Nutrient, sediment and E.coli load reductions to meet desired Target Attribute State Outcomes 

Environmental Publication 2025/01

Prepared by: Rochelle Carter (Principal Science Advisor), Josie Crawshaw (Environmental 
Scientist), James Dare (Environmental Scientist), Erin Fox (Environmental Scientist),
Stephen Park (Senior Environmental Scientist), Paul Scholes (Senior Environmental Scientist),
Jess Shailer (Environmental Scientist), Alastair Suren (Freshwater Ecologist

The purpose of this report is to inform the implementation of Clause 3.13 of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM 2020). This report identifies nutrient, sediment and E. coli outcomes that will meet target attribute states (TAS), or TAS options. 

The report considers estuaries and lakes, groundwater and wetlands, not just rivers. The end output was a table of recommended numeric load or concentration reductions that would be required to meet desired TAS of a range of attributes in sensitive receiving environments. 

Each FMU was assessed individually: East Coast FMU, Waioeka-Ōtara FMU, Waiōtahe Estuary FMU, Ōhiwa Harbour FMU, Whakatane FMU, Rangitāiki FMU, Tarawera River FMU, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU, Waitahanui FMU, Waihī-Pongakawa FMU, Kaituna FMU, Tauranga Moana FMU, Motiti FMU.