Management gaps analysis: a case study of groundwater resource management in New Zealand |
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| Authors: | Thomas S Lowry John C Bright Murray E Close Christina A Robb Paul A White Stewart G Cameron |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Geohydrology Department, Bldg 823, Room 4452, Sandia National Laboratory, PO Box 5800, MS 0735, Albuquerque, NM 87188, USA. Email: tslowry@sandia.gov;2. Lincoln Environmental, PO Box 133, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand;3. Environmental Science and Research, P.O. Box 29181, Christchurch, New Zealand;4. Land and Water Group, Ministry for the Environment, PO Box 1345, Christchurch, New Zealand;5. Institute of Geological &6. Nuclear Sciences, Wairakei Research Centre, Private Bag 2000, Taupo, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | The primary objective of this project is to identify gaps, whether real or perceived, that hinder effective groundwater management in New Zealand. These gaps show as gaps in information, gaps in implementation, gaps in technological and management tools, and gaps in understanding of fundamental processes. The secondary objective is to propose a management strategy to close the identified gaps. Several methods are used to meet these objectives: surveys distributed to selected staff in each regional council; the review of various written reports; the analysis of land-use databases; and private consultation within each regional council. Results show that groundwater management in New Zealand is generally reactionary with the main gaps being in strategic planning and national guidelines. Most gaps appear to be predominantly information and implementation issues. In some cases there are gaps in the understanding of fundamental processes within an aquifer system, including the long-term effects of land-use on groundwater quality. An adaptive management approach is suggested as a means of closing these gaps. |
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