Freshwater Situation in 2023: An Update
In a recent report titled "Our Freshwater 2023", the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ (Statistics New Zealand) have provided a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Aotearoa New Zealand's freshwater environment. The report, which uses a framework of pressure, state, and impact, aims to shed light on the challenges facing our freshwater resources and the impacts on various aspects of life, including the economy, recreation, and gathering food (mahinga kai).
The freshwater environment is central to Maori culture, encompassing tikanga Maori, maatauranga Maori, and mahinga kai. For many Maori, these water bodies hold significant cultural and spiritual value, and their degradation can impact the ability to maintain, develop, and transmit traditional Maori knowledge and practices.
One of the key issues highlighted in the report is the pressure on freshwater resources due to human activities. This includes the removal of water for irrigation, nutrient leaching, altering habitats of native species, and increased pressure on mahinga kai, recreation, and drinking water supplies. These activities have resulted in around half of Aotearoa New Zealand's rivers and lakes having moderate or severe issues due to pollution or nutrient enrichment, causing harm to ecosystems and our ability to use rivers and lakes for activities like swimming.
Health risks are also associated with contaminated drinking water and toxic algal blooms in Aotearoa New Zealand's freshwater environment. Some aquifers are affected by pollution, which harms our ability to safely use them for drinking water.
Despite these challenges, some freshwater bodies are in a reasonably healthy state. Spending time in freshwater environments can provide wellbeing benefits, including reduced fatigue and stress, improved immune system function, and increased fitness.
Climate change is another significant factor affecting Aotearoa New Zealand's freshwater environment. It is likely to shift the ranges of freshwater species, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Climate change will also affect the amount of water in soils and the storage and flows of water in lakes, rivers, groundwater, and glaciers.
The Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ also produce other reports in their Environmental Reporting Series, including "Our Land 2024", which focuses on the impacts of land use. The reports aim to provide evidence for open and honest conversations about the choices made in managing and responding to the impacts of activities on the environment.
In te ao Maori, different water bodies have associated taonga species and kaitiaki that protect the mauri of the wai. The freshwater environment is a holistic system that connects landscapes, ecosystems, and people. However, poor water quality, pest plants and animals, and artificial structures like culverts disrupt species migration in Aotearoa New Zealand's native ecosystems.
Some indigenous taonga freshwater species such as kanakana/piharau and kaakahi are threatened with extinction, and many others are at risk. The degradation of Aotearoa New Zealand's freshwater environment can impact the ability to maintain, develop, and transmit traditional Maori knowledge and tikanga Maori, and access mahinga kai.
Aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand's economic wellbeing are linked to the environment, including infrastructure, effects of flooding and droughts in urban and rural areas. The freshwater environment is affected by pressures from human activities, including agriculture, horticulture, forestry, urban expansion, and discharging urban wastewater to rivers and lakes.
The "Our Freshwater 2023" report provides a valuable resource for understanding the current state of Aotearoa New Zealand's freshwater environment and the challenges it faces. It serves as a call to action for all New Zealanders to work towards preserving and protecting our freshwater resources for future generations.
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