New Zealand's top independent conservation body isn't happy about how Government's proposed waterways clean up has been presented. Photo: NZ HeraldNew Zealand's leading independent conservation body says most rivers and streams are excluded from Government's new goal to have 90% of New Zealand's rivers swimmable by 2040. Forest and Bird released a series of maps today which, it claims, shows the majority of rivers and streams won't be covered by any swimmability standard under the Government's proposed new water quality measures. There are 450,000kms of mapped streams and rivers in New Zealand, but only 10% (45,000km) are covered under Government's proposed new National Policy Statement on Freshwater. He also said the vast majority of small streams will be improved by the requirements to be put on larger bodies of water.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 03, 2017 20:13 UTC