Online water tool launches

The tool called Wai map - Ngā wai o Ōtautahi me Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū has been designed to help the community, especially key waterways-focused groups, understand the Council’s water quality measurements. The map shows Christchurch and Banks Peninsula’s seven distinct water catchment areas. 

“The name is fitting, with Wai standing for Waterways Assessment Index and of course wai meaning water in te reo Māori,” says Gavin Hutchison, Christchurch City Council Head of Three Waters. 

“The tool will display data from the previous year’s sampling, along with historic trends to provide broader context. Information also includes whether results exceed environmental thresholds.” 

Mr Hutchison says Community Waterways Partnership (CWP) groups have been keen to access more comprehensive and accessible water quality information. 

“Up until now they relied on either lengthy technical reports or overly simplified grading report cards. The Wai Map presents comprehensive scientific data in a clear, catchment-by-catchment format, making it easier for community groups to understand, engage with, and apply in their own mahi.” 

Work is underway on a second phase of the tool, which will introduce additional ecological indicators to assess overall waterway health. 

The Wai map can be accessed from the Council website or the new Community Waterways Partnership website, which launched at the same time as the water tool. The partnership serves a dual purpose – supporting the individual work of each partner and fostering collective action to enhance the restoration of Christchurch’s waterways. 

Mr Hutchison says establishing an independent website for the partnership demonstrates its commitment to improve the city and Banks Peninsula’s waterways 

“These groups are working together for a future where Ōtautahi waterways are healthy – so we can all connect with, care for, and enjoy them."