River swimming in the Gisborne District: Application of the river values assessment system (RiVAS)

Abstract

The River Values Assessment System (RiVAS and RiVAS+) was applied by a River Expert Panel to eight resource and user attributes to assess 22 known river swimming locations in the Gisborne District. The method was applied to differentiate swimming sites of regional significance (n=3: Wharekopae River at the Rere Rockslide, Wharekopae River at the Rere Falls, and the Hangaroa River at Doneraile Park) from those of local significance. Few data were available, so the Expert Panel relied on their own assessments for most attributes. Minor revision was made to the facilities related attribute, and the RiVAS+ methodology was also applied (its first application to river swimming) to assess future potential value of six selected sites for swimming. This suggested that the Wharekopae River at Champagne Pools could be of regional swimming value (rather than local significance in its existing state) if identified management actions were taken to enhance the site for swimming.