Awarua WetlandLooking after New Zealand’s first

& largest Ramsar site

Sarah Thorne & Brian RanceDepartment of Conservation

• New Zealand’s first Ramsar site in 1976 (3,597 ha)

• Expansion 2008 (c. 19,500 ha) = Largest

• Arawai Kakariki wetland restoration site

• Special to Southlanders

Introduction to the Awarua Wetland

• Most know about the lagoon, but not

about Ramsar

• Special to some

• Headache to others

What does Ramsar and Awarua Wetlands

mean to Southlanders?

• Diversity – each part has its own challenges

• Major threats – the usual suspects!

• Challenges – Access and people

Our challenges

• Focus and dollars• Practical work – farm and Public Conservation

Land• Knowledge and understanding – science and

hearts• Strong relationships – community and

agencies

Good initiatives

• Good things take time!

• Raise awareness and

understanding

• Work together

• Keep up the good work

The future

• Thanks to the wonderful people who supplied photos: Brian Pattrick (Wildlands Consultants), Andy Hicks, Chris Wright, Chris Owen, many DOC staff

• And to all the wonderful people and agencies that work in the Awarua Ramsar site

Acknowledgements

Awarua Wetland