River flows

Northland has a large number of small river catchments and short, meandering streams. Climate and geology influence the flow within these rivers and the seasonal variation in rainfall is reflected in higher flows during winter and lower flows during summer.

During 2009-2010, rivers in Northland had above average monthly flows for four months (July, August, October 2009 and May 2010). As a result of severe drought conditions from November 2009 to May 2010 river flows were significantly below average. There were 563 flow measurements carried out in 2009/2010.

Graph of water levels in Far North 2009 to 2010.

The plot shows water level throughout 2009-2010 in the Far North, Awanui River at Kaitāia. Source: NIWA.