This FMU focuses solely on groundwater from the Deep Moutere Aquifer and the Waimea Deep Moutere Aquifer. These aquifers extend out into Tasman Bay, in the areas from offshore of Motueka, round to Cable Bay. While you can only see this FMU when water is extracted from the aquifer, the 'health' of this FMU is critical to people who live and work in the Waimea plains and Moutere area, and the rural industry in those areas.

Issues identified for this FMU include: maintaining aquifer recharge and pressure, avoiding saltwater intrusion, maintaining coastal spring flows and limited data.

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. People have access to water for use within the natural characteristics and limits of the aquifer.

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.

It is 2040, sustainable and integrated land and water management practices protect the ecosystem health and natural character and pressure of our aquifers, and provides for our agriculture, commercial and industry sectors.

It is 2055, our communities and livelihoods are resilient to our changing climate and drought hazards 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 protected and maintained the quality and quantity of freshwater, enabling sustainable use for generations to come.

Note: Text in brackets are values from engagement round 2 that have been merged into the associated value.

Value Type	Values applying in FMU	Values not applying in FMU
Compulsory National Values	Ecosystem Health	Native fish spawning Human Contact Mahinga Kai Threatened Species
Other National Values	Natural form and character (including Natural state) Irrigation, cultivation and production of food and beverages Animal drinking water Commercial and industrial use Drinking water and supply	Wai tapu Transport and tauranga waka (including Navigation) Hydro-electric power generation Fishing (including Trout habitat and spawning) Gravel aggregate resource
Other Community Values	Resilience to climate change Kaitiakitanga / stewardship (including Respect for water, Education and research sites)	Public access (including Aesthetics; Infrastructure, Flooding and erosion management; Drinking from nature)

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.