Taking to the skies to understand Wairarapa aquifers

• Over the next six to eight weeks, using a helicopter, Greater Wellington is scanning aquifers from the air.
• An aquifer is layer of gravel or sand that holds or transport water below ground.
• This electromagnetic scan will provide a more complete picture of the Ruamāhanga Valley’s complex geology and aquifers than we’ve ever had before. 
• The data will be used to help Greater Wellington, mana whenua and the community make better decisions about water.
• After two years, a 3D aquifer map, related research, and any models we develop will be made available to everyone on the Greater Wellington website. 
• The technology has been used commercially since 2004 to map large aquifer systems in countries including Denmark, Netherlands, India, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Funding has been contributed by Greater Wellington, Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Masterton, South Wairarapa and Carterton District Councils.
• This joint project is being conducted with support from GNS Science and SkyTEM.

Greater Wellington took to the skies today to learn more about the Ruamāhanga Valley aquifers.

Attending today’s launch event, Greater Wellington Environment Committee Chair Penny Gaylor said “we’re scanning the area from the air to develop a richer understanding of the area’s complex geology.”

Previously, Greater Wellington has collected information about aquifers by drilling boreholes, which provides detailed information about a specific location to relatively shallow depths.

“It’s far more efficient to scan the area from the air as we can quickly cover a larger distance, to a greater depth and a far greater level of detail.”

Over a period of two years, the data collected during the survey will be stitched together to craft a 3D map of the valley’s aquifers, thickness of potential water bearing layers, and their relationship with surface water.

Groundwater is the water found in spaces between in soil, sand, and rock underground. It is stored in and moves through these aquifers.

Groundwater is vital for the Wairarapa region as eighty to ninety five percent of it is used for food and fibre production.

South Wairarapa District Council Chief Executive Harry Wilson said “with climate change research predicting rising average temperatures in Wairarapa, potentially leading to water shortages for Wairarapa, it makes sense to conduct such a detailed analysis of local aquifers.

“Better data means together we can make better decisions about how water is used – these are vital decisions that impact all of us.”

During summer when less rain falls, groundwater also directly contributes to freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Masterton District Council Chief Executive David Hopman said building a better understanding of groundwater is a key priority for Council.

“Insights about our aquifers and groundwater supply can be used to help support Masterton’s future water requirements, including maintaining the health of our lakes and wetlands which provide many biodiversity benefits and recreational opportunities, and have important cultural significance to our community.”

Agreeing with the sentiment, Carterton District Council Chief Executive Geoff Hamilton said it was brilliant to see the project get off the ground and looked forward to viewing the final maps.

“At 300m below the surface, we’re going to be able to see further beneath the ground than we ever have before.

It’s exciting to know that this information will help us better understand the water supply available to support the local community and our natural spaces.”

If you’d like to find out more, please visit the 3D aquifer mapping page. 

1. Group Managers and CEs
   • CDC Chief Executive Geoff Hamilton, Environment Group GM Lian Butcher, Environment Management GM Al Cross, SkyTEM GM Steven Johnson, MDC Chief Executive David Hopma, , SWDC Chief Executive Harry, Catchment Management GM Wayne O’Donnell
2. Cr Gaylor and Wairarapa CEs:
   • CDC Chief Executive Geoff Hamilton, Cr Penny Gaylor, SWDC Chief Executive Harry Wilson, MDC Chief Executive David Hopman
3. Cr Gaylor and Wairarapa Mayors:
   • Masterton Deputy Mayor Bex Johnson, Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell, Carterton Mayor Ron Mark, Carterton Deputy Mayor Dale Williams, Cr Penny Gaylor