Back to top anchor

Regular GivingMembership

Aerial view of the Ngaruroro river
Credit or caption

Aerial view of the Ngaruroro river. Photo credit - Peter Scott

Protect the Ngaruroro River

Protect the Ngaruroro River

The Ngaruroro River in Hawke's Bay is one of the very few intact braided rivers in the North Island. In the upper reaches the river is pristine, and throughout the entire length of the river the water quality is very high.

New Zealand has very few rivers like the Ngaruroro left.

Five years ago, Forest & Bird and others applied to the government for a Water Conservation Order (WCO) to protect the river. In 2019, a Special Tribunal recommended a WCO for the upper river, but not the lower. We believe the tribunal’s decision is illogical and legally flawed. We have lodged an appeal due to be heard by the Environment Court.

We believe the lower reaches of the river meets the criteria as nationally outstanding for indigenous birds and fish. It’s home to the largest population of tūturiwhatu banded dotterel and black-fronted dotterel in New Zealand. It’s also important for endangered matuku bittern and has the only population of tōrea South Island pied oystercatchers in the North Island.

In February 2021, our tiny in-house legal team will be facing up against a regional council, two district councils, Federated Farmers, Horticulture NZ, and several large commercial wineries.

This case is about one river. But the outcome will set a precedent that will either protect, or threaten, every single braided river in New Zealand.

Nature needs your support

Supporting Forest & Bird is one of the best things you can do for New Zealand's environment. We need people like you to support us, so that nature will always have a voice.

Amount
$