Videos & Case Studies
Understanding Our Waterways
Welcome to this video series on understanding and looking after the waterways that run through our West Coast farms and landscapes.
In seven short videos, we'll break down how streams work, what keeps them healthy, and what puts them under pressure. From alpine-fed rivers tumbling out of the hills to spring-fed creeks winding through the flats, our waterways are a vital part of our farming and our environment. You'll learn about different stream types, what lives beneath the surface, how nutrients and sediment affect water quality, and how tools like LAWA can help you keep track of what's happening in your catchment. Whether you're running dairy, sheep, beef, deer or cropping this series is designed to give you a better understanding of freshwater science — in practical terms that make sense for West Coast conditions.
In this series, you'll be guided by Dr Duncan Gray — a freshwater ecologist with over 20 years' experience working across both government and industry.
Duncan's spent much of his career focused on stream health, the effects of land use, and helping turn freshwater science into practical advice that makes sense on the ground. He has a real knack for explaining the why behind the science — especially when it comes to the unique rivers and streams of the West Coast.
Duncan has a special affinity for the West Coast, and when he's not at work, you'll often find him out exploring the hills and valleys of the South Island — keeping close to the places he works to protect.
Waterways Video Series
What Kind of Stream Is This?
Stream Types
Every waterway has its own character, shaped by where its water comes from. In this video, Duncan explains how alpine-fed, hill-fed, and spring-fed streams behave differently on the West Coast. Understanding your stream type is the first step in knowing how to protect it, as each responds differently to farming activities and environmental challenges.
Life Below the Surface
Stream Ecology
Healthy streams are bursting with life that often goes unnoticed. This video takes you beneath the surface to explore the delicate balance of plants, insects, and fish that make up stream ecosystems. Duncan reveals how these underwater communities function and why they're important indicators of stream health.
When Nutrients Become a Problem
Nitrogen & Phosphorus
Nutrients are essential for farm productivity but can cause issues when they reach waterways. This video explains how nitrogen and phosphorus travel differently through landscapes and what happens when they accumulate in streams.
The Trouble with Runoff
Sediment
Sediment can have lasting impacts on stream health. In this video, Duncan explains how fine particles enter waterways, why they're particularly troublesome in spring-fed streams, and what happens to aquatic life when sediment builds up.
Bugs That Don’t Belong in Water
Microbes
This video examines how microbes move through the landscape, why they matter for water quality, and what E. coli measurements tell us about stream health. Duncan provides clear information on a topic that's important for both farm and community wellbeing.
What Grows on the Banks?
Streamside Planting
The vegetation along stream edges serves as a critical buffer between land and water. In this video, Duncan demonstrates how streamside plants protect water quality and why even modest plantings can make a significant difference.
Looking into Your Local Water Quality
LAWA
This final video introduces LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa), an online tool that helps you understand what's happening in your local waterways. Duncan walks through how to interpret the colour-coded system and use this information to guide on-farm decisions.
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