Ngaruroro River Water Conservation Order hearing resumes in Napier
A hearing to decide whether the Ngaruroro River should be granted special conservation status has resumed in Napier.
Forest & Bird lodged the application for a Water Conservation Order (WCO) on the river in 2015 alongside co-applicants Fish & Game, Operation Pātiki/Ngāti Hori ki Kohupatiki, Whitewater New Zealand, and Jetboating New Zealand.
A special tribunal heard evidence relating to the upper Ngaruroro River last year, while the hearing starting today will consider evidence relating to the lower section of the river, from Whanawhana to the coast.
Drone footage of the Ngaruroro River, supplied by Forest & Bird
Forest & Bird says it's important the Ngaruroro river is recognised and protected for its outstanding values while other groups, Including Federated Farmers, are arguing the water body does not need special protective status.
"New Zealand has very few rivers like the Ngaruroro," says Tom Kay, Forest & Bird’s Lower North Island Regional Manager.
"It’s one of the only braided rivers in the North Island and is outstanding habitat for native birds and fish."
Threatened bird species reliant on the lower river and estuary include white heron, Australasian bittern, banded dotterel, and the black-billed gull - the world’s most endangered gull.
Mr Kay says the Ngaruroro has very high water quality right through its lower reaches. "Unfortunately, this is really unusual for a lowland river in New Zealand now."
"The Ngaruroro is also popular with Hawke's Bay residents and visitors who swim, raft and kayak in the river every summer," says Mr Kay.
There are 15 water bodies around New Zealand that have Water Conservation Orders for their outstanding values.
The hearing started this morning at the Napier Conference Centre and is due to run for two weeks.
