This report summarises the key results from the Rivers Water Quality and Ecology (RWQE) monitoring programme for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. The RWQE programme incorporates monthly monitoring of water quality, periphyton cover and sediment deposition at river and stream sites across the Wellington Region. In addition, annual assessments of invertebrate community composition, periphyton biomass and habitat quality are conducted at a selection of sites in summer/autumn. Results from the trial regional ecology monitoring programme, and the urban stream ecology programme carried out in partnership with Wellington City Council, are also presented.

Keywords: Rivers, streams, invertebrates, periphyton, fish, cyanobacteria, ecology, water quality, sediment, Wellington Region, urban streams, habitat