Prioritising river values

This project began in 2008 with funding from Envirolink. Funding from this source and elsewhere has resulted in development of the River Values Assessment System (RiVAS), a tool that allows the ranking of different rivers for different values in a region to be made. So far RiVAS applications have been completed for nine values, with two more being worked on.  Details of the method, guidelines for its use and a literature review about related approaches are available as is a recent presentation to Northland Regional Council about the method, its benefits and cost. The Project Manager is Ken Hughey from Lincoln University. A key council contact is Mary-Anne Baker (Tasman District), while a key implementation consultant is Dr Kay Booth.

Applications of RiVAS and RiVAS+:
 

	Four applications have been made to IRRIGATION, first to Canterbury and then latterly to Tasman, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.  One issue has been that for many potentially irrigable areas water can be accessed from a range of sources (including underground) thus making ranking and prioritising induvidual rivers challenging, but not insurmountable.
	Four applications have been made to NATIVE BIRDS to Canterbury, and then latterly to Tasman, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.  While a large number of Canterbury rivers are considered nationally important for native birds, largely because of their braided nature, presence of many threatened and at risk species, only Hawkes Bay contained others considered of national significance.
	Two completed applications of RiVAS and RiVAS+ have been confirmed for NATIVE FISH, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay, One report in draft is for Tasman. It is notable that in all work to date all regions contain a number of river bodies important for native fish, that many water bodies contain ‘threatened or at risk’ species, and that immediate priorities for restoration of native fish can be identified including fencing needs for inanga spawning.
	Marlborough was the first application of RiVAS to NATURAL CHARACTER. Subsequent applications have been completed for Gisborne, Tasman and Hawkes Bay. The first two applications used a 5-point evaluation scale but subsequently the standard 3-point scale has been applied. Typically upper catchments are more highly rated than those lower and more fully developed.
	The very first application of RiVAS was made to SALMONID ANGLING in Tasman. Subsequently it has been applied in Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne. All four regions contain rivers important for salmonid angling.
	SWIMMING is a very popular river-based recreational activity in much of New Zealand, but there is little or no ‘hard’ data about levels or characteristics of use. Manawatu was first to apply RiVAS to swimming followed by Tasman, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. Implementation of the method has helped identify a large number of regionally or locally important swimming spots and key monitoring sites.
	Only one application of RiVAS has been made for ‘WATER USED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES’ and this was in Gisborne. The tool clearly identified key water bodies necessary for potable water supplies.
	Application of RiVAS to TANGATA WHENUA values occurred in Southland. This was a challenging but worthwhile application. Further applications are being made in Tasman and Hawkes Bay but are taking time, largely because of capacity issues.
	West Coast was the first region to apply RiVAS to WHITEWATER KAYAKING, followed by Tasman and Hawkes Bay. All three regions contain important kayaking rivers. RiVAS has helped identify the important rivers but also their key characteristics which is important for management and for kayakers.