Lake Tūtira is among 15 Hawke's Bay water bodies which has been recognised as 'outstanding'. Photo / Paul Taylor
Lake Tūtira is among 15 Hawke's Bay water bodies which has been recognised as 'outstanding'. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hawke's Bay has 15 "outstanding" water bodies, which have been classified as such by an independent panel.
For a water body to be classed as "outstanding" it must contain at least one cultural, spiritual, recreation, landscape, geology, natural character or ecology value which is conspicuous, eminent or remarkable in thecontext of the Hawke's Bay region.
It might have amazing landscape, a unique geological feature, a very high number of indigenous birds, be an exceptional place for water-based recreation or have special value for cultural or spiritual reasons.
The list of outstanding water bodies was decided by an independent hearing panel appointed to hear submissions on Proposed Plan Change 7 to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's Regional Resource Management Plan.
It includes several lakes such as Lake Tūtira and Lake Waikaremoana, and rivers like the Tukituki, Tūtaekurī and Pōrangahau, as well as coastal estuaries and lagoons like Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary).
Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, the Ahuriri Estuary, was also among the 15 water bodies recognised for having at least one remarkable cultural, natural or recreational aspect. Photo /NZME
Hawke's Bay Regional Council senior policy planner Belinda Harper said the outstanding water body classification was significant as it ensured they would still be there for generations to come.
"We know these areas are outstanding and it's important to keep them that way.
HBRC group manager policy and regulation Katrina Brunton emphasised the council's commitment to maintaining and improving all water bodies in the region.
She added that even if a water body was not recognised as "outstanding", it did not mean it was not important.
"There are many other rivers, lakes and coastal areas within Hawke's Bay which are of high - but not necessarily 'outstanding' - value to the people who live in this region and tāngata whenua who have special cultural, spiritual, historical and traditional associations with all water bodies."
The full list of "outstanding" Hawke's Bay water bodies is:
• Lakes Rotoroa and Rototuna (the Kaweka Lakes). • Lake Tūtira (including Lake Waikōpiro). • Lake Waikaremoana. • Lake Whakakī – Te Paeroa Lagoon – Wairau Lagoon and Wetlands. • Lake Whatumā. • Mangahouanga Stream. • The Mohaka River Mainstem upstream of Willow Flat. • Ngamatea East Swamp. • Ngaruroro River upstream of the Whanawhana cableway. • Taruarau River. • Pōrangahau River and Estuary downstream of the Beach Road Bridge. • Te Hoe River. • Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary). • Tukituki River downstream of SH50 bridge to the sea, including the estuary. • Mainstem of the Tūtaekurī River upstream of the SH50 Bridge.
