A scientific project gets under way on Monday to understand more about Tairāwhiti’s groundwater.
The project involves surveying underground aquifers — areas of natural underground water storage where water flows in and is stored below the ground between rocks and sediment. The surveying will be undertaken by helicopter, using aerial electromagnetic (AEM) technology to “see” under the ground.
Aqua Intel Aotearoa (a partnership between GNS Science and Kānoa, funded by the Provincial Growth Fund) is working with Gisborne District Council to plan the survey, in discussion with Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou, Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust, Te Aitanga a Māhaki Trust and Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust.
The survey starts in the north of the region, around Wharekahika/Hicks Bay, Te Araroa, Waiapu and Tolaga Bay later in the month, subject to suitable weather.
Surveying of the Poverty Bay flats aquifers will happen after that.
