Chemical monitoring of sediments in estuaries within the Northland region for Northland Regional Council. Sampling sites are located in the Whangarei Harbour and Bay of Islands, and include tidal creeks, mid-channel and open water locations. Sampling frequency = 2yearly (autumn). Sampling began in 2010 and is ongoing (at 2-yearly intervals). Number of sites = 32 total. Extent of site = 1800m2 (60m x 30m). Number of replicates = 5 per site. Measured variables = Sediment characteristics (grain size, TOC, TP, nitrogen, lead, zinc and copper). Sampling protocol & QA = Internal protocol and QA procedures. Sediment analysis external (Malvern Particle Analyser).

Physical, chemical and biological monitoring of water quality in estuaries within the Northland region for Northland Regional Council. Sampling sites are currently located in the Whangarei Harbour (WH), Bay of Islands (BOI) and Kaipara Harbour (KH), past data includes Hokianaga and Whangaroa Harours. Sampling frequency = 2monthly + 3 event driven sampling each year following heavy rainfall (WH, BOI), monthly (KH). Sampling began in 1986 (WH, BOI) and 2009 (KH) and is ongoing. Number of sites = 41 total currently. Since the start of the programme some sites have been dropped and some new sites have been added. Number of replicates = 1 per site. Measured variables = Water quality: salinity, DO%, DOmg/l, temp (YSI meter), Enterococci, faecal coliforms (Internal lab), TP, DRP, NNN, NH4, Turbidity (External lab), secchi, water depth (recorded in field). Sampling protocol & QA = Internal field monitoring manual and QA procedures. Water samples taken from top 0.5m of water column and sampling conducted at random tidal states, giving a more representative picture of water quality over time (WH, BIO) or high water (KH).

Physical and biological monitoring of estuaries within the Northland region for Northland Regional Council. Sampling sites are located in the Whangarei, Ruakaka, Whangaroa, Kaipara and Kerikeri Inlets. Sampling frequency = annual (Mar), except sediment plates (3monthly). Sampling began in 2006 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 13 total. Extent of site = 1800m2 (60m x 30m). Number of replicates = 10 infaunal cores and 5 replicate sediment samples per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Epifaunal quadrat (0.25m2). Sediment characteristics (grain size, ash free dry weight, redox, nitrogen, phosphorus, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium and copper). Sediment erosion/deposition (cm/y): depth of sediment layer measured (using 2 concrete plates buried at all 13 sites). Sampling protocol & QA = Benthic and sediment sampling use similar methods to those outlined by Robertson et al. (2002). Internal QA procedures. Larger fauna are indentified internally with small and cryptic animals sent to external taxonomic experts. Sediment analysis external (Malvern Particle Analyser).