Waikato River Independent Scoping Study Project Statement

The Waikato River Independent Scoping Study aims to determine priority actions and costs to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River for future generations. It will provide a sound and objective basis on which to determine a comprehensive clean-up programme for the Waikato River over the next 30 years.

The scoping study covers the Waikato River including its tributaries, wetlands and lakes from the Huka Falls to Te Puuaha o Waikato and is a key component of the Waikato-Tainui Deed of Settlement that reflects a commitment by Waikato-Tainui and the Crown to enter a new era of co-management over the Waikato River.

The scoping study is nationally significant because it represents the most comprehensive co-management agreement established between iwi and the Crown. The integration of Waikato River iwi maatauranga Maaori and western science is a crucial component of the scoping study that will also provide an internationally significant example of integrating the values and worldviews of an indigenous people with western science and culture.

The scoping study is governed by the Guardians Establishment Committee (GEC), a group that was established as part of the Waikato-Tainui settlement to develop a Vision and Strategy to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River (www.river.org.nz). The GEC is made up of Crown and River iwi representatives.

The Ministry for the Environment commissioned the one-year scoping study on behalf of the Crown and River iwi. The project commenced on 18 May 2009 and is being delivered by a team led by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and includes specialists from AgResearch, Beca Group Ltd, Diffuse Sources Ltd, Nimmo Bell & Company Ltd and Tipa and Associates. The multidisciplinary team consists of scientists, social scientists, farming systems specialists, economists, engineers, and planners.

The scoping study is made up of four phases including an initial planning Phase. Phase 2 will identify a baseline and indicators of health and wellbeing for the Waikato River catchment. Phase 3 will establish a list of potential rehabilitation actions and will also determine the methodology for assessing the impact of these against the baseline. The final phase of the study (Phase 4) will assess the actions to determine a list of costed priorities and options for a clean-up programme.

For further information on the scoping study please contact Dr Caroline Read, Ministry for the Environment, waikatostudy@mfe.govt.nz Tel: 04 439-7676.