The Waimea Freshwater Management Unit includes the Waimea River and its tributaries, the Waimea Community Dam, the aquifers under the Waimea Plains and the coastal catchment areas that flow to the Waimea Inlet.

Richmond is the main population centre. Other towns and villages in the Waimea FMU include, Mapua, Mahana, Brightwater, Wakefield, Foxhill and Belgrove.

Issues identified for this FMU include: water allocation, Waimea Community Dam, nutrients, low dissolved oxygen, pathogen levels, urban stormwater, avoiding saltwater intrusion to the aquifer, sedimentation, jet skis, power boats, float planes, drones, helicopters, wastewater leaks and discharges.

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.

Our urban communities and productive land users protect the interconnected system of waterbodies that feed into the Waimea Inlet and Tasman Bay. The nitrate levels are improving along with the health of the aquifers and spring-fed streams. Urban stormwater is kept clean or treated before entering streams. The Waimea Inlet is vibrant and healthy, teeming with bird life.

The Waimea Plains are included in the vision for 2055.

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 (including Native fish spawning) Human Contact (including Drinking from nature) Mahinga Kai Threatened Species
Other National Values	Natural form and character (including Natural state) Irrigation, cultivation and production of food and beverages Wai tapu Transport and tauranga waka (including Navigation) Hydroelectric generation Fishing (including Trout habitat and spawning) Animal drinking water Commercial and industrial use (including Gravel aggregate resource) Drinking water and supply
Other Community Values	Public access (including Aesthetics) Resilience to climate change (including Infrastructure, Flooding and erosion management) Kaitiakitanga / stewardship (including Respect for water, Education and research sites)

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.