The state of the nation's waterways are under scrutiny from politicians.
Labour's spokesperson for the environment and water David Parker has told Havelock North residents he's disgusted at the state of some of region's waterways and rivers.
He was among the crowd at last night's public meeting in Havelock North over the water contamination crisis.
MORE:Â We apologise for 'misery' of contamination crisis: Hastings mayor
Mr Parker told the crowd he went through the area a day ago, and was shocked by what he saw.
"I've got photos on my phone of what I think must be breaches of the law, dead livestock next to some of your waterways, so called feedlots with huge rates of capital, making pigsties out of the dirt.
David Parker told those at the meeting they have serious problems with their rivers.
There has also been acknowledgement from the Environment Minister that the government needs to do more to clean up the country's rivers.
Nick Smith was at Lincoln University last night for the State of the Nation's Environment address.
He said the country hasn't been as careful as it should have been in the past at looking after its abundant water supply.
MORE: Councillor blames grazing cows for Havelock gastro outbreak
Dr Smith said the issue now is improving water quality and not letting economic concerns trump environmental issues.
"The issue is not a simple choice between the environment and the economy, whether it is urban New Zealand, where we have some of our most polluted water bodies, or in rural areas, we need to step up."
Green spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said her party is looking at 12 rivers around New Zealand, which are under pressure from pollution.
She said Canterbury's Selwyn River is an example of a historically important water source which has suffered in recent years.
"It's a good example of a river that's been highly valued for recreation in the past, it has been very important, but now is experiencing a lot of problems."
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
