New wetland created at Hawke's Bay's biodiversity hot spot

A new wetland is being at the Waitangi reserve, Hawke's Bay's biodiversity hot spot. Photo / File

Hawke's Bay Regional Council is creating a new wetland at Waitangi to provide a haven for fish and birds.

Te Kaha Hawaikirangi from project partner Te Wai Mauri Trust says that improving mahinga kai (traditional food gathering sites) habitat for species such as eel, flounder and whitebait is one of the key outcomes of the project.

"As the partnership between all the organisations involved is strong, we've been able to bring this project together quickly to help restore our environment. We've lost 98 per cent of the wetlands in Hawke's Bay and this is another step to reverse the trend of habitat loss."

The wetland will also provide habitat for the endangered matuku hūrepo (bittern), as well as other wading birds. It also hopes to increase habitat in an important whitebait spawning area.

It will be formed on the flood plain of the Tūtaekurī and Ngaruroro rivers, near Awatoto. The area is considered a biodiversity hot spot, and one of the most ecologically important areas in Hawke's Bay.

The new wetland is being constructed by Burgiss Contracting who are building a "bund" or shallow stopbank to encircle a low-lying area of land which will be permanently flooded.

Additional material will be used to create three islands for wildlife habitat and secure bird nesting.

Earthworks kicked off in mid-January, with a karakia led by Ngati Kahungunu representatives.

Regional Council contract manager Antony Rewcastle said the contractors are doing a great job.

"They have strong experience in the mining industry and are enjoying this opportunity to create something with environmental benefits that will be a great asset to Hawke's Bay.

"There has been amazing support and enthusiasm from sponsors and project partners. Planting around the edges of the new wetland will be a key element and we'll be holding community planting days in June/July where people can get involved."

The 15ha wetland is located next to the 6ha Horseshoe Wetland, which was created by regional council in 2009.

The project is being funded in partnership by Te Wai Mauri Trust (which has obtained Te Wai Māori funding), Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Napier Port and Hawke's Bay Regional Council.