The Rakaia River, one of the seven braided rivers the documentary focuses on. Photo/Supplied
A new documentary about the state of New Zealand's rivers will have its Hawke's Bay premiere this Friday.
Seven Rivers Walking focuses on the rivers of the heavily-farmed Canterbury plains.
Co-director Gaylene Barnes said it was a film she wanted to make for a long time.
"I've been trying to make a film about the dairying on the Canterbury plains for about 10 years."
Ms Barnes said although urban rivers also had issues with pollution, the heavy use of fertilisers and irrigation was having a major impact on the country's waterways.