Auckland Regional Council Regional Hydrodynamic Model

A hydrodynamic model of the Hauraki Gulf and Firth of Thames is proposed. It will be a one-off calibrated model undertaken by NIWA (John Oldmen) based on available ground-truthed data. The database will also include high-resolution nested study sites as required. The model will be used to examine a variety of scenarios (e.g. discharge dispersal, influence of physical structures on flow patterns, biological phenomena. A common harbour model will provide organisations with access to a much larger, and ultimately more detailed model than they currently have or are likely to develop; and will allow for a greater level of information sharing, particularly between ARC and TA's. Users will mutually benefit from each other's work, thereby getting a greatly improved model at a much lower cost to the individual organisation. Purpose: Part of the ARC Regional Discharges project. While there is good information on contaminant build-up in sheltered estuarine areas, our understanding of the fate of contaminants diminishes as we move from tidal creeks, to estuaries, harbours and open coast. One of the ARC's main objectives is to use the model to improve their understanding of contaminant dispersal in these areas.

yet to be determined – tide and current data

The Hauraki Gulf and associated harbours and estuaries west of Coromandel Peninsula to just south of the entrance to the Mahurangi Harbour.

Waikato Region: Firth of Thames –

Modeling to be undertaken in 2003 based on available ground-truthed data collected at various dates.

Calibrated model using 100 x 100 m grid, based on available ground-truthed data. Potential data sources identified by NIWA include: NIWA's EEZ tidal forecasting model; Current meter data from Red Bluff (East Coast Bays); Current data collected within the Tamaki Estuary by Contact Energy; ADCP data collected within the Waitemata by NSCC; Current meter within the Waitemata harbour by Metrowater; NIWA's Hauraki Gulf mooring dataset; Currents and tidal data collected within the Whitford embayment for the ARC; Current and tide data collected in the Upper Waitemata harbour for the ARC; Published tidal height and current data within the Hauraki Gulf. Additional data may be required to calibrate and verify the model. Frequency of collection: One off project

Not yet determined Gaps in collection: N/A yet Data quality: Not yet determined Attribute accuracy: Not yet determined Completeness: Not yet determined

Model type? Digital Format: GIS?

Allow hydrodynamic processes and plume dynamics to be visualised. Predict dispersal of stormwater and wastewater contaminants Predict sediment accumulation and dispersal Prioritising infrastructure remedial work and planning for urban development. Used to examine a variety of scenarios (e.g. discharge dispersal, influence of physical structures on flow patterns, biological phenomena. Assist a greater level of information sharing, particularly between ARC and TA's.

Freely available? Sensitivity/Confidentiality: None

Proposal stage, to be finished around Sept 2003.