Salmonid Angling in the Gisborne District: application of the river values assessment system (RiVAS)

Abstract

The River Values Assessment System (RiVAS) was applied by a River Expert Panel to ten resource and user attributes to assess 13 rivers in the Gisborne District for their salmonid angling value. The method was applied to differentiate rivers of national significance (n=4: Ruakituri River, Koranga River, Motu River, Opato Stream), regional significance (n=5: Waitahaia River, Waingakia Stream, Raukokore River, Takaputahi River, Hangaroa River) and local significance (n=2: Wharekopae River, Mangapoike River). The data available from the National Angling Survey were debated by the Expert Panel (low survey responses), so the Expert Panel relied on their own assessments for most attributes. The Panel undertook an independent assessment and three rivers on the cusp of significance thresholds were adjusted with reference to the Panel assessments.