Restoring Ōtuwharekai

Summary of case study

The Ōtuwharekai restoration project is part of the Arawai Kākāriki wetland restoration program which is restoring five significant wetland sites in Aotearoa New Zealand (Department of Conservation, 2019). The restoration efforts for this specific site are focused on predator control, weed control, monitoring, and improving water quality (Department of Conservation, 2015). Because of this program, the wetland habitat has increased since 2007 by 3 hectares. This has increased the area of restored managed wetland and reduced agricultural land in the area which contributed to water degradation within the wetland area (Department of Conservation 2015). 

A large part of the restoration efforts at the Ōtuwharekai site include removal of invasive weed species in order for native plantings to be established within the site better (Department of Conservation, 2019). This will allow better resilience to increased flooding in the area given climate change. 

For the success of this restoration project, the Department of Conservation has worked alongside many other organisations as well as volunteers. This has provided an education program but also allowed for more people to get involved with restoring the environment. This has had a large positive social impact. Community volunteers and students have helped with planting efforts (Department of Conservation 2019). 

Over 12,000 ha of the upper Rangitata River is now under predator control. Benefitting threatened species such as wrybills, black-fronted terns, and kaki (black stilts) (Department of Conservation, 2018).

Further resources:

Ōtūwharekai Ashburton Lakes

Ōtūwharekai (Ashburton Lakes) is a significant and important part of our region, but threats to water quality mean we need to take action now.

<< Wetlands: restoration / preservation