A major new Government report is painting a concerning picture of the state of freshwater in Aotearoa, warning many rivers, lakes and aquifers remain under significant pressure.

The Our Freshwater 2026 report highlights ongoing degradation across parts of the country, driven largely by land use, pollution and climate change. It finds that while some waterways are in reasonable condition, many continue to show declining water quality and ecosystem health.

Nutrient pollution, particularly from agriculture and urban runoff, remains a key issue, contributing to algal growth and reduced water clarity. Excess levels of contaminants such as nitrogen, phosphorus and bacteria are still being recorded in many monitored sites.

The report also points to growing pressure on freshwater ecosystems, with native species and habitats increasingly affected by changes in water quality, flow and temperature.

Climate change is adding to the strain, with shifting rainfall patterns, more frequent droughts and extreme weather events expected to impact both water availability and quality in the years ahead.

Freshwater remains central to life in Aotearoa, supporting drinking water, food production, recreation and cultural practices. For Māori, waterways are a taonga, closely tied to identity, wellbeing and tikanga.

The report notes that efforts are underway to improve outcomes, including new national policies and planning processes aimed at restoring waterways and putting the health of water first.

Regional councils are required to have updated freshwater plans in place by 2026, guided by the principle of Te Mana o te Wai, which prioritises the health and wellbeing of water above all other uses.

Despite these efforts, the report warns progress is uneven and that stronger, more coordinated action will be needed to reverse long-term damage and protect freshwater for future generations.

The findings reinforce growing concern that without sustained intervention, the health of Aotearoa’s freshwater will continue to decline, with consequences for communities, ecosystems and the wider environment.

OUR FRESHWATER 2026 – SUMMARY

The Our Freshwater 2026 report paints a mixed but concerning picture of the state of Aotearoa’s freshwater, highlighting ongoing degradation, uneven progress, and growing pressure from climate change and land use.

1. Water quality remains under pressure

• Many rivers and lakes are still polluted or degraded, particularly in areas with intensive agriculture and urban development.
• High levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus continue to affect waterways, contributing to algal growth and poor ecosystem health.
• A significant proportion of monitored sites exceed recommended guidelines for water quality.

2. Ecosystem health is declining

• Freshwater ecosystems, including native fish and invertebrates, are under stress due to pollution, habitat loss, and altered river flows.
• Some waterways show signs of severe ecological degradation, particularly where land use pressures are highest.

3. Increasing pressure from land use and agriculture

• Farming, especially intensive land use, remains a major driver of freshwater pollution through runoff and sediment.
• Urban growth is also increasing demand on water resources and contributing to contamination.

4. Climate change is worsening the outlook

• Changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and more frequent droughts are putting additional strain on water availability and quality.
• Future demand for water is expected to increase, intensifying competition between environmental, cultural, and economic uses.

5. Freshwater is culturally and socially critical

• Freshwater is a taonga for Māori, central to identity, wellbeing, and tikanga.
• Declining water quality has direct impacts on drinking water, recreation, food gathering, and community health.

6. Management system faces challenges

• Responsibility for freshwater management sits largely with regional councils, but the system is described as fragmented and inconsistent, with gaps in tools and support.
• National direction is evolving, with ongoing reforms aimed at balancing environmental protection with economic use.

7. Some improvements, but not enough

• There are early signs of improvement in some areas due to policy changes and better practices.
• However, overall progress is slow, and many waterways are not yet on track for recovery.

The report shows Aotearoa still has serious freshwater challenges, with pollution, climate change, and competing demands all putting pressure on rivers, lakes and aquifers.

While action is underway, the system needs stronger, more coordinated effort to protect freshwater for future generations, restore ecosystem health, and uphold its cultural significance.