The Waimea River is at its lowest level since 2001. But a Tasman District Council water scientist says the wider area is facing its worst drought since 2001. Mr Thomas, who has been working as water scientist in Tasman since 1992, said the situation is now dire. Opposition leader Simon Bridges (centre) with MPs Maureen Pugh (left) and Nick Smith (standing right) at the Waimea River bed. "To run that river dry is going to kill the river."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 15, 2019 07:07 UTC