Greater Wellington — Water races

Water races are small canal-like waterways found on some properties in the Wairarapa. Water is diverted into them and animals drink from them.

Water races have been part of the landscape for some time now. Over time, they’ve become part of the ecosystem around them – providing homes for fish and aquatic plants, along with vital drinking water for stock.

New water race classifications

Water races don’t meet the definition of a highly modified river or stream under the Natural Resources Plan (NRP).  

Instead, the NRP includes different rules and regulations for water races, based on two new classifications: 

Artificial water race 
Water race that is or used to be a stream.

How do I find out what rules apply to my water race?

To understand what classifications, and related rules, apply to water races on your property:

Use this map to understand how your water race has been classified. Key points about this map:
- Different sections of a water race may be classified differently.
- This map only includes sections of the network classified as a water race. Any sections not showing on the map will likely be captured by the national regulations, which require a 3-metre setback for fencing. Find out more about stock exclusion regulations.
- Best efforts have been made to represent actual water race location on your property. If you have questions about this map or the classification of your water races, please contact your local council.
Read the rules that apply for different activities, provided below.

Rules that apply for different activities

Clearing vegetation

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Different rules apply based on how your water race (or a section of your water race) has been classified.

Type of water race	What you can do	Link to rules
Artificial water race	Although water races aren’t highly modified waterways, we recommend following the Good Practices for Mechanical Management of Highly Modified Waterways (PDF 1.2 MB) when clearing vegetation.	R91
Water race that is, or used to be, a stream	Follow the Good Practices for Mechanical Management of Highly Modified Waterways (PDF 1.2 MB) when clearing vegetation.   If you follow these guidelines, you can remove vegetation without a consent.	R137

Clearing sediment

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Different rules apply based on how your water race (or a section of your water race) has been classified.

Type of water race	What you can do	Link to rules
Artificial water race	Although water races aren’t highly modified waterways, we recommend following the Good Practices for Mechanical Management of Highly Modified Waterways (PDF 1.2 MB) when clearing sediment	R91
Water race that is, or used to be, a stream	A consent may be needed, so please contact us if you’re considering removing sediment from your water race.	Various rules apply

Building culverts and bridges or crossings

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Different rules apply based on how your water race (or a section of your water race) has been classified.

Type of water race	Rules that apply	Link to rules
Artificial water race	Any new culverts, bridges or crossings built must not prevent native fish from passing by, because this disrupts their reproductive cycle. This is a requirement under the the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. In some instances a resource consent will be required. Get in touch with us if you would like advice or are unsure about the rules or any consents you may need. We’re happy to answer any questions you have. You’ll also need approval from your district council, because they need to confirm structures won’t impact maintenance access. Contact them for more information.	Find out more about fish passage
Water race that is, or used to be, a stream	These are permitted activities, but there are some important requirements that apply. Some key considerations are: how big your structure is how it fits in the water race the impact installing it will have on the water race the time of year you want to do this work. Get in touch with us if you are unsure about the rules or any consents you may need. We’re happy to answer any questions you have. You’ll also need approval from your local council. Contact them for more information.	Installing a culvert R126 NES-FW R70 Building a bridge or crossing R125

Type of water race

Rules that apply

Link to rules

Artificial water race 

Any new culverts, bridges or crossings built must not prevent native fish from passing by, because this disrupts their reproductive cycle. This is a requirement under the the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
In some instances a resource consent will be required.
Get in touch with us if you would like advice or are unsure about the rules or any consents you may need. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
You’ll also need approval from your district council, because they need to confirm structures won’t impact maintenance access. Contact them for more information.

Find out more about fish passage

Water race that is, or used to be, a stream 

These are permitted activities, but there are some important requirements that apply. Some key considerations are:
- how big your structure is
- how it fits in the water race
- the impact installing it will have on the water race
- the time of year you want to do this work.
Get in touch with us if you are unsure about the rules or any consents you may need. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
You’ll also need approval from your local council. Contact them for more information.

Installing a culvert

Building a bridge or crossing

R125

Stock exclusion

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Different rules apply based on how your water race (or a section of your water race) has been classified.

Find out more about stock exclusion regulations.

Type of water race	Rules that apply	Link to rules
Artificial water race	Stock exclusion is required. Fencing can be located up to the edge of the flowing water, as long as stock can drink without entering the water race. It’s also important that any fencing or planting doesn’t impact maintenance work that needs to be done by local councils.	See stock exclusion regulations
Water race that is, or used to be, a stream	The National Environmental Standards for Stock Exclusion regulations apply. This means, a 3-metre set back is required for fencing. It’s also important that any fencing or planting doesn’t impact maintenance work that needs to be done by local councils.	See stock exclusion regulations

Fencing and planting advice and support

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For all types of water races, fencing and planting alongside them helps improve water quality and enhance biodiversity by keeping stock out.

Find out more about protecting and restoring waterways.

Advice available to help

We provide advice to help when planting and fencing water races and other waterways, including the most appropriate species to plant and how to manage pest plants. You may also be eligible for support. Email us at: Riparian@gw.govt.nz to find out more.

It’s important that any planting or fencing doesn’t impact maintenance work done by local councils. For further details please refer to the water race codes of practice for your local council:

Pumps, water reticulation and bores

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How we classified water races

We worked alongside Traverse Environmental (formerly Aquanet Consulting) and received feedback from local District Councils to classify water races by:

Analysing existing geo-spatial maps of water races to identify areas that should be classified as “are or used to be streams”
Inspecting areas where more information was needed.