15 ‘outstanding’ water bodies named
Several lakes and rivers on list of 14 with special value
Hawke’s Bay has 15 “outstanding” water bodies, which have been classified as such by an independent panel.
For a water body to be classed as “outstanding” it must contain at least one cultural, spiritual, recreation, landscape, geology, natural character or ecology value which is conspicuous, eminent or remarkable in the context of the Hawke’s Bay region.
It might have amazing landscape, a unique geological feature, a very high number of indigenous birds, be an exceptional place for water-based recreation or have special value for cultural or spiritual reasons.
The list of outstanding water bodies was decided by an independent hearing panel appointed to hear submissions on Proposed Plan Change 7 to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Regional Resource Management Plan. It includes several lakes such as Lake Tu¯tira and Lake Waikaremoana, and rivers like the Tukituki, Tu¯ taekur¯ı and Po¯ rangahau, as well as coastal estuaries and lagoons like Te Whanganui-a-Orotu¯ (Ahuriri Estuary).
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council senior policy planner Belinda Harper said the outstanding water body classification was significant as it ensured they would still be there for generations to come.
“We know these areas are outstanding and it’s important to keep them that way.”
HBRC group manager policy and regulation Katrina Brunton emphasised the council’s commitment
to maintaining and improving all water bodies in the region. She added that even if a water body was not recognised as “outstanding”, it did not mean it was not important to people who live in the region.
The full list of “outstanding” Hawke’s Bay water bodies
● Lakes Rotoroa and Rototuna (the Kaweka Lakes).
● Lake Tu¯ tira (including Lake Waiko¯ piro).
● Lake Waikaremoana.
● Lake Whakak¯ı — Te Paeroa Lagoon — Wairau Lagoon and Wetlands.
● Lake Whatuma¯ .
● Mangahouanga Stream.
● The Mohaka River Mainstem upstream of Willow Flat.
● Ngamatea East Swamp.
● Ngaruroro River upstream of the Whanawhana cableway.
● Taruarau River.
● Po¯ rangahau River and Estuary downstream of the Beach Road Bridge.
● Te Hoe River.
● Te Whanganui-a-Orotu¯ (Ahuriri Estuary).
● Tukituki River downstream of SH50 bridge to the sea, including the estuary.
● Mainstem of the Tu¯ taekur¯ı River upstream of the State Highway 50 Bridge.