Wetland and Stream Restoration

Auckland Council - State of Fresh Water in Kaipatiki

Reports on the state of freshwater in the Kaipatiki local area can be accessed as follows:

· 2010 and 2011 reports http://www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz/home/aklcouncil/aklcouncil_home.cfm

· 2012, 2013 and 2014 reports http://stateofauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Localboards/kaipatiki/

These reports don't cover Le Roys Bush - but indicate a less than desirable state of fresh water quality in the KLB area in 2014.

Wetland restoration progress in 2013 and 2014

We made excellent progress in 2013 - planting over 3000 native plants. Most importantly a specialist contractor employed under an EIF grant controlled a wide range of weeds across the wetland. Volunteers working manually controlled an estimated 6090 weeds in and around the wetland.

For details of working bees please see 2013 Events and Achievements.

We were delighted to learn that we have been awarded an EIF grant for 2014. See 2014 Newsletters for details.

One of our committee is drawing up a wetland restoration strategy to guide our work over coming years.

The following photos were taken in early 2013 by MJvR (many thanks for permission to display the photos).

Above: dead stumps of the old crack willow trees that were choking the wetland along with the lush native vegetation that is emerging from beneath it (thanks to weed control and planting).

It is a reminder of how much progress has been made over the last 10 to 20 years by volunteers with the assistance of Auckland Council EIF grants.

Over 2013, many of the willow stumps have decayed and fallen.

Above: This photo shows the wetland looking north-west from Dudding Park.

The absence of willows and pampas is a delight. Keeping the 1000s of wattles and other weeds under control is a continual process. We hope that the mature bush in the background - largely on private property - will be maintained by applying SEAs to the lower edge of all residential properties on both sides of the wetland. The SEAs will help to enhance the natural beauty of this area protect it from injudicious developments.

Above: A rare black shag spotted in the wetland.

Other rare species spotted in the wetland include shining cuckoo, kaka and banded rail.

The most common birds in the LSB wetland are pukeko and mallards.

Wetland restoration links

National Wetland Trust of New Zealand

Check out the new Ripple Effect website to find out about wetland restoration and other community projects. Click the 'support' thumbs up to show your support for the Wetland Centre project.

http://makearipple.co.nz/Action-groups/ripples/National-Wetland-Trust-of-New-Zealand/

WETlink

WETlink is an on-line national database of community wetland restoration projects and practitioners – which the NZ Landcare Trust and Nature Space are currently developing.

If you are involved in restoring a wetland they would love to be in touch with you. Please email: wetlink@landcare.org.nz or phone 0800 526 322 (option 1) for further information.

A WETMAK support modules on Photopoints and setting up a Vegetation Plot can be seen here:

http://www.landcare.org.nz/wetmak/hub

Guided wetland walks showcase flora and fauna - February 2013

Aucklanders were invited to discover the wondrous and vibrant wetlands of the region this month, as part of a series of guided wetland walks. The walks were organised by Auckland Council as part of a national Wetlands programme and a spinoff from the World Wetlands Day 2013. For more info, go to the Auckland Council site Guided wetland walks showcase flora and fauna

The free, family-friendly walks were led by biodiversity experts from Auckland Council and held at the following locations:

- Tahuna Torea Reserve (Tamaki Estuary) on 10 February at 10am
- LeRoys Bush and Shoal Bay wetland (Birkenhead/Northcote) on 17 February at 10am
- Harbourview-Orangihina Reserve (Te Atatu Peninsula) on 24 February at 10am.

Wetlands are places of great natural beauty. They are also important because they are a habitat for so many of Auckland’s unique flora and fauna, as well as a vital link between land and water, says Auckland Council acting Environmental Services Manager Gael Ogilvie.

“Wetlands are teeming with life, with species that may prefer salt or freshwater, as well as wet or dry conditions all living together. The sheer variety of life gives them a special character that makes them fascinating places to visit,” she says.

“Auckland’s wetlands are also important because of the part they play in filtering water before it goes into the sea, and in flood and erosion control.

“A huge amount of work is happening all the time in our wetlands, thanks both to the council team and many volunteers. The guided walks are a chance for people to learn about all the work that goes on in these special places.”

Auckland Council has created a new brochure, Guide to Auckland’s Wetlands, featuring 27 of the region’s most lovely and accessible wetlands.

Le Roys Bush and Little Shoal Bay is popular with visitors - locally and from far afield

Little Shoal Bay Raupo wetland is said to be the 2nd largest raupo wetland on the North Shore

Pukekos and ducks are common in the wetland

Voluntary and grant-supported labour almost has controlled the spread of crack willow and pampas grass in the wetland.

This shot shows the Carex ecosystem that complements the raupo ecosystem in the distance.

On going work is required to control other pest plant species.

(Many thanks to Auckland Council and the Birkenhead Licensing Trust/Lion Foundation for their support).

Official Auckland site: http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/.../guidedwetlandwalks

Here's a link to a recent downloadable book on wetland restoration: http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/books/wetlands-handbook

For more information on wetlands, go to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WetlandTrust

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