New Zealand’s lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coast are places of enjoyment for most of us. However, growing use of these areas has led to an increase in unsightly and dangerous rubbish, erosion, and the spread of plant and animal pests and disease. As our use of these places has increased, the life within them has often diminished. These problems severely threaten water quality and with it our health and safety, the survival of plants and animals, and our enjoyment of this heritage.
Please help protect lakes, rivers, wetlands, beaches and the ocean by following these guidelines on your visit.
Find Out First
Find out and follow the regulations governing recreational use of waterways and access. They are designed to minimise conflict between users and protect everyone’s health and safety.
Stay On Established Tracks and Use Existing Facilities
By using existing facilities, where these are provided, you run less chance of disturbing wildlife and damaging riverbanks and foreshores.
Take Care Of Your Gear
Careless use of equipment can harm wildlife and other users.
Remove Rubbish
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and pollutes water. Plan your visit to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.
Dispose Of Toilet Waste Properly
Improper disposal of toilet waste can contaminate water, damage the environment, and is culturally offensive. Use disposal facilities where provided or bury waste in a shallow hole at least 50 metres away from waterways.
Be Careful With Chemicals
Use chemicals sparingly, and re-fuel with care. Dispose of cooking and washing water well away from the source.
Respect Our Cultural Heritage
Many New Zealand waterways have special cultural, spiritual or historical values. Treat these places with consideration and respect.
Take Only The Food You Need
When taking food from the sea or freshwater, don’t overdo it. Sustain life in our waterways by taking only what you need and no more than the legal limit.
Consider Plants and Animals
Remember we are only visitors to water environments. Other animal and plant species live there all the time.
Consider Other People
Respect other visitors … everyone has the right to enjoy the environment in safety.
Toitu te marae a tane
Toitu te marae a tangaroa
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