Whakaora Te Waikēkēwai project: Restored wetland attracts rare birds
Birds known for their mythical status are taking refuge at a newly restored wetland around Aotearoa’s largest lagoon, bringing hope for future generations.
For the last five years, Te Taumutu Rūnanga have been leading a project to rehabilitate the lower-mid catchment of Te Waikēkēwai/Waikēkēwai Stream connecting to Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.
Restoring Te Repo o Papatahora wetland has been an integral part of the project. It means improving water quality, increasing mahinga kai values and enhancing biodiversity along the stream – with the hope of seeing more rare birds.
With support from us, under the Te Waihora Co-Goverance group, and the Ministry for the Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund, the project got lift-off.
Now, the team of five – three from Taumutu and two of our staff – are seeing the fruits of their restoration work, including visits from rare birds.
The next stage of the project is riparian planting along the stream.
Rare birds flock
Already, the Rūnanga team have spotted kōtuku (white heron) and matuku-hūrepo (bittern) at the wetland – perhaps seeking a new home.
Matuku-hūrepo, locally known as kautuku, is an endangered species listed as nationally critical. They depend on wetlands for survival. They can also be an indicator of wetland health because they need high-quality and ecologically diverse habitats with rich food supplies.
Kōtuku have always been rare in Aotearoa. After breeding season (September to February), they search for coastal freshwater wetlands or estuaries.
Significance of restoring wetland
Taumutu Rūnanga project manager Sophie McGregor said with about 90 per cent of New Zealand’s original wetlands lost, restoration is imperative for a healthy and sustainable future.
“Wetlands are nature’s kidneys, helping filter, store, and regulate water flows. They provide food and habitat to an array of species providing vital ecosystems needed for healthy environments.”
Sophie said these healthy ecosystems provide mahinga kai opportunities, connections to nature and landscapes, and an abundance of learning possibilities for whānau and communities.
Dry paddock to restored wetland
Earlier this year, they started the restoration of the traditional wetland, Te Repo o Papatahora, on whānau land adjacent to the Ngāti Moki marae.
While the area, for years, had been a dry paddock, the removal of 118 eucalyptus trees saw the land begin to return itself to its natural wet landscape.
Pest plant control was also undertaken, and a boardwalk was constructed to enable whānau to connect and engage with the repo (swamp). The boardwalk was funded by the Rata Foundation.
Alongside the wetland works, the project team have been working with landowners to plant and fence the riparian margin along both sides of Te Waikēkēwai/Waikēkēwai Stream upstream from Ngāti Moki marae, and Papatahora Stream, a tributary of Te Waikēkēwai.
This boardwalk was constructed to enable whānau to connect and engage with the repo
Plantings along Papatahora Stream complement existing extensive native plantings already undertaken by the landowner.
Te Waikēkēwai/Waikēkēwai Stream signifies an important whakapapa (genealogical connection) for the rūnanga. The stream flows through ancestral sites tied to revered tīpuna (ancestors) Te Ruahikihiki and his son Moki II, whose legacies continue to shape the identity and aspirations of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki hapū.
Our partnership programmes lead, David Murphy, said with mana whenua in the driver’s seat, this project is a great example of Treaty partnership.
“This work is also a testament to the resilience of nature. As soon as you improve the habitat, the species return,” David said.
Te Waihora Co-Governance group
The Whakaora Te Waikēkēwai project is one of many initiatives in the Whakaora Te Waihora programme, under the Te Waihora Co-Governance group. Established in 2012, the group is working to restore and rejuvenate the mana, mauri, and ecosystem of the Te Waihora and its catchment.
The Co-Governance group includes us, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Selwyn District Council, Christchurch City Council, and Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation.
Our regional biodiversity and biosecurity team leader, Shaun Burkett, said restoring Te Waihora is a top priority.
“It’s the largest lagoon in Aotearoa and an important link in a chain of coastal lagoons and estuaries.
“It’s also a habitat to many threatened and at-risk species such as tarapirohe (black-fronted terns), ngutu pare (wrybill), and matuku-hūrepo,” Shaun said.
While it may take two generations to achieve the group’s vision, as work is intended to sustain the lake to provide for many generations to follow, we are committed to making it happen.”
Learn more about the Te Waihora Co-Governance group and other projects to improve the health of the lagoon’s environment.
Fun facts about kōtuku and matuku-hūrepo
- Kōtuku have elaborate courtship displays. Males build a platform to advertise themselves to the females. They erect their neck and flick their wings to attract a female – almost like they are doing a dance to win over their mate.
- Matuku-hūrepo appear in many Māori legends and early pictures with plenty of place names referring to them.
- Historically, the feathers of matuku-hūrepo were used by Māori for ceremonial decoration.
- As a symbol of both beauty and rarity, these birds were often featured in Māori myths. Being compared to a kōtuku was considered a compliment of the highest order.