Quick reaction saves Wetland

Beverley says that, upon first hand investigation, the sense of urgency and seriousness was obvious.

“The protected area and plants were trampled with digger marks.  Drainage activity on Mahanga 2Y, Mahanga 2X and Kaiwaitau 2C had lowered the lagoon’s water levels by 250mm – 300mm, in turn endangering the uniquely shallow wetland plants that need freshwater to survive,” says Beverley.

Fish and Game freshwater expert, John Cheyne, says that this activity threatened the Saltmarsh Ribbonwood, a plant that is as important to the wetlands as the kauri tree is to the kauri forest. 

“The drainage put the whole area at risk of drying out.  Pukenui is one of the top ten wetlands in all of the Hawkes Bay region.  It is a complex system of wetlands and lagoons that goes for 4 km along the Mahia peninuslar, and is ranked very highly by both the Department of Conservation and the Hawkes Bay Regional Council.

“The farmer’s activity was endangering bird habitats, like the Makutu (Bittern) and Fernbird; as well as fish habitats, like that of the Tuna and Inanga,” says John.

Te Tumu Paeroa (the new Māori Trustee) is the responsible trustee for these three blocks.  On behalf of Te Tumu Paeroa, Beverley arranged a prompt meeting between the farmer, John Cheyne and Peter Manson, a representative from the Hawkes Bay Regional Council. 

“The farmer was initially defensive, as the drainage had been his solution to drying out paddocks that kept flooding,” says Beverley.  “During the meeting we explained the fragility of the wetlands and let the farmer know that our only objective was to work alongside him and resolve the issues.  A plan was established and the farmer worked really hard to restore the wetland to its original state.”

Fences were erected, drainage was corrected, and within four weeks the farmer had complied with the Hawkes Bay Regional Council (Regional Resource Management Plan) which has special provision for the protection of wetlands.