Photo credit: Right, Shelly Hackett; top left, Doug Cole; bottom left, Nina Van Lier
Photo credit: Right, Shelly Hackett; top left, Doug Cole; bottom left, Nina Van Lier

Te tiaki i ō ara rerenga wai, ō repo, ō roto hoki

Looking after your waterways, wetlands and lakes

Having clean fresh water is important to our economy, culture and environment.

Photo credit: Right, Shelly Hackett; top left, Doug Cole; bottom left, Nina Van Lier

Before water flows out to the sea, it goes through a network of waterways including:

  • the surrounding riparian vegetation that intercepts contaminants and sediment
  • lakes that store sediment
  • wetlands that cleanse water flowing from rural and urban land use.

This hydrological network provides fresh water to drink, storage of water during flooding, habitat for native freshwater and terrestrial wildlife and ensures our marine environment remains healthy.

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland's freshwater environments also have significant recreational and cultural value. 

Remember to always check for wāhi tapu (sacred place) and other cultural heritage sites. Our resources below will help you find out how to protect and enhance freshwater habitats for plants and animals.

Caring for waterways

Caring for wetlands and lakes