Ohinemuri catchment – river and streams ecosystem services assessment

Report: TR 2019/25

Authors: Brenda R. Baillie, Richard T. Yao, David J. Palmer (SCION (New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd))

Abstract

The Waikato Regional Council (WRC) is currently undertaking an assessment of ecosystem services (ES) of the freshwater resources in the Waikato Region. This project contributes to the WRC Regional Policy Statement to ensure that the range of ES associated with natural resources are recognised and maintained or enhanced to enable their ongoing contributions to the region’s wellbeing. The first two phases of this project involved a desktop assessment of selected freshwater resources (rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands, including terrestrial geothermal areas) in the Waikato and Waihou River systems to identify, quantify and value (where possible) the freshwater ES. This information is contributing to the development of an on-line interactive map of freshwater ES in the region. This map provides a visual representation of the broader values of freshwater ecosystems, providing an informative and educational service to the general public and supporting policy discussions and planning for on-going improvements in the management of freshwater resources. This is a strategic contribution to the WRC’s mission of “a healthy environment, a strong economy and vibrant communities.”

Ohinemuri catchment – river and streams ecosystem services assessment [PDF, 5.3 MB]