The Tukituki and Ngaruroro rivers run through the Tukituki electorate and local candidates in this year's election have welcomed a pledge made by a farming leaders group this week to commit to improving the water quality of the country's waterways.
The pledge was announced on Tuesday by dairy and sheep and beef industry farming leaders who acknowledged that many rivers were not in good condition, and that the farming community was committed to making them swimmable for future generations.
Tukituki Green Party candidate Chris Perley said the thrust of the commitment was a step in the right direction.
"It makes economic sense - it means you are not only losing your soil and nutrients, you are also positioning yourself to get a higher return for your output.
"Safe, quality food is uppermost in people's minds - this is a step towards being able to differentiate ourselves as being able to offer that quality produce to those discerning markets."