The freshwater domain encompasses fresh water in all its physical forms. This includes water in rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, wetlands, aquifers (underground layers of water-bearing rock or sand), and glaciers.
The data for the freshwater domain relate only to New Zealand’s two largest islands, and not to Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, the Tokelaus, or smaller outlying islands such as the Kermadecs and Campbell Island.
New Zealand’s fresh water sustains the natural ecosystems of many indigenous species. It provides us with a safe drinking water supply, is used for irrigation, provides recreational opportunities, and produces hydroelectric energy. For Māori, fresh water is a taonga considered essential to life and identity.
Find out about the state of our fresh water, the pressures that contribute to this state, and the impacts on us.
Latest news
See Fresh water domain updates for the latest news on fresh water domain indicators.