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 (LWVDS) during the 1960/70s which resulted in large areas bordering the Lake being drained and cleared of forest and sedges. View the drone tour
The construction of Parera Rd which separated the Wetland from the adjacent Matthews Lagoon & Boggy Pond wetlands cut off critical water flows. Seed from willow trees planted in the upper reaches of tributaries of the Ruamahunga River for erosion control also invaded the Wetland. The resultant willow infestation was subsequently felled and bulldozed into parallel wind-rows, running east-to-west across the Wetland.
First Steps
During the late 1980s, Ducks Unlimited New Zealand (DU) and DOC personnel attempted to partially re-flood the original Wetland. A channel was dug from the Lake on the north-western side of the Wetland and a flood-gate was installed.
At the southern end of the Wetland, a low earth dam was constructed. It was hoped that flood water from the Lake and surface water would be retained in the Wetland but particularly due to damage from cattle grazing these measures failed and both the flood-gate and dam fell into disrepair.
2021-2030 Strategic plan
Vision In 100 years Wairio will be a pristine and self-sustaining wetland supporting abundant native flora and fauna, that filters nutrients and sediment from the incoming water before it reaches the wider Wairarapa Moana complex and is a place people can visit for recreation and to appreciate a regenerating ecosystem.
Wairio Wonderland
A long hard road with its fair share of triumphs and challenges.
Now the Wairio Wetlands Restoration project stands as one of New Zealand's great ecological success stories
Restoration day
Restoration Day at Wairio May 21, proved to be a success with helpers like Ross Cottle, Ian Gunn and Tapuwa Marapara, who were able to share their expertise with those that attended
The Wario Wetland has come in for some close scrutiny by Victoria University Student Bridget Johnson who is this year studying towards an MSc in Ecological Restoration.
The Wairio Wetlands were on the list of for the 200 members of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Assn being hosted by the Wairarapa branch for their 55th annual conference.
Watch a Video covering an investigation by students from Worcester Polytech in Massachusetts, USA into sedimentation at Wairarapa Moana. This included a discussion of the Wairio restoration project led by Ducks Unlimited New Zealand for the last 17 years
