South West

The southwest catchment includes water bodies such as Lake Huro, Mangape Creek, Mangatukurewa Creek, and extensive wetlands. This area includes the island's main settlements, Waitangi and Te One. Some streams and lakes here show signs of ecological pressure, particularly from high waterfowl numbers, agricultural runoff, livestock grazing, and altered drainage patterns. The region's peat-rich soils contribute to both the restricted flow regimes and reduced water quality of these streams and lakes. This catchment drains to the coast at Waitangi through an extensive tidal reach.