Water Races
Last updated: 16 Jan, 2024 03:39pm
Carterton’s Water Races
Contact Us
Strategy
Forms
Our Water Races
The Carterton District contains two water race systems that total some 306km in length.
The Taratahi and Carrington races have resource consents, which allow them to take water for the race (for stock watering purposes), and discharge contaminants to waterways at the end of the race branches. Although some rural land owners have expressed a negative view of having the races passing through their land, surveys of users have shown that the majority of land owners want them. The races were created decades ago to allow dry land to be farmed. For some users their existence is still vital and without them many farmers could not sustain their current or in some cases even economically viable farming practices.
In addition, the water races have developed their own individual ecosystems and are an established part of the environment.
The Wairarapa Maps viewer has further information on each water race.
The Taratahi race (270km long) takes 800 litres per second (l/s) from the Waingawa River when the river exceeds 3500 l/s at the gauging site, 480 l/s when the flow is between 1900-3500 l/s, 410 l/s when the flow is between 1700-1900l/s, and 337 l/s when the level at the gauging site is less than 1700 l/s.
The Carrington race (36km) takes 250l/s from the Mangatārere Stream when the flow exceeds 1200 l/s at the gauging site, 113 l/s when the flow is greater than 330l/s, and 65l/s when the low is less than 240 l/s.
Contact Us
Contact us if you have any queries or issues with the water race network.
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- Call 06 379 4030
- Email service.requests@cdc.govt.nz
Our Strategy
For those with alternative water sources or who do not farm their land intensively, costs for upkeep of the race systems can seem a burden. However, the fact remains that the best option for the community as a whole, is to keep the races, and the races cannot continue to function within their consented conditions unless all people whose land the race passes through understand and adopt this voluntary code of practice. The intent from both Greater Wellington Regional Council and the councils is to look at a longer term strategy, common sense good practise guidelines.
Our Water Race Strategy is designed to minimise:
- the wastage of water from the Taratahi and Carrington water races
- the input of contaminants from various farming and land activities to these races
- other adverse environmental impacts from the race systems and their associated
- Maintain effective management of the water race and reduce constraints on their operation
Water Race Code Of Practice
Our Code Of Practice helps water race users adhere to standards and methods which will sustain its health and comply with the Water Race Bylaw, and our consent conditions with Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Water Race Forms & Documents
| Title | Summary | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carterton District Council Water Race Policy | A pdf document containing Carterton District Council’s water race policy for its Carrington and Taratahi water race network. | September 20, 2023 | |
| Carterton District Council Water Race Alteration Application | A pdf version of a form to apply for alterations to the Carterton District Water Races: Taratahi Water Race and Carrington Water Race. | July 19, 2023 | |
| Infographic: What is a water race | A pdf document including information on Carterton District Council Water Races, Taratahi and Carrington, and their use and purpose. | March 2, 2023 | |
| Carterton District Council Water Race Survey | We’re currently seeking feedback on your views on the water race system with particular focus on how it is used, what value it provides to you, and what your views are on how it is maintained and funded. | March 2, 2023 | |
| Form: Application for irrigation water abstraction from a Water Race | This application form is to be submitted to the Council for the purpose of withdrawing water from a water race or carrying out any activity that requires the Council’s consent as set out in the Water Race Bylaw 1987. | December 13, 2022 | |
| Form: Application for stock water abstraction from a Water Race | An application form is to be submitted to Carterton District Council for the purpose of withdrawing water from a water race or carrying out any activity that requires the Council’s consent as set out in the Water Race Bylaw 1987. | December 13, 2022 | |
| Form: Application for alterations to the Water Race | This application form is to be submitted to Carterton District Council for the purpose of withdrawing water from a water race or carrying out any activity that requires the Council’s consent as set out in the Water Race Bylaw 1987. | December 13, 2022 | |
| Water Race Code Of Practice – Guidelines for Water Race Property Owners | This code of practice/strategy is designed to minimise the wastage of water from the Taratahi and Carrington water races; the input of contaminants from various farming and land activities to these races; other adverse environmental impacts from the race systems and their associated operation; maintain effective management of the water race and reduce constraints on their operation. | December 12, 2022 |