The Prime Minister's chief scientist, Sir Peter Gluckman, has highlighted harsh realities about the state of New Zealand's fresh water in a new report released today.

The report urges politicians to address freshwater issues, which he says are clearly linked to intensive farming and urbanisation.

It found clear evidence the freshwater estate was under pressure in terms of both water quality and quantity. There was a link between farming and declining water quality in pastoral areas, and contamination of urban waterways by expanding cities.

Professor Sir Peter Gluckman says farming intensification has contributed to water quality issues.

You can read the full report here  |  April 12, 2017   |||