Developing protocols for freshwater monitoring

Since August 2017, a working group has been guiding the development of protocols for freshwater monitoring. The working group, which includes several Advisory Group members, is made up of leaders from organisations that work closely with public in stream monitoring: NZ Landcare Trust, Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, Mountains to Sea Wellington, Wai Care and Nga Mahi te Taiao. The protocols they are guiding will be included in the updated version of NIWA’s Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit (SHMAK). In 2018, the working group has tested the draft protocols with community groups, school groups and land-owners from across the country, and provided feedback.  Based on their feedback, NIWA is refining the protocols and aims to release the updated SHMAK in early 2019. Stay tuned!