Water

Our stunning rivers, lakes and aquifers are essential to life, but they're under threat.

Our freshwater resources are in crisis

Currently, more than 60% of our monitored river sites are too polluted to swim in, one-third of our lakes are unhealthy, and two-thirds of our freshwater fish are at risk.

It's no wonder that water is the top environmental issue for New Zealanders.

Unfortunately, this trend won't reverse itself. Our rivers, lakes and aquifers face increased pollution risks, especially from intensive agriculture, and increased demand from irrigation, industry and urban use.

Rivers you can swim in

The Government has recently proposed new water quality objectives, but they are too weak and won't do enough to clean them up. We need to see stronger rules for water quality that will ensure our rivers are clean and safe for swimming.

Take action in our campaign for swimmable rivers, and tell them that we want rivers we can swim in.

Dirty Water Tour

The Dirty Water Tour visited some of New Zealands worst affected streams, lakes and rivers and highlighted the need for water rules that will make a difference. Check out more about the tour and find out about some of our dirty rivers.

Our plan for healthy waterways

The Green Party has a plan to make our rivers and lakes clean enough to swim in again. We will:

1. Set standards for clean water
2. Introduce a fair charge for irrigation water
3. Support water clean-up initiatives

Read more | See our one page summary or full plan