Waipā River

The table below shows the time water takes to flow the {{convert|130|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Te Kūiti to its confluence with the Waikato in times of low flow (15% of days are slower than this) and high flow (15% of days faster).{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/PageFiles/3165/tr05-04.pdf|title=Hydraulic Travel Times of Major Waikato Rivers|last=Brown|first=Edmund|date=2005|publisher=Environment Waikato|page=20}}

File:1934_and_modern_maps_of_Ōtorohanga,_showing_the_diversions_of_the_Waipā.jpg

File:Map of the Waipa Valley 2021-08-25.png

Years with large floods have included 1875,{{Cite web|date=2018|title=August 1893 Waikato Flooding|url=https://hwe.niwa.co.nz/event/August_1893_Waikato_Flooding|access-date=9 July 2021|website=hwe.niwa.co.nz}} 1892,{{Cite web|date=14 July 1892|title=Heavy Floods in the Waikato. THAMES ADVERTISER|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THA18920714.2.20|access-date=9 July 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1893, 1897,{{Cite web|date=16 October 1897|title=THE FLOODS IN WAIKATO. NEW ZEALAND HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18971016.2.26|access-date=9 July 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1907,{{Cite web|title=Taupo, Waikato and Waipa Management Zones Leap Day Flood Event February 29 to March 5, 2004|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/WRC/WRC-2019/TR04-06.pdf|website=Environment Waikato}} 1926,{{Cite web|date=9 August 1926|title=SEVERE WEATHER. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19260809.2.40|access-date=9 July 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1930,{{Cite web|date=6 January 1930|title=SEVERE WEATHER. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19300106.2.49|access-date=9 July 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1946, 1953,{{Cite web|last1=McLintock|first1=Alexander Hare|last2=James Cecil Schofield|date=1966|title=WAIPA RIVER|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/waipa-river-waikato-district|access-date=9 July 2021|website=An encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, 1966.|language=en}} 1958, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2012.{{Cite web|date=16 July 2012|title=Flooding warned for Waipa|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/7284044/Flooding-warned-for-Waipa|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}

In August 1893 the river was 3 inches (7.6 cm) higher than it was in during the 1875 flood. Maunder's mill at Whatawhata and bridges on the Whatawhata to Tuhikaramea road were washed away.

A minimum flow of {{Convert|718|ft3|abbr=on}}/second was measured in 1946 and a flood flow of over {{Convert|2000|ft3|abbr=on}}/sec was measured in the May 1953 floods. In 1958 hundreds of houses were flooded in Ōtorohanga and Tu Kuiti.{{Cite web|title=February 1958 New Zealand Flooding|url=https://hwe.niwa.co.nz/event/February_1958_New_Zealand_Flooding|access-date=9 July 2021|website=hwe.niwa.co.nz}} The July 1998 peak flows in the upper Waipā 776 were the highest recorded since 1958 and at Whatawhata flows were {{Convert|776|ft3|abbr=on}}/sec, compared to {{Convert|1130|ft3|abbr=on}}/sec in 1958.{{Cite web|title=The Waikato Regional Flood Event of 9–20 July 1998|url=http://trauma.massey.ac.nz/reports/ajm1.htm|access-date=9 July 2021|website=trauma.massey.ac.nz}}

In July 2002 flows at Whatawhata were {{Convert|570|ft3|abbr=on}}/sec{{Cite web|date=2002|title=Waikato and Waipa Rivers Flood Event 6–16 July 2002|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/WRC/WRC-2019/tr02-12.pdf|website=Environment Waikato}} and, in March 2004, {{Convert|815|ft3|abbr=on}}/sec. The 2004 flood was comparable to that of 1958. At Ōtorohanga, the Primary School and surrounding houses were flooded, when the river spilled into its old course (see map below) and filled the area behind the stop banks. There was also flooding in July 2012.

In 2003 Hydro Power Ltd was given consent to build a hydro-electric power station, with weirs in the [http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz54687/Okahukura-Stream/Waikato Okahukura Stream], upstream from Owen Falls, and penstocks carrying water down the gorge{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases-archived/hydro-power-scheme-consent-for-waipa-river-approved/|title=Hydro power scheme consent for Waipa River approved|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=5 February 2017}} to a station on the west bank {{convert|2.5|km|mi}} below the falls.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases-archived/new-hydro-electric-power-station-proposed/|title=New hydro-electric power station proposed|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=5 February 2017}} Work was done in 2006,{{Cite web|url=http://docs.niwa.co.nz/wqis/HM1%20Jan%2009.pdf|title=Site HM1 – Waipa at Otewa|date=January 2009|publisher=NIWA}} but, in 2007, Hydro Energy ( Waipā) Ltd was fined for unconsented damage to native vegetation in building the penstock.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases-archived/hydro-developer-hit-with-big-fine-for-environmental-vandalism/|title=Hydro developer hit with big fine for 'environmental vandalism'|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=5 February 2017}} The resource was initially estimated to be able to generate 10 to 20MW.{{Cite web|url=http://www.riley.co.nz/Projects/Water+Resource+Projects/Hydropower+Projects.html|title=Hydropower Projects|website=www.riley.co.nz|language=en|access-date=5 February 2017}} Construction halted, though Renewable Power Ltd bought the asset in 2010 and estimates potential at 9MW.{{Cite web|url=http://renewable-power.co.nz/hydropower-sites/|title=Current Projects|website=renewable-power.co.nz|access-date=5 February 2017}}

In 2017 Nova Energy gained consent{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/nova-energy-granted-council-consents-for-gas-fired-power-station/|title=Nova Energy granted council consents for gas-fired power station|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=4 May 2017}} to build a 360MW gas-turbine station (connected to the Maui Gas Pipeline) on the Ongaruhe Stream, close to its confluence with the Waipā.{{Cite web|url=http://www.otodc.govt.nz/our-services/notified-applications/nova-energy/|title=Nova Energy (Land Use Consent Application) » Otorohanga District Council|website=www.otodc.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=5 February 2017}} The mid-merit Waikato Power Plant at 869 Kawhia Rd, Ōtorohanga was expected to be used for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day,{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Open-Agenda-Package-Council-meeting-25-May-2018.pdf|title=Notice of Meeting|date=25 May 2017|website=Waikato Regional Council}} but was shelved in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-27 |title=Building renewable power: Govt challenged to strike environmental balance |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/govt-must-strike-balance-for-renewables |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=Newsroom |language=en-AU}}

Waikato Regional Council measures water quality monthly at five sites from Mangaokewa to Whatawhata.[http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waipa-River/Waipa-River-water-quality-monitoring-map/ map of pollution monitoring sites.] The measurements show poor quality along most of the river, with excess nitrogen, silt and phosphorus, though E. coli levels have improved with improved sewage treatment, though generally not enough for safe swimming;{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waipa-River/Trends-in-Waipa-River-water-quality/|title=Trends in Waipa River water quality|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=18 January 2017}} recreational rivers should have median E. coli levels below 126 per 100ml, but Waipā's range from 160 to 320.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waikato-River/Downstream-change-to-water-quality/Changes-in-bacteria-levels/?id=393|title=Changes in bacteria levels|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=18 January 2017}} Turbidity levels north of Ōtorohanga rise to more than double the levels needed to support plant photosynthesis{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waikato-River/Downstream-change-to-water-quality/Changes-in-turbidity/?id=2754|title=Changes in turbidity|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=18 January 2017}} and phosphorus levels also rise above targets in that stretch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waikato-River/Downstream-change-to-water-quality/Changes-in-phosphorus/|title=Changes in phosphorus|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=18 January 2017}} Nitrogen levels increased at all five sites between 1993 and 2012 due to intensified land use,[http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waipa-River/Trends-in-Waipa-River-water-quality/ Trends in Waipa River water quality] now adding 3,075 tonnes a year. By comparison, the total from sewage works and Te Awamutu dairy factory is 66 tonnes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/WRC/Community/Archived-Meetings-and-Agendas/Integrated-Catchment-Management/3340635-v1-ICMC-Meeting-Presentation-16-April-2015-Compatibility-Mode.pdf|title=Sources of contaminants to rivers in the Waikato region|last=Vant|first=Bill|date=16 April 2015|website=Waikato Regional Council}}

Ministry for the Environment figures{{cite web |url=http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/water/water-quality-trends-1989-2007/index.html |title=Water quality trends at National River Water Quality Network sites for 1989–2007[Ministry for the Environment] |website=www.mfe.govt.nz |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717054438/http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/water/water-quality-trends-1989-2007/index.html |archive-date=17 July 2009}} averaged between 1998 and 2007 showed the Waipā at Ōtorohanga had 280 E.coli per 100ml (53rd worst out of 154), 360 faecal coliforms per 100ml (83rd of 252), 0.55 mg/litre nitrogen (161th of 342) and 0.03 mg/litre phosphorus (187th of 361).

At Pirongia the figures were 390 E.coli per 100ml (35th worst out of 154), 425 faecal coliforms per 100ml (64th of 252), 0.49 mg/litre nitrogen (174th of 342) and 0.06 mg/litre phosphorus (80th of 361).

At Whatawhata the figures were 0.92 mg/litre nitrogen (94th of 342) and 0.06 mg/litre phosphorus (69th of 361).

In the Mangaokewa stream 0.02 mg/litre phosphorus (237th of 361).

Pollution has been worsening for nitrogen and phosphorus, though turbidity has improved, as shown in this table of important (ie slope direction probability over 95% and RSKSE over ±1% pa) improvements, or deteriorations (-) in relative seasonal Kendall slope estimator (RSKSE) trends (% per year). in the river at Whatawhata (monthly records are flow-adjusted using a Lowess curve fit with 30% span.) -{{Cite book|title=Waikato Regional Council Technical Report 2018/30 Trends in river water quality in the Waikato region, 1993–2017|last=Vant|first=Bill}}

Regional Council estimates that {{convert|8718|ha|acre|abbr=on}} is at risk of severe erosion in the Middle Waipā (Waitomo, Turitea, Pirongia, Karakariki, Puniu, Mangaotama, Mangawhero and Mangapiko catchments) and {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} of stream bank to be prone to erosion. Project Watershed plans for planting on {{convert|1594|ha|acre|abbr=on}}, plus 976 km of stream bank and 1,332 km of fencing, from 2017 to 2026.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases-archived/project-watershed-works-identified-for-middle-waipa1/|title=Project Watershed works identified for middle Waipa|website=Waikato Regional Council|language=en-NZ|access-date=5 February 2017}}File:Damaged bridge over the Waipa River, 1917. ATLIB 284108.png]]

In 2018 a scheme was launched by the Waikato River Authority to attract investment in $100 million of hybrid bonds to convert up to 18 dairy farms on {{convert|6539|ha||abbr=on|order=}}, or roughly 5% of the catchment, to organic farms, with the aim of reducing pollution from the worst farms by about 45%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/business/108738626/waikato-river-authority-unveil-investment-plan-to-clean-up-waip-catchment|title=Waikato River Authority unveil investment plan to clean up Waipā Catchment|website=Stuff|date=25 November 2018|language=en|access-date=26 January 2019}}

Listed in order from the confluence with the Waikato and moving south they are:-

File:1974_Waipā_bridge_under_construction_in_1972.jpg

File:Waipa at Whatawhata.JPG

• 1898 Ngāruawāhia bridge opened. Collapsed under a herd of cattle 20 December 1916 (see [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23213224 1917 photo]) and rebuilt in 1922 with three {{convert|110|ft|abbr=on}} trusses.{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1922/I/1314|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT BY THE HON. J. G. COATES, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1922-01-01)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=1 July 2017}} The bridges were preceded by a punt (see [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/240718 1922 photo]), supplied by the government in 1887.[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WT18870129.2.26 Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 2271, 29 January 1887, Page 3: MR BALLANCE AT OTOROHANGA – The Special Settlements] A new bridge was opened on 18 January 1974.{{Cite book|title=Meeting of the Waters|last=Latta|first=A. M.|publisher=Ngaruawahia Lions Club|year=1980}}
• 1914–1958 Waipā Railway and Coal Co. {{convert|70|ft|m|order=flip}} long[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH19120313.2.95&srpos=17&e=--1911---1926--100--1-byDA---0ngaruawahia+waipa+railway+bridge-- New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14940, 13 March 1912, Page 8] bridge.
• 1881 (20 April) Whatawhata bridge, originally wooden and {{convert|520|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} long and {{convert|15|ft|abbr=on}} above high water mark,{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18801002.2.10|title=Waikato Times, The Raglan Road|date=2 October 1880|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|access-date=26 October 2019}} consisted of two spans of {{convert|80|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}, 7 of 40 and 4 of {{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}, and cost £3700. Repairs were done in 1909, but it was in poor repair again by 1917. For £11,250 a new wooden truss bridge was built over the top of it in 1924{{cite book|author1=C. W. Vennell|author2=Susan Williams|title=Raglan County Hills and Sea: A Centennial History 1876–1976|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UssYAAAACAAJ|year=1976|publisher=Wilson & Horton for Raglan County Council|isbn=978-0-86864-002-0}} and finished in 1925.{{Cite web |date=28 Apr 1925 |title=THE WHATAWHATA BRIDGE. NEW ZEALAND HERALD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250428.2.50 |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} The current SH23 concrete bridge, which is south of the original site, was shown on the 1974 edition of the 1 inch Lands & Survey map, but not on the 1965 3rd edition. Records of the road structure show it dates from 1971,{{Cite web|url=http://his.aucklandmotorways.net/PDFs//WAIKATO/00041_359_WAIKATO_PSMC007_023_29_3.pdf|title=Highway Information Sheet 023-0011|date=May 2015|publisher=NZTA}} which is probably the date of the bridge. The bridge replaced a punt, which had operated from 1867.{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18670114.2.25|title=WHATAWHATA. (New Zealand Herald, 1867-01-14)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=15 June 2017}}

File:Te Rore bridge over Waipa River.JPG

• 1881 (12 August – see [https://collection.tamuseum.org.nz/objects/24395/te-rore-bridge-opening photo]) {{convert|400|ft|m|order=flip|adj=on}} long Te Rore bridge. Replaced 1957.{{cite web |url=http://www.teawamutuinfo.com/acatalog/Waipa_Heritage_Trail.html |title=Waipa District Heritage Trail, Waipa, Harapepe, Te Rore, Matakitaki Pa, Battle Sites, Settlements |website=www.teawamutuinfo.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716195619/http://www.teawamutuinfo.com/acatalog/Waipa_Heritage_Trail.html |archive-date=16 July 2011}} In 1905,{{Cite web|date=1905|title=Te Rore Flood photo|url=https://collection.tamuseum.org.nz/objects/19433/te-rore-flood|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Te Awamutu Museum Collection Online|language=en}} 1907{{Cite web|date=1907|title=Te Rore Bridge photo|url=https://collection.tamuseum.org.nz/objects/23758/te-rore-bridge|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Te Awamutu Museum Collection Online|language=en}} and 1958, the bridge was flooded to the handrails.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waipadc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:26zgz4o7s1cxbyk7hfo7/hierarchy/our-district/about-our-district/heritage/documents/waipa%20heritage%20trail.pdf|title=Waipa Heritage Trail|website=Waipa District Council}}{{Cite web|date=1958|title=Waipa River Flood photo|url=https://collection.tamuseum.org.nz/objects/23697/waipa-river-flood|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Te Awamutu Museum Collection Online|language=en}}
• 1865 (about) Alexandra Bridge, Baffin St, Pirongia, originally built by the army.[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WT18800921.2.10 Waikato Times 21 September 1880, Page 2] Pukehoua Bridge was built {{convert|600|m|yd|abbr=on|order=}} upstream in 1912–13 to replace the 1865 bridge, which was damaged by floods and by 1909 was only fit for pedestrians and light traffic. Public Works Department estimated its cost at £4,500, £1,500 coming from Government and £3,000 from Waipā (50%), Raglan (30%) and Waitomo (20%) councils.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pirongiaheritage.org.nz/file/no-34-november-2013/open|title=NEWSLETTER 34, November, 2013|website=Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre}}
• 1882 Alexandra Bridge, McClure St, Whatiwhatihoe, Pirongia."Mr. Wright has superintended the construction of the Alexandra Bridge, over the Waipā River, to give access to Tāwhiao's new settlement, Whatiwhatihoe (see [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE1268157&dps_custom_att_1=ilsdb map]), and which will at the same time eventually be on the main line leading into the King country. The bridge will be open now in a fortnights' time, it consists of six {{convert|24|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on|order=flip}} spans, and three {{convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on|order=flip}} trusses, a total length of {{convert|264|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}, the height being {{convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} above ordinary river level. The approaches and about a mile of road, and a large culvert have been made by Mr. Wright, with Maori labor. The whole will have been completed at a cost of about £1,800."[https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1882-I.2.1.4.3&e=-------10--1------0-- 1882 Surveys of New Zealand report] There was a plan to replace it in 1939.[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH19390121.2.188&srpos=16&e=-------10--11----0otorohanga+waipa+bridge-- New Zealand Herald 21 January 1939, Page 18] SH39 now crosses on a {{convert|112.8|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} 1953 bridge.{{Cite web|url=http://his.aucklandmotorways.net/PDFs//WAIKATO/00029_492_WAIKATO_PSMC006_039_3.pdf|title=Highways Information sheet 039-0043}}
• 1915 Te Kawa Rd bridge {{convert|340|ft|m|order=flip}} long, {{convert|40|ft|m|order=flip}} high.[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH19150203.2.102&srpos=18&e=-------10--11----0otorohanga+waipa+bridge-- New Zealand Herald, 3 February 1915, Page 9]
• Kawhia Rd, Ōtorohanga, SH31/SH39 cross on a {{convert|147.5|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} 1964 bridge.{{Cite web|url=http://his.aucklandmotorways.net/PDFs//WAIKATO/00022_485_WAIKATO_PSMC006_031_1.pdf|title=Highway Information sheet 031-0000}}
• Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23097637 photo about 1910] SH3 now crosses on a {{convert|51.8|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} 1964 bridge.{{Cite web|url=http://his.aucklandmotorways.net/PDFs//WAIKATO/00006_469_WAIKATO_PSMC006_003_6.pdf|title=Highway Information sheet 003-0057}} It replaced a bridge built in the early 1950s.{{Cite web|url=https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1950-I.1.2260&cl=&srpos=0|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives — 1950 Session I — D-01 Page 41|website=atojs.natlib.govt.nz AtoJs Online|language=en-NZ|access-date=4 July 2017}}
• 1887 North Island Main Trunk railway bridge.
• 1928 Toa Bridge, Otewa Rd.http://legislation.knowledge-basket.co.nz/gpacts/public/text/1928/se/048se11.html {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}

Over {{convert|50|km|mi}} was navigable by waka and Pirongia (Alexandra) was busy as the head of steamboat navigation until the railway was built to Te Awamutu in 1880, though some settlers used it as far as Te Kūiti,{{Cite web|url=https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&cl=search&d=AJHR1921-I-II.2.3.2.17&srpos=1|title=AtoJs Online — Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives — 1921 Session I-II — H-15a AUCKLAND CANALS AND INLAND WATERWAYS COMMISSION. (REPORT OF THE).|website=atojs.natlib.govt.nz|access-date=22 June 2016}} though possibly only as far as the confluence of the Mangapu and Mangaokewa streams, about {{convert|4|mi||abbr=on}} upstream from Ōtorohanga.{{Cite web|date=15 January 1887|title=A TRIP THROUGH THE NATIVE COUNTRY. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18870115.2.26|access-date=17 March 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} In 1885 the river was used to carry material for the railway construction as far as Te Kūiti.{{Cite web|date=28 November 1885|title=TE AWAMUTU. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18851128.2.29|access-date=3 August 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Mr Gibbons' steamship,{{Cite web|date=22 November 1876|title=ALEXANDRA. DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18761122.2.17|access-date=21 October 2020|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Lillie, started in 1876{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18760916.2.41|title=Country News.|date=16 September 1876|work=NEW ZEALAND HERALD|access-date=9 December 2018}} to 1878.{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18780926.2.5|title=Drowning in the Waipa|date=26 September 1878|work=WAIKATO TIMES|access-date=9 December 2018}} In 1895 Walsh Bros were running SS Victory.{{Cite web|date=17 December 1895|title=TE RORE. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18951217.2.36|access-date=20 June 2021|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} From 1902{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS19020125.2.21.1|title=Page 3 Advertisements Column 1|date=1902|work=Waikato Argus|access-date=22 April 2018|pages=3}} to 1909 H H Gould ran the 1899 5 hp SS Opuatia{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1899/I/3036|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives 1899 Session I MARINE DEPARTMENT: ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1898-9.|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=28 April 2018}} from Ngāruawāhia to Whatawhata one day and on to Pirongia next day.{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS19090603.2.27.4|title=Page 4 Advertisements Column 4|date=3 June 1909|work=Waikato Argus|access-date=22 April 2018|pages=4}} A 1915 guidebook still said, "Small steamers ply up and down the river from Huntly".The Raglan and Kawhia Districts: E E Bradbury 1915 page 49 An 1881 article said a journey upriver would normally take 36 hours, but more in dry weather, when shoals at Whatawhata and Te Rore were hard to cross.[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WT18810426.2.15 Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1375, 26 April 1881, Page 3] An 1898 petition complained about wharfage charges at Mercer being a tax on residents along the Waipā.{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS18980910.2.22|title=WHATAWHATA. (Waikato Argus, 1898-09-10)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=18 June 2017}} Around 1900 the Freetrader, owned by the Waikato Company, "was withdrawn owing to competition from the Walsh brothers with their launch Victory, which could traverse the winding Waipā much more easily than the cumbersome stern-wheeler."{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19320401.2.142|title=WAIKATO'S STEAMERS. (New Zealand Herald, 1932-04-01)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|publisher=National Library of New Zealand|access-date=23 October 2016}}

As late as 1919 Waipā County Council pressed for removal of shingle shoals to permit navigation to Pirongia{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19190910.2.14|title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Waikato Times, 1919-09-10)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|publisher=National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=18 January 2017}} and got money for improvements from government{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19191025.2.4|title=PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES (Waikato Times, 1919-10-25)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|publisher=National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=28 January 2017}} and the county councils.{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/KCC19191213.2.12|title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. (King Country Chronicle, 1919-12-13)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|publisher=National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=28 January 2017}} Evidence given to the Inland Waterways Commission in 1921 said boats carrying 20 tons could reach Pirongia for most of the year and, up to about 30 years before, vessels carried 60 tons to Pirongia and a special fleet of steamers ran to Te Kūiti.{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19210418.2.22|title=NAVIGATION OF WAIPA (Waikato Times, 1921-04-18)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=21 February 2017}} Steamers were set back by the sinking of the Opuatia at Whatawhata in 1920.{{cite news|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19200409.2.25|title=CAUGHT BY THE FLOOD. (New Zealand Herald, 1920-04-09)|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=18 June 2017}} The Waikato Shipping Co had been running a weekly service to Pirongia with the former Waihou River steamer,{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THA18911127.2.18.1|title=Page 2 Advertisements Column 1|date=27 November 1891|work=THAMES ADVERTISER|access-date=9 December 2018}} SS Erin{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19190319.2.2.4|title=Page 1 Advertisements Column 4|date=19 March 1919|work=WAIKATO TIMES|access-date=9 December 2018}} (and sometimes SS Excelsior),{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19211001.2.57|title=Waikato Coastal Service|date=1 October 1921|work=WAIKATO TIMES|access-date=9 December 2018}} which seems to have continued until WSC stopped trading in 1922.{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19220905.2.47|title=Local and General|date=5 September 1922|work=The Evening Post|access-date=9 December 2018}} A Public Works Department report in 1925 said the river was non-navigable above its junction with the Mangapu at Ōtorohanga.{{Cite web|url=https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/WT/wt_DOC_72193845/Wai%20898%2C%20A150.pdf|title=THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF THE WAIPA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES|last=Cunningham|first=Matthew|date=21 March 2014}}

Settlements near the river include Rangitoto, Ōtewā, Ōtorohanga, Pokuru, Puketōtara, Pirongia, Te Pahu, Te Rore, Ngāhinapōuri, Whatawhata, Te Kowhai, Ngāruawāhia.

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waipa-River/ Regional Council summary of information about the river.]
• [http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Our-other-rivers/Water-quality-monitoring-map/Waipa-River-at-Whatawhata-NIWA-site/ Regional Council water quality information at Whatawhata], [http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Our-other-rivers/Water-quality-monitoring-map/Waipa-River-at-Pirongia-Ngutunui-Rd-Bridge/ Pirongia], [http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Our-other-rivers/Water-quality-monitoring-map/Waipa-River-at-Otorohanga-SH3/ Otorohanga], [http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Our-other-rivers/Water-quality-monitoring-map/Waipa-River-at-Mangaokewa-Rd/ Mangaokewa] and [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Water-temperature-levels-in-the-Waikato-region/Waipa-River-Otorohanga/ water temperatures at Ōtorohanga], and [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/rivers/water-temperature-levels-in-the-waikato-region/waipa-river-whatawhata/ Whatawhata].
• Maps of Waipā and tributary stream catchments – [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/PageFiles/22979/wac_map04.pdf Ngāruawāhia/Whatawhata], [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/PageFiles/22979/wac_map07.pdf Pirongia/Te Awamutu], [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/PageFiles/22979/wac_map09.pdf Ōtorohanga/Te Kuiti], [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/PageFiles/22979/wac_map10.pdf south east].
• Maps of pollution – [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waikato-River/Downstream-change-to-water-quality/Changes-in-phosphorus/ phosphorus], [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waikato-River/Downstream-change-to-water-quality/Changes-in-bacteria-levels/?id=393 bacteria] and [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/Natural-resources/Water/Rivers/Waikato-River/Downstream-change-to-water-quality/Changes-in-turbidity/?id=2754 turbidity].
• River levels at [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=747&catchment=17 Ngaruawahia], [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=35&catchment=17 Whatawhata], [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=939&catchment=17 Pirongia], [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=28&catchment=17 Ōtorohanga], [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=791&catchment=17 Waitomo], [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=19&catchment=17 Te Kuiti], [http://riverlevelsmap.waikatoregion.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/points/details?point=23&catchment=17 Otewa].
• [https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/PageFiles/35069/TR201433.pdf Waipā Catchment Plan 2014]
• [http://www.waikatoriver.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Waipa-Catchment-Plan-2014-15-Actions-for-Implementation.pdf Regional Council lists of actions and conservation areas to support the Waipā Catchment Plan in 2014/15.]
• [http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/waipa-river-waikato-district/1 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand short history]
• [http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/PageFiles/8528/Lower%20Waikato%20Waipa%20Control%20Scheme.pdf Lower Waipā flood control scheme]
• [http://auckland.fishandgame.org.nz/content/aucklandwaikato-fishing-locations-access Description of fishing in Waipā and tributaries]
• [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%224-1175%22 1864 photo of confluence of Waipā and Waikato]
• [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22913054 1910 photos of Waipā Bridge at Ngāruawāhia -], [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22914116] and [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22789295].
• [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23193465 1910 photo of steam barge delivering goods]
• [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/201632 1914 photo of barge and steam tug]
• [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/225419 1917 photo of barge, steam tug and factory]
• [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/240477 1922 photo of new Ngaruawahia bridge being built]
• [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22557277 1951 photo of Waipā Railway bridge]
• [https://collection.tamuseum.org.nz/objects/23696/waipa-river-flood 1958 photo of flood at Te Rore bridge]
• [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23038046 1880s photos of Whatawhata Bridge], [http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22396153 close up] and [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1924/I/2248 1924 rebuilding]
• [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/189208 1907 photo of bridge at Ōtorohanga]
• [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=1232346 Geological maps – 1925 Ngaruawahia], [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=297604 Whatawhata-Te Pahu], [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=1232394 Pirongia], [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=1233116 1940 Ōtorohanga], [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=1233122 upper Waipā] and [http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=1233140 Pakaumanu].
• [http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-38.415569,175.543027&z=14&pin=1&lbl=head%20of%20Waipa%20River 1:50,000 map of source of Waipā River]
• Google street view images show several parts of the river, the uppermost being at [https://www.google.com/maps/@-38.2830379,175.3534539,3a,75y,187.8h,93.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPUPokB7ue8oH6B8NiMJ7yQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en-GB Toa Bridge]

{{waikato}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Waipā River}}

Category:Rivers of Waikato

Category:Ōtorohanga District

Category:Waipa District

Category:Waikato District

Category:Rivers of New Zealand

Category:Tributaries of the Waikato River