Stoke Freshwater Management Unit

The Stoke Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) is made up of the small coastal streams to the south-west of Nelson City that flow into the Waimea Inlet. Land use in the lower reaches and nearer the coastline of this FMU is mostly urban and industrial. There is some pastoral land use in the upper reaches, and a dairy farm in the Saxton catchment. There is some production forestry and native bush areas in the upper catchment. The Saxton Creek catchment lies partly within Tasman District Council's boundaries.

The Stoke FMU has seven defined sub-catchments: Saxton; Orphanage; Orchard; Upper Poorman Valley; Lower Poorman; Jenkins; and Maire.

Parts of the Stoke FMU have some of the worst water quality in Nelson. Elevated nitrogen, phosphorus and faecal contaminants indicate the impacts of pastoral use. Existing and ongoing urban development in the middle and lower catchments has resulted in stream modification and loss of habitat. Modifications in the upper catchments have contributed to sediment discharges and impacts on flow conditions. Despite these challenges, many streams within the FMU support a good diversity of native fish including īnanga spawning areas. The FMU is valued for strong social-cultural connections to its urban community, including public access, amenity values, educational opportunities, and infrastructure.

Draft vision statement for Stoke:

By 2100 waterbodies within the Stoke Freshwater Management Unit are healthy and resilient, freshwater ecosystems are thriving and, where the natural physical characteristics allow, degraded waterbodies have been restored. Restoration of the habitat of threatened species has been successful and indigenous fish are often seen in the waterways.

Since 2024 there has been no further loss of the natural form and character of the waterbodies or of the natural river extent. The natural state of the upper reaches of Jenkins Creek has been retained.

Mahinga kai is abundant in much of the catchment and the water quality is safe for food gathering and for human contact.

Existing infrastructure and flood capacity and drainage networks are maintained throughout the catchment to protect people’s health and safety and to protect significant community infrastructure.

There is safe and convenient public access to public amenity areas for recreation and education purposes.

The lower reaches of the catchment supports healthy īnanga spawning habitat and īnanga are abundant.

Where ecosystem health can be maintained and human health needs have been met, water is available in the Saxton and Poorman Rivers for irrigation, cultivation and food production, animal drinking water and for commercial and industrial use in the Marie River. Any development undertaken is in accordance with Te Mana o te Wai.

Shape Nelson

Freshwater Management in Stoke

Stoke Freshwater Management Unit

Draft vision statement for Stoke:

Provide feedback on the draft values for Stoke:

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