This report presents the findings of fine scale sediment monitoring at two intertidal sites in the Waikanae Estuary, on the Kapiti Coast. This monitoring was undertaken in January 2017 and included assessments of sediment grain size, nutrient and metal concentrations and invertebrate community health. This is the first survey since the fine scale baseline was established between 2010 and 2012. Results showed that mud content and sedimentation rates are variable, and although there are low levels of organic enrichment and metals, the invertebrate community is mud-tolerant with low species richness.

Keywords: Waikanae Estuary, Waikanae River, Kapiti, sedimentation, environmental monitoring, invertebrate, mud, nutrients