The Buller/Kawatiri FMU includes the upper parts of the Buller/Kawatiri River and its tributaries as well as Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa.

The Buller/Kawatiri River is an Outstanding Freshwater Body with a Water Conservation Order over most of its tributaries in Tasman, protecting its wild and scenic characteristics, wildlife and fisheries values, and recreational and scientific values. The river experiences the largest flood flows in New Zealand and remains the largest water body without damming, free flowing 177km from Lake Rotoiti to the coast near Westport.

Issues identified for this FMU include: water allocation, baleage wrap and rubbish pollution, nutrients, high E.coli, protecting natural character and establishing a native tree corridor, flood management, access to aggregates, protection of wetlands, respect for the waterbody, lack of water quality testing, and the need for a drowning rahui.

The lower Buller/Kawatiri River is managed by the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) as part of the Kawatiri FMU. We aim to work collaboratively to ensure this river system is managed in an integrated way. Therefore, we share the vision below as acknowledgement of this process and the work that has already been undertaken by WCRC.

The draft vision below has been developed based on what we have heard so far in working with local communities and the engagement feedback in 2022 and 2023.

Thanks to all those who gave us feedback. It is important that the vision reflects our shared and diverse views as the vision will direct what the freshwater framework seeks to achieve through the plan.

The draft vision may change based on further feedback we receive through the plan process. We are working through the visioning process with our iwi partners and we will be looking at how our visions can work together in the plan in 2024.

It is 2100, our waterbodies are healthy, connected and resilient where indigenous ecosystems and biodiversity are thriving, providing abundant mahinga kai, food and resource gathering and fishing. All waterbodies and their margins have high natural character and have room to move and adapt.

It is 2035, our land and freshwater management provides for our community’s social, economic and cultural wellbeing. People have access to safe, clean water for drinking, swimming, recreation and cultural uses.

It is 2040, sustainable and integrated land and water management practices protect the ecosystem health and natural character of our aquifers, rivers, lakes, springs and wetlands, and provides for our agriculture, tourism, commercial and industry sectors. Our urban development connects us to our backyard waterbodies.

It is 2055, our communities and livelihoods are resilient to our changing climate, and floods and droughts. We have enabled use of renewable energy and water storage and our food producing areas continue to play an important role for local food security.

We all respect and take responsibility for freshwater health. We value the taonga we are protecting. Through collaboration and innovation we have adapted to new ways of doing things. We have restored, protected and maintained freshwater habitats and the quality and quantity of freshwater, enabling sustainable use for generations to come.

We show great respect and gratitude for the wild and scenic beauty of lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, Kawatiri River and its tributaries. The area is world-renowned for whitewater kayaking, rafting and trout fishing.

Parts of the Buller and its tributaries are outstanding water bodies with protected recreational, fisheries and wildlife habitat, scientific and wild and scenic values.

Note: Text in brackets are values from engagement round 2 that have been merged into the associated value. Values in italics are relevant to the Water Conservation Order for this river.

FMU Map

See the map of this FMU below. An interactive map showing all the Tasman Freshwater Management Units (including aerial photos) is available on our main website here.