Manuherekia Rohe (Area)

Please note, ORC uses the Kāi Tahu spelling of Manuherekia.

We are developing a Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) in partnership with Kāi Tahu whānui, and with feedback from the greater Otago community.

Join the kōrero on the proposed direction of the Plan to care for Otago's lakes, rivers and streams and guide the activities that impact them.

We have a summary of proposed new rules and regulations that we encourage you to look over.

Previous community consultation

The Manuherekia Rohe community is one of the first we worked with to develop a preferred approach to water and land management. We prioritised this area (along with the Arrow and Cardrona catchments) because it had many expiring deemed permits and policy work had already been done.

Work between the community and ORC started in 2019, with a key partner being the Manuherekia Reference Group, a range of stakeholders that ORC meets with monthly. The reference group represents the wide-ranging interests of the community and helped us develop options for water flow management, which are now being discussed with the wider community (details below).

You can view a summary report of the submissions, as well as the full set of submissions below.

Media release - Summary report on Manuherekia Management Scenarios consultation

May 2021 Manuherekia Management Scenarios consultation document.

Manuherekia Scenarios Consultation report

August 2021 council report

Submissions received

The preferred approach will be drafted into the Manuherekia Rohe chapter of the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan.

The new plan will be notified late 2024. Once this plan is notified, you can make a submission saying what you like or how it could be improved.

About the area

Under national legislation, regional councils must manage waterways at an appropriate scale for setting freshwater objectives and limits.

We have set five Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) and divided the Clutha Mata-Au FMU into five rohe (areas). One of these is the Manuherekia Rohe, which is based on the catchment area of the Manuherekia River.

Economic profile and snapshot

The Manuherekia Rohe is combined with the Roxburgh Rohe and the northern part of the Taieri Rohe when considering socio-economic information. These communities have close economic ties – for example, many residents live in one area and work or spend time in the others. The three areas combined are referred to as the ‘Inland’.

In 2018, the area was home to around 13,000 residents (6% of Otago’s population),an increase of 15% from 2006. The economy of this area depends on the water-reliant agriculture sector (which provides for one in five jobs) and tourism-related industries (15% of all jobs). Administrative services (13%) is the third largest sector in the area, with the sub-category of employment services providing 10% of all jobs. Together, these industries account for around half of the employment in the ‘Inland’ area.

It is important to understand Māori history and the Māori economy when developing policy and assessing its impact. Pre-European Māori history shapes today’ Aotearoa, and the Māori economy is integral to the national economic system. ORC is partnering with Aukaha and Te Ao Marama to develop an overview of Kāi Tahu history and economy.

Science profile

The Manuherekia Rohe sits between the Dunstan Range to the west, the St Bathans Range to the north, the Hawkdun Range and Rough Ridge to the east and the Knobby Range to the South. The Manuherekia River, the rohe’s main water body, flows for 85 km in a south-west direction towards Alexandra where it joins the Clutha Mata-Au River. The rohe stretches over approximately 3,000 km². The climate of the Manuherekia Rohe is semi-arid, characterised by cold winters, warm, dry summers and low rainfall. The area is dominated by pasture grasslands on the flat and gently sloping land, while tussock grasslands are common in the high country. The lower end of the rohe has the urban area of Alexandra, and the settlements of Omakau and Ophir are small but growing.

Proposed new rules and regulations for the Manuherekia Rohe

This summary provides an overview of the provisions relating to the Manuherekia Rohe (area). This includes environmental outcomes, target attribute states and area-specific rules and limits. The rules and limits are in addition to those in the region-wide rules covered in the other summaries.

If you are unsure of any particular terms, there is a glossary of terms.

Recent content updates:

13 October 2023:
- Amended information on cultivation in Table 2 for clarity

11 October 2023:
- Added bespoke limits and additional provisions for environmental flows for Manuherekia river

25 September 2023:
- Added the Manuherekia Rohe boundary map

24 September 2023:
- Added timeframe for achieving the environmental outcomes for target attribute states
- Added information regarding 'matters of control' in table 2

In its new Land and Water Regional Plan ORC must set environmental outcomes for the freshwater values identified in the Manuherekia Rohe. An environmental outcome statement describes the desired future state that communities in the Manuherekia Rohe and tangata whenua would like to see for a specific value.

The environmental outcome statements are very similar across all FMUs and rohe in Otago, which reflects the fact that the aspirations that tangata whenua and the different communities have for the environment are largely consistent across the region. Table 1 sets out the draft environmental outcomes for the Manuherekia Rohe.

Table 1: Draft environmental outcomes

Value	Environmental Outcomes for Manuherekia rohe	Attributes to measure and monitor
NPSFM compulsory values (apply to every FMU/rohe)
Ecosystem health	Freshwater bodies support healthy freshwater ecosystems with thriving habitats for a range of indigenous species, and the life stages of those species, that would be expected to occur naturally.	Rivers: Ammonia Nitrate Suspended fine sediment E. Coli Dissolved reactive phosphorus Periphyton Macroinvertebrates (MCI/ASPM) Fish IBI E. Coli primary contact sites Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score¹ Deposited fine sediment Dissolved oxygen* Ecosystem metabolism* Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Total nitrogen Total phosphorus Ammonia Cyanobacteria* Submerged plants (natives)* Submerged plants (invasive)* Lake-bottom dissolved oxygen* Mid-hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen*
Human contact	Water bodies are clean and safe for human contact activities and support the health of people and their connections with water bodies.	Rivers: E. Coli Suspended fine sediment Periphyton E. Coli primary contact sites Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Cyanobacteria (Biovolume cubic millimetres per litre)*
Threatened species	The freshwater habitats of threatened species are protected and support the persistence and recovery of threatened species over time.	All the attributes listed for Ecosystem Health above. Recency of presence National conservation category and status Regional conservation category and status Number of sub-populations
Mahika kai (food and resource gathering)	Mahika kai resources are restored to a condition in which populations of valued mahika kai species are self-sustaining and plentiful enough to support cultural take. Mana whenua are able to safely access, harvest and use these resources now and in the future.	All the attributes listed for Ecosystem Health above.
Other values (apply to every FMU/rohe)
Natural form and character	Freshwater bodies and their riparian margins, and any connected receiving environment including any estuaries and hāpua (lagoon) are able to behave in a way that reflects their natural form and character to the greatest extent practicable, and the natural form and function of unmodified water bodies is protected.	Rivers: Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score* Deposited fine sediment* Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Cyanobacteria* Submerged plants (natives)* Submerged plants (invasive)* Lake-bottom dissolved oxygen* Mid-hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen*
Drinking water supply	Provided the health and wellbeing needs of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems are met, source water from water bodies (after treatment) is safe and reliable for the drinking water supply needs of the community. Activities do not introduce or increase the concentration of contaminants in water, so that, after existing treatment, it no longer meets drinking water standards
Wāhi tūpuna (sites of significance to iwi)	Cultural associations with wāhi tūpuna are maintained, visible, and whānau are able to access, use and relate to wāhi tūpuna now and in the future.
Fishing	Fish are safe to eat; and Insofar as it is consistent with the protection of indigenous and threatened species, the spawning and juvenile rearing waters for trout and salmon are provided for.	Rivers: E. Coli Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Nitrate Suspended fine sediment Macroinvertebrates (MCI/ASPM) Fish IBI Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score* Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Cyanobacteria (Biovolume cubic millimetres per litre)*
Irrigation, cultivation and production of food and beverages	Provided the health and wellbeing of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems and human health needs are met, the cultivation and production of food, beverages and fibre is enabled.	Rivers: Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Water quantity
Wetlands	Wetlands are protected, and their ecosystem health, indigenous biodiversity, and hydrological functioning is restored where degraded.	Rivers: E. Coli Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Nitrate Suspended fine sediment Macroinvertebrates (MCI/ASPM) Fish IBI Macroinvertebrates (QMCI) score* Lakes: Phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a) Cyanobacteria (Biovolume cubic millimetres per litre)*
Taoka species (treasured species)	Thriving, connected habitats for indigenous species are restored and sustained for ever and their mauri is intact.
Values that apply to specific FMU
Commercial and industrial use	Provided the health and wellbeing of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems and human health needs are met, commercial and industrial activities are enabled.	Rivers: Suspended fine sediment Periphyton Water quantity
Hydro-electric power generation	Existing hydro-electric generation activities are developed, operated, maintained and upgraded in a way that meets the environmental outcomes to the greatest extent practicable.

¹*Asterisk indicates that the baseline state of these compulsory attributes is not known, but monitoring is now being undertaken.

National direction requires Council to set limits as rules or action plans (as appropriate) to achieve the environmental outcomes. This can be done at a region-wide level or at FMU/rohe level. The draft region-wide rules are set out in different briefing papers, including the briefing papers Primary Production, Wastewater, Stormwater, Earthworks, Water Quantity and various others. However, for the Manuherekia Rohe a number of specific rules are proposed that are needed to make sure the environmental outcomes for this rohe are achieved over time. These additional rules, which will be included in the Manuherekia rohe chapter of the new Land and Water Regional Plan, are shown in the table below.

Table 2: Overview of proposed additional provisions for Manuherekia Rohe

Contaminants of concern

Draft LWRP

Rivers

Periphyton (TNTP)

E. Coli

Suspended fine sediment

Groundwater

Arsenic

E. Coli

Consent required for dairy farming and dairy support which allows all activities on farm to be considered in order to require reductions in contaminant losses. Controlled activity status with conditions:
- the dairy farm is existing
- has a freshwater farm plan
- average stocking rate no greater than 2.5 cows per hectare
- livestock are wintered on the land
- synthetic nitrogen fertiliser cap of 100 kgs per hectare per year
Matters of control are:
- the content of, and compliance with, the farm’s certified freshwater farm plan
- the timing of any actions or good management practices proposed to achieve the environmental outcomes for the rohe
- methods to avoid or mitigate adverse effects of the activity on water quality
- methods to reduce contaminant loss
- stocking rates
If controlled activity conditions cannot be met, the activity requires a discretionary consent.
Cultivation permitted subject to conditions relating to setbacks from waterbodies, depending on slope.
- 5m on a slope of less than 10 degrees
- 10 metres on slopes between 10 and 20 degrees
Cultivation on slopes over 20 degrees, only permitted if the following conditions are met:
- for the renewing or establishing of pasture only,
- using no tillage or direct seed drilling only
- 10 m setbacks from water bodies and wetlands.
If the permitted activity conditions cannot be met the activity requires a discretionary consent.

Outstanding water bodies are water bodies that have one or more outstanding values. National direction requires the Otago Regional Council to identify outstanding water bodies and protect their important values. The table below lists the outstanding water bodies in this rohe and describes their outstanding values.

Below is a map featuring all the water bodies in Otago.

You can zoom in and view the various water bodies in an area(s).

Water bodies are shown in a blue colour. Select an area to view the water body name.

(Note: if you are on a mobile device, after selecting a water body, tap on the arrow next to the 'X' icon to view more information.)

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Unique identifier	Site identifier	Values and characteristics
Ecology
ECL14	Upper Manuherekia	The Central Otago roundhead galaxias are found in the Manuherekia river catchment. The Alpine galaxias ‘Manuherekia’ (Galaxias paucispondylus ‘Manuherekia’) occupies the Manuherekia River upstream of Falls Dam reservoir. The present-day upper limit is of the alpine galaxiid ‘Manuherekia’ is at the confluence of the West and East branches of the Manuherekia River. At present it is restricted to the braided unstable reach of the Manuherekia River downstream of the confluence. The braided river habitat that supports alpine galaxias ‘Manuherekia’ also has breeding populations of black fronted tern, banded dotterel, black billed gull and wrybill. The spring fed tributaries and adjacent wetland support wetland vegetation and macrophyte communities and are feeding habitat for pied stilts. A wetland close to Falls Dam supports a small population of Central Otago roundhead galaxias, and this is the only known population of this fish remaining upstream of Falls Dam and as such is a key population for maintain the geographic range of Central Otago roundhead galaxias. The proposed outstanding water body, while centred on alpine galaxias ‘Manuherekia’ also includes the diverse freshwater ecosystems, wetlands of the upper Manuherekia valley and the Central Otago roundhead population.
ECL15	Hopes Creek	Hopes Creek is occupied by Clutha flathead. The fish survive in harsh temperature and low flow conditions possibly creating populations that are adapted to the localised extreme environment. Therefore, Hopes Creek provides a significant area of habitat for Clutha flathead with low or no modification and no introduced species. The populations present are also likely to be adapted to the local environmental conditions.
Physical
None identified.
Recreation
None identified.
Natural character
NAT12	Hopes Creek	Active bed Intricate and intact system of narrow streams and wetlands, including bogs and sedge wetlands located on the high-lying plateau area of Knobby Range in the lower Manuherekia Catchment (west of Manorburn Reservoir). Water quality is high with some influence from stock grazing. Largest population of flathead galaxias nationally and upper reaches remain free from introduced species. Large area of habitat for the nationally critical threatened Teviot glaxias. No structures or modifications within the active bed of streams, however stock may have access. Unmodified flow regimes, with no bores or water takes. These are found further downstream, and lower reaches of these water bodies are excluded from outstanding water body identification. Margin Margins are characterised by tall tussockland including red and snow tussock. At lower altitudes lowland short tussockland is more common. Low intensity grazing by sheep and cattle. Limited structures or modifications, including vehicle tracks and fords. Context The south-east of this area is encompassed within the Manorburn Conservation Area which provides for remote experiences in a largely natural landscape. The context is characterised by a gently sloping peneplain and tall tussockland. No settlement is present, but the wider landscape context includes high-country farming on several stations. Stock grazing is present throughout this area, but land improvement is very limited. Overall, the natural elements, patterns, and processes remain largely unmodified.
NAT13	Manuherekia	Active bed Steep network of largely unmodified streams on the eastern tops of the Dunstan mountains that form the headwaters of tributaries to the mid and lower reaches of the Manuherekia main stem (see also DUNC11: Dunstan Mountains for outstanding water bodies on western slopes). Water quality is high with very minor stock influence above the confluence in these upper reaches. No structures and limited modifications, including stock which may have access to the active bed. Unmodified flow regimes due to absence of water takes and bores, with no abstraction occurring at higher elevation. Margin Cushion herbfields dominate along the exposed the range crests. Lower-lying part of upper catchment contains a mixture of hard tussock, silver tussock, and low producing grassland, while margins along the upper reaches in the headwaters contain snow tussock. Gullies along incised streams contain matagouri, and limited manuka and kanuka scrub. No structures within the margins however stock grazing and vehicle tracks are present. Context Located on the eastern slopes of the Dunstan Mountains, the area is an exposed and mountainous landscape, particularly near the summit ridges. The area overlooks the Manuherekia Valley below which is intensively farmed with irrigation utilising water abstracted from the mid and lower Manuherekia and its tributaries. No settlements are found in the headwaters, however at lower altitudes isolated structures include huts and those related to stock grazing occur. While the land is used for extensive grazing, the natural elements, patterns, and processes remain dominant and largely unimpeded. Opportunities for the public to experience the landscape’s largely natural, exposed and wild character within the Lauder Basin Conservation Area.
NAT14	St Bathans	Active bed Largely unmodified water bodies within the upper reaches of the Manuherekia River, draining the St Bathans and Hawkdun Mountains draining into Dunstan Creek and the Manuherekia East and West Branches. Dunstan Creek has a slightly braided section in the headwaters before entering a gorge. Only habitat for the Alpine galaxias ‘Manuherekia’. Breeding habitat for black fronted tern, wrybill, banded dotterel and black billed gull. Water quality is high in the upper Manuherekia with very minor stock influence above the confluence of the two branches. No structures or modifications, with the Idaburn Naseby Race being excluded from the outstanding water body identification. Unmodified flow regimes due to absence of bores and water takes. Tributaries that discharge into the Ida irrigation race have been excluded from outstanding water body identification. Margin Margins are largely lined with subalpine tall tussockland including species such as Chionochloa rigida and Chionochloa macra. Gullies and gorges are often lined with matagouri, manuka and kanuka scrub. Crack willow is very limited. High altitude areas contain alpine grasses and herbfields on the margins or bare unvegetated scree slopes. No structures but limited modifications include vehicle tracks and tramping tracks. Context Located within the Oteake Conservation Park and Dunstan Peaks Conservation Area the mountainous landscape is highly natural. The area adjoins the Canterbury - Otago regional boundary and Hawkdun Range to the east, and Lindis Pass to the west. No settlements, and limited structures including tramping huts. Overall, the natural elements, patterns, and processes are dominant and highly legible. Opportunities for wild and remote experiences within the mountainous headwaters of the Manuherekia River and Dunstan Creek.
Natural features and landscapes
LAN38	Manorburn and Greenland Reservoirs	Artificial water reservoirs completed in 1914 for irrigation purposes. While artificially constructed, active bed remains devoid of structures with the exception of the Manorburn Dam. Greenland Reservoir is surrounded by tall tussockland while the lower reaches near the Manorburn Reservoir is surrounded by grassland. Highly memorable and legible features within the Rough Ridge landscape.
LAN39	Poolburn Reservoir	Artificial water reservoir completed in 1931 for irrigation purposes. While artificially constructed, active bed remains devoid of structures with the exception of the Pool Burn Dam. Margins of the Pool Burn Reservoir are surrounded by grassland. Highly memorable and legible feature within the Rough Ridge landscape.
LAN40	Upper Lauder Creek	Narrow, rocky stream devoid of structures and consents. Margins are largely clad in tall tussockland and regenerating native vegetation (manuka and kanuka). The south-western extent of Lauder Creek is bordered by grassland. Coherent river channel is highly expressive of their formative processes. The upper extent of Lauder Creek is encompassed within the Lauder Basin Conservation Area.
LAN41	Upper Dunstan Creek	Intact and narrow braided river with no structures of consents. Vegetation within the margins includes tall tussockland and matagouri scrub. Some areas of grassland are also present. Distinctive feature within the narrow valley between the St Bathans Range, and Dunstan Mountains.
LAN42	Upper Manuherekia	Intact braided river formed through tectonic uplift of the Southern Alps. Braided river channels remain unimpeded or restricted by modifications and structures. Margins are clad in grassland within the lower reaches of the river, while the upper reaches are surrounded in intact tall tussockland. Coherent braided river channels are highly expressive of their formative processes. The Manuherekia river is recorded as being a kainga mahinga kaiwhere tuna (eels), pora ('Māori turnip'), weka, pārera (grey duck), pūtakitaki (paradise duck), and kōareare (edible rhizome of raupō/bulrush), were gathered.
LAN43	Poolburn Gorge	Distinctive incised gorge within the Raggedy Range. Active bed is surrounded by coherent areas of grassland, steep rock, and willows. Incised gorge is a highly legible landscape feature and expressive of its formative processes.
LAN44	Ophir Gorge	Distinctive incised, rocky gorge to the north-east of the Raggedy Range. Active bed is surrounded by coherent areas of grassland, steep rock, matagouri scrub, and willows. Incised gorge is a highly legible landscape feature and expressive of its formative processes.

Want to know more?

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Name	Environmental level(s)	Take limit (litre per second)
Natural lakes (unmodified)
Blue lake	Natural minimum water level	Narrative — no new taking, diversions, damming or discharges from the lake or upper catchment.
Controlled lakes
Idaburn Dam Lower Manorburn Dam Falls Dam Greenland Reservoir Manorburn Reservoir Moa Creek Reservoir Poolburn Reservoir	Lake level managed by the minimum flow of the Manuherekia river catchment	Subject to the take limit of the Manuherekia river catchment.

Name	Environmental level(s)	Take limit (volume)
Aquifers with default limits
Ida Valley Groundwater Management Zone Manuherekia Claybound Aquifer Manuherekia Groundwater Management Zone	Not required to be included in the new LWRP at this time	35% mean annual recharge
Alluvial ribbon aquifers
Manuherekia Alluvium Aquifer	Groundwater level managed by the river catchment minimum flow	Subject to river catchment take limit

Nau mai, welcome to the new ORC website

Nau mai, welcome to the new ORC website

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Find by A-Z

Manuherekia Rohe (Area)

Tō kaunihera Your council

Previous community consultation

About the area

Economic profile and snapshot

Science profile

Proposed new rules and regulations for the Manuherekia Rohe

Table 1: Draft environmental outcomes

Table 2: Overview of proposed additional provisions for Manuherekia Rohe

Want to know more?

Navigate

Useful resources

Nau mai, welcome to the new ORC website

Nau mai, welcome to the new ORC website

Alerts

Tō kaunihera Your council

Me nanao atu te rika Get involved

Taiao Environment

Te whakaaetaka me te tautukuka Consents and Compliance

Te whakahaere o kā mōrea māori Managing natural hazards

Mahia ki te ipuraki Do it online

Find by A-Z

Manuherekia Rohe (Area)

Tō kaunihera Your council

Previous community consultation

About the area

Economic profile and snapshot

Manuherekia economic information

2021 Economic Studies to support minimum flows

Science profile

Science information

Proposed new rules and regulations for the Manuherekia Rohe

Environmental outcomes

Table 1: Draft environmental outcomes

Target attribute states

FMU provisions

Table 2: Overview of proposed additional provisions for Manuherekia Rohe

Environmental flows and levels and limits on take, diversion and damming of water

Lakes

River catchments

Aquifers

Outstanding water bodies

Manuherekia flow setting reports

Want to know more?

Navigate

Useful resources