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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