Ducks unlimited NZ

For wetlands and waterfowl

Wetlands

Our wetlands are facing a crisis. Over 90% of our wetlands are gone and many of our plants and animals now face severe threats.

You can help save our precious wetlands

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Scholarships

Wetland Care Research Scholarships are sponsored by Ducks Unlimited New Zealand and may be applied for by any student currently enrolled or affiliated with a New Zealand university.

Funds are aimed at .......

Wildlife

New Zealand is home to the two rarest Waterfowl species in the world. The Whio and the Pateke are struggling for their survival.

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ABOUT DUCKS UNLIMITED

Ducks Unlimited is New Zealand's leading wetlands and waterfowl conservation group

We work to save our nation's wetlands through protection, funding, technical aid and education so that the flora and fauna of our most endangered ecosystem are a legacy we can pass down to future generations.

Our key focus is to increase the efficiency and number of New Zealand wetlands developed and support any relevant wildfowl recovery programmes. To aid in this worthwhile cause we harness community support and Government resources, and utilise global links and findings from wetland global research programmes.

If you are interested in New Zealand's Wetlands and what we are doing
Give your support today
and become a wetlands and waterfowl project supporter

BLUE DUCK/WHIO

The blue duck/whio is only found in New Zealand. It is a nationally vulnerable species and faces a risk of becoming extinct.

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TEAL

The brown teal/pāteke is a small dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand. They are the rarest waterfowl on the mainland.

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Activities

Canada Geese

The distinctive and well-known Canada goose is a North American native. It has been extensively introduced to UK

Brown Teal/Pāteke

The brown teal/pāteke is a small dabbling duck endemic to NZ.
They are the rarest waterfowl on the mainland

Wetlands restoration

They abound with life and their inhabitants are familiar to us all. However, over 90% of our wetlands are now gone

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Whio release

The blue duck/whio is only found in New Zealand. It is a vulnerable species and faces a risk of becoming extinct.

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Swans

The mute swan used to have absolute protection in New Zealand under the Wildlife Act 1953.
This was changed in 2010 to a lower level of protection by Ministry of Conservation discretion.

Rails

From an era when large flightless birds were spread throughout New Zealand, the takahē has clung to existence despite the pressures of hunting, habitat destruction and introduced predators.

Bittern

The endangered matuku inhabits wetlands throughout New Zealand.
DOC is focusing on developing methods for surveying bittern systematically and for restoring wetlands

Project bittern

Sport Shooting

Ducks Unlimited New Zealand encourages and supports sustainable sport shooting.
Providing education and information about endangered species and wetland conservation

Under construction

Wairio Wetland development

Local legend has it that the Wairio Wetland, located on the eastern shores of Lake Wairarapa was once a paradise, providing habitat for substantial numbers of waterfowl and aquatic species. The 132 hectare Wetland was adversely affected by the Lower Wairarapa Valley Development Scheme during the 1960/70s which resulted in large areas bordering the Lake being drained and cleared of forest and sedges.