Wetlands and saltmarsh

From the wetlands and saltmarshes, we source the fibre of the raupō – the reeds that give Whakaraupō its name. Raupō, a summer-green swamp plant, is the kaitiaki/guardian of the low-lying areas around Teddington. Other important plant species are harakeke/flax and seagrass which in turn provide habitat for fish such as inanga/whitebait and at least 30 species of birds making the head of Whakaraupō a nationally significant bird habitat.

Raupō is not well established in Whakaraupō. Exotic plant species dominate, and erosion of the surrounding hills has led to high sedimentation rates – with muddy bays more common than healthy wetlands.

The Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour plan aims to re-establish the natural drainage paths and the coastal wetlands and to enhance the saltmarsh at the head of the bay.

This ecological band will benefit from the development of a programme to target erosion and sedimentation. We will also target key pollutants and improve marine biodiversity.