‘Bigger isn’t necessarily better’ for wetland restoration

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Fish & Game wants to shine a light on small-scale wetlands around the country, such as this one in Blackbird Valley, Tasman.

Smaller wetland restorations can still play a big role in restoring New Zealand’s ecosystems, Fish & Game chief executive Corina Jordan says.

Jordan has been visiting new wetlands in Tasman as part of the organisation’s efforts to highlight the role that small-scale wetlands projects played in protecting and restoring Aotearoa’s wetland ecosystems.

Fish & Game had completed a number of large wetland projects around the country, but projects on a smaller scale were increasingly showing value, she said.

“When it comes to wetland restoration, bigger isn't necessarily better,” Jordan said.

“Particularly when land is expensive, creating numerous smaller wetlands can provide excellent habitat diversity for bird and aquatic life while delivering all the positive environmental benefits wetlands offer.”

Fish & Game chief executive Corina Jordan has been visiting newly-created wetlands in Tasman.

Tasman District Council allowed landowners to carry out wetland restoration work without resource consent, provided the work met certain criteria.

Tasman residents Sue and David Watts had a small-scale wetland on their Motueka Valley property, having wanted to create a green space for biodiversity.

“We’re only custodians of this ground; there’s the future aspect of it … leave things better than you found them,” David said.

They were now beginning to see ducks and other wildlife, including their first tui, visiting their property after riparian planting for the last three years.

“It makes your soul sing,” he said.

Lawrence, Georgina and Yachal Upson also had a small-scale wetland on their Blackbird Valley property. Yachal said their reconstruction of it started years ago.

Jordan says wetlands are “nature's filtration system”. (File photo)

Those involved in making the project possible included NZ Landcare Trust, Trees that Count, their catchment group, and Fish & Game.

“In restoring this ecosystem we've not only built pools, we've built a community in a way that has added to a sense of belonging for everyone involved,” Yachal said.

“We've given my parents the chance to share excitement with their young grandchildren, as they both discover something new.”

Landowners could access support, and in some cases funding, through Fish & Game’s support package if they were interested in in creating or restoring wetlands.

“We take a true partnership approach with landowners,” Jordan said.

“Rather than just offering advice, we're there every step of the way – from initial planning through to long-term management. This hands-on support really makes the difference in successful wetland projects.”

The organisation’s commitment to wetland restoration was backed by funding through the Game Bird Habitat Trust. Jordan said the trust had provided $2.4 million in grants to nearly 300 projects since 1993, which had helped to create, enhance or reinstate around 2000 hectares of habitat.

Beaconsfield School pupils have been involved in the establishment of a wetland at Otipua.

Less than 9% of New Zealand’s original wetlands remained.

Jordan said wetlands were “nature’s filtration system”.

“They trap sediments and nutrients, improving downstream water quality in our streams and rivers. They're also natural flood protection, acting like giant sponges to slow down flood waters.”