Ecological Monitoring

In addition, ecological monitoring is undertaken of 82 lakes in the region, on a rotational basis (a selection of these lakes are surveyed each year), by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). In 2008-09, six lakes were monitored as part of this programme.

Lakes in the programme are ranked according to their ecological value, i.e., how many native or endangered plant and animal species they contain, the absence of pest species and how close the lake is to its natural state. Of the 82 lakes in the programme, 30 are ranked as having low value, 21 as having moderate value, 14 high value and 17 are ranked as having outstanding value.