of information relating to values and active restoration projects. Eighteen key values have been identified by the community so far for the Wairau FMU.

1. Ecosystem Health - Healthy freshwater ecosystems sustaining indigenous aquatic life expected in the absence of human disturbance or alteration.
2. Human Contact - Waterbodies support people being able to connect with the water through a range of activities, including swimming, paddling, tubing, kayaking, boating, jet boating, jet skiing, fishing, mahinga kai and food gathering. The quality of freshwater entering into the coastal marine environment at the Wairau Diversion does not affect people being able to undertake surfing.
3. Threatened Species – Critical habitats and ecosystem health necessary to support the presence, abundance, survival, and recovery of a population threatened species. Species specifically identified for the Wairau FMU – further information to come.
4. Mahinga Kai - Kai is safe to harvest and eat and the mauri of the place is intact. Mahinga kai generally refers to freshwater species that have traditionally been used as food, tools, or other resources. It also refers to the places those species are found and to the act of catching or harvesting them. Customary resources are available for use, with customary practices able to be exercised to the extent desired, and tikanga and preferred methods able to be practised. Transfer of knowledge can occur about the preparation, storage and cooking of kai.
5. Natural form and character – The very high natural character of the Upper Wairau River (from source to Bull Paddock Stream), the Branch River (above the weir), the Leatham and the Goulter Rivers. The high natural character of the Upper Wairau River between Bull Paddock Stream to Branch River, Wye River, Top Valley Stream, Onamalutu River and Taylor River above the dam.
6. Drinking Water – The groundwater of the Wairau Aquifer and other freshwater bodies withing the Wairau FMU are used for drinking water supply for communities within the FMU including Blenheim, Renwick and Wairau Valley municipal supplies. The groundwater within the Tuamarina Catchment within the Wairau FMU is used for drinking water supply for the Picton and Waikawa municipal supply situated in the Marlborough Sounds Complex FMU.
7. Wai tapu - Places where rituals and ceremonies are performed, or where there is special significance to tangata whenua.
8. Transport and Tauranga waka - Places where waka and watercraft are launched and appropriate places for waka to land.
9. Fishing - Trout and salmon where they are currently present, including the Argyle Pond.
10. Hydro-electric power generation - The Branch River Power Scheme including the Argyle Pond and Waihopai Power Station.
11. Animal Drinking Water – Water quality and quantity meets the needs of farmed animals, including being palatable and safe.
12. Irrigation / Cultivation / Production of Food and Beverages – Water quantity is suitable for irrigation needs, including supporting the cultivation of food and beverage crops, the production of food from farmed animals, non-food crops such as fibre, and pasture. The South Valleys Irrigation Scheme (SVIS) provides irrigation water to horticultural, farming and rural residential properties.
13. Commercial and Industrial Use – Water quality and quantity can provide for commercial and industrial activities providing economic opportunities for people, business and industries, including the Riverlands and Cloudy Bay Industrial Estates.
14. Recreation and Amenity - The outstanding natural features and landscape of the upper Wairau River Valley. The Wairau River and its margins including Spring Creek High Amenity Landscape. The Wairau Dry Hills Amenity Landscape and the Outstanding Natural Feature of the Wairau Lagoons. Recreational activities can take place adjacent to waterways, that do not involve direct water immersion, including walking, biking, camping, picnicking, and four-wheel driving.
15. Access – Public access to waterbodies and their margins is maintained and enhanced, subject to landowner permission if access over private land is required and except in circumstances where public health and safety, ecological or cultural values are at risk. Access is maintained to waterbodies easily accessible to the community including Taylor River, Wairau River, Waihopai River, Omaka River, Spring Creek.
16. Groundwater – The Wairau Aquifer and other aquifers within the Wairau FMU. The connection between the Wairau River, Wairau Aquifer and the Wairau Plain Springs.
17. Flood Management – Rivers can perform their natural function of moving water from the headwaters and land to the ocean, particularly when in flood. Flood damage is minimised.
18. Gravel – Removal of gravel in areas where it is building up assists in reducing flood damage. Gravel is available and valued as a resource for the construction and maintenance of roads and use by other industries.

The second round of engagement sort to confirm these values and ensure that there were no other values that needed to be identified. The freshwater policy team will use this second round of feedback to firm up each FMUs community freshwater values.

Next steps