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Go re • Invercargill c i t y c o u n c i l “ C I T Y O F WAT E R A N D L I G H T ” Inve rcargi Wetlands Of Southland ll • A Guide for Maintaining and Enhancing t h e Va l u e s o f o u r We t la n d A r eas Southland • New Z e a l an d Wetlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems on earth truly amazing biological resources which are essential to the functioning of our world. They are also one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. This booklet introduces you to wetlands, describes the many threats that they face and provides information on how to nurture the wetlands in your area. Southland has many significant wetland areas, some of which are internationally important. We hope to foster a greater understanding and an appreciation for our wetland areas so that they will continue to be part of the landscape for future generations. Tim Shadbolt Frana Cardno Mayor, Invercargill City Council Mayor, Southland District Council Ted Loose Owen O’Connor Chairman, Environment Southland Mayor, Gore District Council Within the Invercargill City District Guidelines are available for: • Otatara - Sandy Point Bushcare • Forest Remnants • Coast care page 1 contents Introduction 3 What is a wetland? 3 spillages of toxic substances 13 1.Why Are Wetlands So Important? 4 Livestock grazing and trampling 13 Wetlands are ‘cradles of biodiversity’ 4 Introduced plants and animals 13 Wetlands are habitats 4 An acceleration in sea level rise 13 Wetlands are natural ‘supermarkets’ 4 Consequences of wetland loss 13 Wetlands are part of the hydrological cycle 4 4.Good Land Use Practices 14 Wetlands are filters 4 Fence off vulnerable areas from stock or Wetlands are carbon sinks 4 restrict entry of stock Wetlands are buffers 4 Avoid the creation of drainage ditches or Wetlands are a cultural heritage 5 Wetlands are a recreational resource 5 Wetlands provide research opportunities 5 Wetlands are economically important 5 2.Important Wetlands 6 Coastal wetlands 7 Swamps 7 and wetland conservation 15 Peatlands 8 Learn how to identify wetland plants 16 Alpine wetlands 9 Become iInvolved in a landcare group 16 Wetland sequences 9 Legally protect your wetland area 16 Agricultural, industrial, and domestic effluent and runoff, drift from top dressing and accidental 14 impenetrable barriers in wetland areas 14 Provide a buffer around the wetland 14 Consider how your landuse activities may impact on a nearby wetland 14 Control plant and animal pests 15 Enhance a wetland 15 Avoid conflict between recreation/tourism Wetland restoration and creation 10 5.Wetland Plants 17 3.Threats to our Wetlands 12 Estuarine plants 17 Swamp plants 19 Peatland plants 21 Alpine plants 23 Pest plants in wetlands 25 Important Contacts 28 Further Reading 28 Glossary 29 Acknowledgments 29 Index to Plants 30 Conversions through drainage, reclamation, filling and clearance 12 Rubbish dumping 12 Harvesting of sphagnum moss 12 Fire 12 Tourism and intensive recreational use 12 Modification of natural hydrological characteristics 12 page 2 introduction This booklet is about the wetlands within the Southland Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems which undergo constant region. It is presented in five parts. This section introduces change naturally - they are very sensitive to changes in you to what wetlands are and their importance as part of the climate, water availability, disturbance and land use. They natural environment. can be either permanently or seasonally wet. Section 1 describes the importance of wetlands. Section 2 Wetlands in Southland are widespread and diverse, describes the varied wetlands of Southland. Section 3 supporting distinctive communities which contribute to the discusses threats to wetlands. Section 4 provides tips on unique biological and geographic character of the region. how to care for wetland areas. Section 5 describes and In the not too distant past, wetlands were unfairly and illustrates some of the key plants that grow there, both native inaccurately portrayed as wastelands. Over 90% of New and introduced. Zealand’s wetlands have been drained in the last 200 years What is a Wetland? to make way for industry, agriculture and urban A wetland is a place where the ground is permanently or development. This is one of the largest wetland losses periodically wet and which supports a natural ecosystem of anywhere in the world. Wetlands now occupy only about plants and animals that are adapted to wet conditions. 2% of the total land area of New Zealand. Wetlands occur from the coast to the mountains. Some In Southland, it is estimated that intact wetlands have been wetlands are shallow pools or estuaries, where there is reduced by 37% since European settlement. This enough light penetration for underwater plants to grow. percentage would however be significantly higher if it Others may look outwardly dry, with a reservoir of water just weren’t for the numerous untouched wetlands in Fiordland beneath the surface. and Rakiura (Stewart Island) National Parks. Wetlands occur in a wide variety of habitat types including Today, wetlands continue to be threatened. However, they coastal lagoons and estuaries; flood plains and valley floors still have a vitally important role to play in maintaining a (rivers and lakes); and alpine areas. There are also created healthy and functioning environment. wetlands such as farm ponds, wastewater ponds, gravel pits and stock water reservoirs. Wetland types also differ according to local conditions such as topography, soil, fertility and whether they are salt or freshwater. page 3 why are wetlands so important? Wetlands are ‘cradles of biodiversity’ Wetlands are filters • There is a great diversity of wetland types and • Wetlands filter out toxins and wastes from water, communities. Each has its own distinct character. acting like human kidneys. Agrichemicals tend to • Wetlands also contain one of the greatest diversities of adhere to sediments and wetland plants trap this wildlife and have the highest proportion of endangered species of any terrestrial habitat on earth. sediment thus reducing water pollution. • Wetlands also remove nutrients such as nitrogen and • They are also important ‘genetic reservoirs’ for certain phosphorus from water which helps to prevent species of plants. eutrophication (build up of excess nutrients leading to • Biodiversity is essential to the healthy functioning of the environment. Wetlands are habitats • Large numbers of New Zealand’s native fauna, including algal blooms). • Wetlands can be used in the final stages of sewage treatment. • The nutrients stored by wetlands are released as temperatures cool and plants die down in winter, when some that are in danger of extinction, depend on eutrophication is less likely to occur. wetlands as their habitat. • Of all the natural habitats in New Zealand, wetlands support the greatest concentration of bird species. Wetlands are carbon sinks • Wetlands, and especially peatlands, accumulate carbon and so are a carbon sink. Wading birds feed on the rich invertebrate fauna and juvenile fish species and roost near the high tide mark of • Peatland areas are one of the greatest carbon sinks in coastal wetlands. Waterfowl such as ducks, swans and the world. If they remain healthy they continue to geese dabble in ponds and feed on aquatic plants or accumulate, however if developed the peat sieve through sediments for seed and invertebrates. decomposes, releasing carbon. • Wetlands also harbour a large proportion of our native • Forest accumulates carbon while growing, only to release it when harvested or when trees die. flora. Wetlands are natural ‘supermarkets’ • Coastal wetlands are vital for at least part of the life cycle of more than 30 species of the fish we eat, including whitebait, sole, flounder and eels. Estuaries also support shellfish beds. • Coastal wetlands have higher rates of productivity than any other New Zealand habitat (including irrigated crop production land). Waihopai River Wetland Wetlands are part of the hydrological cycle • Wetlands retain and release water in a controlled fashion. Wetlands are buffers • Wetlands act as buffers between open water and land, stopping excess nutrients or sediments getting • Wetlands soak up floodwater, diminishing the effects of into water and water damaging the land through floods downstream. erosion. • Wetlands lessen the severity of drought conditions on adjacent land. • Coastal wetlands have an important role in buffering land from the effects of sea level rise • Wetlands are important for groundwater recharge and and the increased severity of storms likely to be discharge. page 4 Wetlands provide research opportunities associated with global warming. • Wetlands show what large parts of Southland and New • Coastal wetland vegetation reduces the energy of Zealand used to be like. waves and stabilises eroding coastlines, helping to • Wetlands are excellent examples of the functioning of enhance coastal water quality. ecosystems and are valuable for the study of biology. • Roots of wetland plants hold sediment in place, • Within the soils, vegetation fragments can trace the preventing erosion of valuable residential or vegetation and hence climates of the area. Wetland agricultural land and property damage. sediments contain pollen and accumulated plant Wetlands are a cultural heritage material, layed down in sequence. Studying and dating • Wetlands have a prominent place in the traditional and this material can show what grew at and around the site contemporary society of local maori (Ngai Tahu in the past, providing a vegetation history. Whanui). Wetlands are often venues for the preservation and teaching of traditional matauranga Wetlands are economically important, for: (knowledge). • Water supply (quantity and quality) • Wetlands are important threads in the history of Ngai • Erosion control Tahu Whanui. Many important events took place at or • Fisheries near wetlands. • Agriculture (maintenance of water tables and nutrient • Wetlands are traditional places for Maori food gathering reduction in floodplains) (mahinga kai). For example, Tuna (eel); Kanakana • Energy resources (peat and plant matter) (lamprey); Mata (whitebait); Kokopu (native trout); Whio • Wildlife resources (blue duck); Patiki (flounder); Koradi (flax flower) and • Recreation and tourism opportunities. Ti kouka (cabbage tree). • Maori also use wetland plants such as Harakeke (flax), Toitoi and Raupo (bullrush) for a variety of purposes including clothing; Kete (baskets); Uare (houses) and Mokihi (rafts). Some kinds of wetland mud are also used to dye clothing such as Piupiu. • Place names around Southland also provide historical information about wetlands. For example, Waituna (waters of eel); Waikakahi (waters of the fresh water mussel); Waiharakeke (flax waters); Tussock Creek; Boggy Burn and Flaxy Creek. Wetlands are a recreational resource • Wetlands are important recreational areas, enjoyed by many naturalists, fishermen, whitebaiters, waterfowl hunters and those engaged in other water sports. • They are also growing in importance as tourist attractions because of their scenic qualities and abundant wildlife. Dracophyllum Manuka Wirerush page 5 important wetlands Did you know that Southland contains one of the first places The following pages describe Southland’s many in the world to have a wetland officially recognised under wetlands, grouped into the main types - coastal, the Ramsar convention, when the Waituna Wetland was peatlands, swamps and alpine. Wetlands are registered in 1976? The Ramsar designation recognises the however very complex systems and often a single importance of this particular wetland internationally. wetland type will be found in association with another type. Wetland restoration and creation also takes place around the region and some of the projects are discussed. Bush Siding Waimatua Creek Mu ddy ek a Cre Cu rra ns un Wait Awarua Plains Cre ek Kapuka South Cre ek Waituna Lagoon Awarua Bay Toetoes Bay What is the Ramsar Convention? The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. It is an intergovernmental treaty promoting the protection and wise management of wetlands and their resources. New Zealand became a party to the convention in 1976 and each year on 2 February we join the rest of the world in celebrating World Wetlands Day to mark the anniversary of the signing of the convention. page 6 Coastal Wetlands Where there is farmland next to a coastal wetland, a wet New River Estuary, Awarua Bay, Waikawa Harbour, Jacobs pasture community of salt-tolerant grasses may form between River, Toetoes Harbour, the Waiau River mouth and Waituna dry pasture and the wetland. Lagoon, are some of the many estuarine and lagoon areas of Good examples of intact coastal sequences can be seen at Southland. These coastal areas support a diversity of wetland Haldane Estuary, Daffodil Bay, the Bushy Point Educational communities. Boardwalk on Grant Road at Otatara, and at the head of Some coastal wetlands are also known as salt marshes Waikawa Estuary. because of their saline influence. Salt marshes form around estuaries or lagoons where they experience regular inundation Swamps by sea water. They exhibit a tidal zonation where plants with Swamps range from areas of open freshwater such as lake the most salt tolerance grow in the zone with the most tidal and riverine edges to wet pasture, pond margins and inundation and less salt tolerant plants grow where they are backwashes. only occasionally reached by salt water or spray. At the Swamps are associated with fertile land and exist on valley lowest zones, the plant community comprises eel grass beds. floors with water running through them from upstream The next level includes succulents (plants adapted to high salt sources. As a result, swamps have been more extensively levels in the environment) such as glassworts. The mid zones modified by land development than any other wetland type. contain a ‘salt meadow’ community. Most salt marshes include an upper zone of tall sedges, rushes and some shrubs which have their bases submerged when the tide is in. Salt marsh species are not limited to estuaries. They can also be found on headlands above the sea because of wave splash and sea spray. These are called coastal turfs. Mini-wetlands may also form in the hollows between sand dunes, known as ‘dune slacks’. Dune slacks, such as those at Oreti Beach in Invercargill, Waipapa Beach and Masons Bay, Stewart Island are formed where the wind has eroded sand down to the level of the water table. The plant Redcliff Wetland communities that grow there may include creeping plants or solid turf and patches of rushes or sedges. Valley floor between the Mavora Lakes Valley floors with swampy areas, such as those between the Mavora Lakes, were once common throughout Southland. Small patches can still be found on farmland. The types of plants that grow in swamps include purei and other sedges, flax, manuka, red tussock, toetoe and cabbage trees. Redcliff Reserve below Manapouri, is an extensive area of shallow water with swampy vegetation. In 1977, Fish and Game New Zealand developed this area for the benefit of wildlife. The wetland is protected by an open space covenant under the Queen Elizabeth II Trust. The wetland Masons Bay, Rakiura (Stewart Island) page 7 provides an open water area of approximately 50 ha and is Peatlands differ from freshwater swamps - the soil home to a great range of waterfowl and other wetland is peat, has low fertility, is more or less permanently species. It also has the highest number of longfinned eels of saturated with water and is anaerobic. any waters in the lower Waiau catchment. As a result they lack the organisms that decompose The gravel pit ponds near Oreti beach, north of Dunns organic matter. Consequently, peatlands are Road, are an example of where lowland wetland swamps expensive to develop and have survived as the have been artificially created through disturbance. It is an dominant wetland type in Southland. important area for waterfowl such as mallard duck, grey In locations where drainage is impeded or the duck, Australasian bittern, little shag and pied stilt during groundwater level is high, peat can accumulate above breeding. the surrounding ground surface, eventually forming a Kakapo Swamp in the Te Anau Basin and Lake Brunton gently curving dome. This feature is referred to as a south of Tokanui are wetlands that contain flax swamps. “raised peatbog”. Many raised peatbogs are scattered Areas like these once provided for a major flax fibre mill across the Southland Plains, the Taringatura Hills, and the industry. Today flax swamps are rare in Southland Te Anau Basin. Swamp forest of kahikatea was once widespread on the flood plains of Southland and are now all but gone. Important remnants still exist at Thomsons Bush along the Waihopai River, Invercargill and Turnbull Bush, Tussock Creek. Peatlands Some of the largest and most important wetlands are the nationally and internationally important areas of peat bogs Raised peatbog or peatlands. The extensive peatland/wetland complex of the Awarua Plains including Seaward Moss, Waituna The Dunearn peatbog in Western Southland is an Lagoon (a wetland of international importance), Toetoes excellent example of a raised peatbog. The area has Harbour and Awarua Bay is rated as nationally important. recently been acquired by the Department of Waituna peatland is one of the most significant waterfowl Conservation from a private owner, through the Nature habitats in New Zealand, being home to fernbirds and the Heritage Fund, with assistance from the Southland Australasian bittern, as well as other native animals including District Council. Restoration is planned at the site as the skinks, the giant kokopu (Galaxias species) and a area has been significantly modified through drainage. range of moths, grasshoppers and beetles. Peatlands have a range of communities, including manuka shrublands, wirerush-tangle, fern-swamp inaka-manuka, red tussock-flaxland, rushland, sphagnum hollow and pools. The most extensive of these communities is the wirerush-tangle. Fernbird at Waituna Wetlands page 8 Alpine Wetlands Southland is unique through the presence of typically alpine Alpine wetlands exist in mountain environments with high or subalpine wetland plants in lowland areas. Subalpine rainfall, cloud cover and colder temperatures. They are wetland species found in the Waituna area include cushion frequently found in snow tussock landscapes and have a bog, sky lily, comb sedge, sundews, gentians and several high diversity of plants and animals. Vegetation commonly other species. comprises short plant communities with cushion forming plants, sedges, sphagnum and herbs (for example, sedges, buttercups and mountain daisies). Alpine wetlands are relatively unaffected by human impacts in comparison with their lowland counterparts. As a result, they function naturally and often have a direct influence on Cushion bog (Donatia novae-zelandiae) at Waituna maintaining water flows in the headwaters of river catchments. Wetland Sequences The Garvie Mountains in Northern Southland support In their natural state, wetlands are part of an ecological significant alpine wetlands. The area contains extensive sequence of native vegetation, which includes grasslands, tussocklands dominated by snow tussock. These are mixed shrublands, and forests. There are several examples of with herbfields, cushion bogs, sedgeland-mossfields, remnant wetland sequences in the Southland region. sometimes with patterned pond systems, or adjacent to The Awarua Plains/Seaward Moss area contains a diverse lakes or tarns. range of wetland communities and sequences including Fiordland and Rakiura (Stewart Island) National Parks estuary mud-flats, salt marshes, peatlands, shallow pools, frequently support unaltered alpine herbfields, cushionfields tarns and seepages, wire rushlands and manuka shrublands. and other wetlands in areas above 800-1000 metres. Tiwai Peninsula is characterised by red tussock grassland An excellent opportunity to view various tarns and diverse and flaxlands. On the eastern end of the peninsula, the alpine wetland plant communities is provided on a track tussock grassland grades into a wetland-peatland closely from the Borland Saddle car park (the summit of Borland connected to the Ramsar Waituna Wetland, with plants such Road), through the bush, to the top of Mt Burns. as wirerush, jointed rush, mingimingi, flax, toetoe, manuka, cabbage trees, willowherbs and water milfoil. Jointed Rush and Totara Southland also supports sequences from alpine tops to rockfields, snowbanks, tussocklands with wetlands into forest. An example of this type of sequence is found in the Garvie Mountains. Borland Saddle, Mt Burns page 9 Sequences from swamp and peatland areas to shrublands of wetland creation around Southland include then forest are also present at Toetoes Swamp, Freshwater duck ponds, stock water reservoirs, forestry fire Valley in Stewart Island and in areas of Fiordland ponds, and waste water treatment ponds. (for example, Amoeboid Swamp). Planting a variety of species can enhance wetland environments and encourage insects and birds from other wetlands. The Southland Community Nursery at Otatara, Environment Southland and Fish and Game New Zealand can provide advice on suitable plants when creating or restoring wetlands. As well as enhancing landscape values, created and restored wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl, game birds, native birds and plants. They also assist with maintaining good water quality and help safeguard Wetland Sequence at Bushy Point water levels in ground and/or surface water during dry summers. The only place in Southland where the intact zonation from estuary to forest still exists, and can be viewed easily, is at Bushy Point. Here the zonation passes from coastal wetland Specific examples of restoration projects and created wetlands in the region include: dominated by jointed rush, through shrubland of manuka or New River Estuary - Former Refuse Disposal Site mingimingi and marsh ribbonwood, gradually merging with The Invercargill City Council is working on enhancing podocarp forest containing kahikatea, matai, totara, and rimu. the old Refuse Disposal Site at the New River Estuary A feature of this area is the ease with which elusive fernbirds by landscaping and planting it out with native plants. can be seen and heard. It has been proposed that the Bushy Point wetland be included in the Ramsar designation of the Waituna wetland and the New River Estuary. Some of the sequences mentioned are considered to be of regional if not national importance. Intact and diverse sequences are now uncommon in lowland New Zealand. Wetlands Restoration at New River Estuary Wetland Restoration and Creation Waihopai Dam Wetland Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council, Southland The construction of the Waihopai Detention Dam east District Council, Gore District Council, Department of of Racecourse Road provided the opportunity to Conservation, Fish and Game New Zealand and other create a wetland environment. Environment agencies and community groups are all involved in wetland enhancement, restoration and creation in Southland. Southland and school groups have been involved in planting the edges of the pond created by the dam Wetlands can be created or modified using with swamp plants such as flax, tussock, toetoe weirs, embankments or dams. They are generally and cabbage trees. The area is fenced off from smaller in size than their natural counterparts, stock and attracts waterfowl as well as sustaining with fixed water levels. Some less obvious examples fish and eels. page 10 Riversdale Wastewater Treatment System Waiau Fisheries and Wildlife Enhancement Trust The Southland District Council has carried out planting and The objectives of the Trust are the protection, creation, wetland creation in conjunction with the Riversdale restoration and enhancement of fisheries and wildlife Wastewater Treatment System. The wetland has been habitats in the Waiau Catchment. This includes protection designed to improve effluent quality while also providing of existing wetlands through fencing subsidies, agreements, a wetland habitat. and creation of new wetlands. The largest project to date is Rakatu Wetland. The development will result in the creation Using Gravel Extraction to Restore Oxbow Lakes of a 45 ha open water wetland amongst 60 ha of existing Degraded or lost river wetland habitats on riverbeds are wetlands on land that is currently developed pasture. The being restored in Southland through gravel extraction. Rakatu development adjoins the existing Redcliff Wetland. Environment Southland provides advice on extraction of Te Koawa Turoa - o Takitimu (Jericho Block), gravel to restore wetland habitats such as degraded or destroyed oxbow lakes. The lakes are restored through Redcliff Valley extracting gravel at a range of depths and edge forms. Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is an independent Trust This provides productive deep and shallow wetland habitats. promoting and enhancing the relationship of Ngai Tahu people with the mahinga kai resources of the Waiau catchment. The Trust promotes wetland habitat development using traditional techniques to encourage the return of indigenous wildlife species. Wetland restoration projects at the site include creation of two ponds in an existing diversion channel, widespread removal of weeds and planting of native plants. Restored Oxbow adjacent to the Oreti River Duck Pond Creation Fish and Game New Zealand provides free surveying and advice to those interested in pond creation and management. Fish and Game Council has surveyed over 1,000 wetland developments in Southland. Most Southlanders who visit and interact with wetlands do so Duck Pond while hunting for waterfowl on private land. Despite being relatively small and developed to provide habitat for waterfowl, these wetlands provide important habitats for a great range of other wetland species while also ensuring wetlands are present where they otherwise might not be. page 11 threats to our wetlands This section describes the threats to our remaining wetlands Harvesting of sphagnum moss and how to care for them in the future. • Uncontrolled harvesting of sphagnum moss, while providing income, removes an important The traditional view of wetlands as wastelands is changing, component of the wetland and leads to its as we better understand how they contribute to our degradation. environment. However, wetlands in New Zealand continue to be threatened directly and indirectly by a number of Fire factors including: • During dry weather, wetland vegetation and peat are flammable and can burn for a long time. Conversion through drainage, reclamation, filling Peatland fires are very hard to put out. and clearance for: • Agriculture, horticulture or forestry Tourism and intensive recreational use • Industrial and residential development • Walking and driving in wetland environments • Solid waste disposal can place pressure on the ecological system which • Roads attracts people there in the first place. • Channelised water courses • Alpine systems are particulary slow to recover from These activities may smother the wetland through increased amounts of sediments, lower water quality or quantity, and may ultimately destroy the wetland. damage. Modification of natural hydrological characteristics, through Rubbish dumping • Construction of sea walls and stopbanks • Destroys scenic values and can endanger the wildlife • Damming and diversion of water courses present. Potential for leaching of pollutants from rubbish • Groundwater abstraction to contaminate wetland and water. • Irrigation schemes • Fragmentation by roads, 4WD tracks • Drainage ditches Vehicle Damage at Sandy Point page 12 Agricultural, industrial and domestic effluent and Consequences of Wetland loss runoff, drift from top dressing and accidental • Decline or extinction of wetland plants and animals spillages of toxic substances and decrease in biodiversity • Although wetland plants can trap pollutants, once levels • Decline in catches of commercial fish species get too high for them to cope algal blooms occur, dependent on wetlands for life-cycle (for example: shellfish become contaminated (coastal wetlands), whitebait, flounder) vegetation can become dominated by weeds and • Change in water regime - increased wildlife may die. The death of wetland plants from destructiveness of droughts and floods pollution can lead to erosion as soils are no longer held • Degradation of water quality together by the plants. • Loss of free services - (for example, water purification, flood control) Livestock grazing and trampling • Loss of cultural heritage and customary rights • Deer, goats, sheep and cattle can all damage wetland • Loss of recreational and tourism plants and the stability of the wetland, degrading and opportunities causing loss of habitat. They destroy bird breeding and roosting sites and fish spawning areas, and lead to Without collective responsibility for our wetlands, many may erosion and sedimentation. soon be lost forever. While it is now the poor, developing Introduced plants and animals countries that are losing wetlands at the fastest rate, it is • Often out-compete native plants and modify wetland countries like New Zealand which have the resources and expertise to take the lead in wetland conservation. habitats so they are no longer suitable for species that rely on them. For instance, the introduced plant Spartina both out-competes native coastal wetland plants and builds up the level of tidal flats, driving native species out. It also colonises more or less bare mud flats and reduces the area available for wading birds to forage in. An acceleration in sea level rise • Under predicted sea level rise, wetlands will slowly drown unless they can retreat inland, keeping pace with the rate of sea level rise. Ironically, the destruction of wetlands and other indigenous ecosystems releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Yet another reason to help save our wetlands. page 13 good land use practices The future of wetlands depends on careful management of Provide a buffer around the wetland these resources. Today, lowland and coastal wetlands that To help the wetland, leave a buffer between have not been modified are rare. However, even those productive land and the wetland, avoid drains wetlands that are modified are a significant social, within the wetland itself, avoid over-draining in economic and ecological resource. While the list of threats the summer and do not divert streams feeding looks enormous, there are many things that we can do to the wetland. improve the health of our wetlands. It is important to remember that wetlands are part of an interlocking chain of ecosystems, affected by everyday land use practices in surrounding areas. There are a number of good land management practices that protect the integrity of wetlands including: Fence off vulnerable areas from stock or restrict Wetland with buffer zone entry of stock It is amazing what an improvement fencing out cattle makes Consider how your landuse activities may impact to a wetland environment. Once cattle are no longer on a nearby wetland wandering through a wetland, wetland plants may once Most of us do not set out to damage wetlands. again grow, and there will be associated improvements in Unfortunately, because wetlands are so highly sensitive water quality, stability of wetland edges and sediment retention. Occasional or restricted entry of sheep to wetland areas may be beneficial in terms of keeping the growth of to the land uses surrounding them as well as what is going on within them, our everyday activities can impact on them. There are, however, many things you can do to pasture grasses under control. Money to assist landowners help. For instance: with the cost of fencing may be available from the • If you need to spray weeds on your property, try not Invercargill City Council and Environment Southland. to spray close to a wetland or on a windy day National land protection agencies such as the Nature where spray could drift; instead remove weeds by Heritage Fund or the Queen Elizabeth II Trust may also have hand or mechanically from around a wetland to funding. avoid contamination of the water. Avoid the creation of drainage ditches or • To avoid excess nutrients finding their way into the impenetrable barriers in wetland areas wetland, ensure that any discharges from domestic Drainage ditches running through or around wetlands or agricultural land uses to soil (including fertiliser significantly alter water flow patterns, leading to degradation application) take place well away from the of the wetland. Changes in water circulation in a catchment wetland edge. • Avoid burn-offs in areas close to wetlands, surrounding a wetland disrupt the ecosystem a reduction of fresh water reaching a wetland can increase especially during drier times of the year, as they salinity causing some plant species to die, or it can eliminate might spread into the wetland. the wetland as the land dries out. Roads and stopbanks • Avoid planting of certain exotic plant species without adequate culverts can cut off wetlands from water (such as forestry trees, willows, silver birch, sources. rowan, holly etc) nearby as they can easily spread and modify the wetland. page 14 • Biological control: currently being looked at for oxygen • Block any drains within or adjacent to the wetland that weed - Spartina is controlled this way overseas. are not required. • Chemical control: for particularly persistent weeds - in • When undertaking mechanical drain maintenance or clearance do so outside of the wetland - also make sure these cases particular care must be taken because of the that the machinery is clean so that it does not bring in danger of contaminating wetland system and water. Ask weed seeds and try to prevent the movement of weed for advice from Environment Southland, the Department seed. of Conservation or a garden centre. Enhance a Wetland Planting of native wetland species around the edge of a wetland will help to make it more healthy and also more attractive. You can also consider how the wetland ecosystem fits in with the rest of the environment. Wetlands are healthiest when they are connected to other natural ecosystems such as scrub and native forest. “Ecological corridors” provide shelter and encourage native animal species to move between different areas, increasing species richness. Gullies containing wetland areas can be planted Flax at Sandy Point Ponds out in species such as cabbage trees, flax, red tussock and Control plant and animal pests toetoe. Coastal forest and scrub often naturally adjoin For animals, pest specific bait stations can be set up and coastal wetlands and are important as buffers as well as there are various traps available. Contact Environment providing shelter and food for wetland animals. Southland for advice. For plants, only undertake control if Planting of riparian areas along stream sides will help you are sure of the identity of the weed and report any new maintain or improve the water quality and instream habitat. weeds you see spreading quickly to the Department of Conservation or Environment Southland. No one method for Creating ponds in wet areas creates habitat for waterfowl control works with all pest plants and in all conditions which and provides amenity values. Ponds can be made by is why it is a good idea to use a number of different damming small watercourses or by digging, but a resource methods in combination. The options available, individually consent may be required. For advice contact Environment or together, include: Southland or Fish and Game. • Mechanical clearance: Avoid conflict between recreation/tourism and - Some younger or smaller weeds can be pulled out wetland conservation of the ground by grabbing them at the base and The more a wetland is enhanced, the more attractive it making sure that the roots are pulled out cleanly becomes to visitors, with enhanced birdlife and wetland - Lay matting down over weeds blocking waterways to suppress light - Woody weeds can be chopped down - often the scenery. To ensure that this extra attention does not detract from a wetland’s values, tracks in the wetlands should be carefully located to avoid sensitive areas and cut base needs to have chemical applied to stop birds roosting. Boardwalks are an excellent way of resprouting viewing a wetland without trampling wetland plants and destroying the habitat of native birds. page 15 Learn how to identify wetland plants using the guide provided in this booklet as a start and notify the Department of Conservation of any sightings of rare or endangered plants or animals. Become involved in a landcare group and start a restoration scheme. There are many resources available to get you started (see further reading section) and you can get advice on wetland restoration programmes from the Department of Conservation, Environment Southland, Fish and Game or your local authority. 1. You can sell or gift the land to an organisation for protection purposes, or 2. You can enter into an agreement with Department of Conservation, the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, or local authorities. A covenant means that you will retain ownership and the wetland will be managed according to an agreement between you (or a future landowner) and the covenanting agency. It also means that you can ask for funding for things like surveys, legal and Legally protect your wetland area fencing costs, or apply to the local authorities for rates Wetlands can be placed under legal protection to ensure relief. Other funding sources for protecting your that your wetland remains protected even if it changes wetland include the Nature Heritage fund, or for the ownership. Legal protection ensures that your conservation owners of Maori land, Nga Whenua Rahui. For achievements will continue, usually in perpetuity. further advice, contact Department of Conservation, the There are two main ways of protecting your land in the long term: Southland Branch of Fish and Game Council or Queen Elizabeth II National Trust. Kahikatea and Pond Creation page 16 Wetland Plants Estuarine Plants It takes a special type of plant to be able to withstand constant or intermittent waterlogging. This section describes some of the plants that are found in the wetlands of Southland. Also described in this section are plants, which have been identified as “pests”. If unchecked, pest populations can increase to the point where they cause major environmental damage. Eelgrass/Nana (Zostera novaezelandica) For further information on pest plants refer to Environment Eelgrass/Nana (Zostera novaezelandica) Southland’s “Regional Pest Management Strategy, May Form: 2002”. A hierarchy of designations has been developed in Leaves: Grass-like, olive green the Pest Management Strategy and these designations are Flowers: Tiny referred to in this booklet. The designations are defined in Found: In silty or tidal mud flats, estuaries, where it is Grass-like swards submerged during high tide the Glossary. Glasswort/Ureure (Sarcornia quinque-flora) Form: Succulent herb with prostrate woody stems to 30 cm long, can form creeping mats Stems: Erect fleshy, jointed, cylindrical stems forming low clumps. Green, grey-green or reddish Flowers: Tiny, in groups Found: Salt marshes, submerged at each tide, coastal cliffs and banks Glasswort/Ureure (Sarcornia quinque-flora) Selliera/Remuremu (Selliera radicans) Form: Creeping herb forming extensive mats or carpets Leaves: Fleshy, glossy, alternate, variable size, narrowly to widely spoon shaped Flowers: Many lopsided, white, half flowers, scented Fruit: Fleshy Found: Salt marshes, turfy banks, dune hollows and lakeshores Selliera/Remuremu (Selliera radicans) page 17 Native celery/Tutae koau (Apium prostratum) Sea primrose (Samolus repens) Native celery/Tutae koau (Apium prostratum) Sea primrose (Samolus repens) Form: Form: Creeping to sprawling herb, often forming Leaves: Bright green, glossy, much divided large carpets Stems: Resembles miniature garden celery Flowers: Tiny, white, in clusters (umbels) Tough, dark and slender, sometimes with Found: Upper salt marsh, damp sand, turf banks, ascending or erect shoots gravels or cliffs Leaves: Slightly fleshy, spoon shaped, brown-green Flowers: White, star-like Found: Coastal turf, saltmarsh and rocky places in reach of saltspray Dwarf plantain (Plantago triandra) Form: Small flattened, shiny, hard textured rosettes, usually in colonies Leaves: Thick, dark green, often with black blotches, brittle in exposed places Flowers: Tiny, borne deep within the leaves Found: Coastal slack and turf flushed grassland. Some distance inland in damp red tussock, Dwarf plantain (Plantago triandra) grassland and grassy wheel ruts Knobby clubrush/Wiiwii (Isolepis nodosa) Form: Stiff rush-like clumps Stems: Tall, thin, shiny, wirelike, unjointed Flowers: Crowded, brown spikelets Fruit: Distinctive clusters of dark coloured seed heads Found: Grows in wet coastal areas but also dunes and headlands Knobby clubrush/Wiiwii (Isolepis nodosa) page 18 Saltmarsh ribbonwood, Makaka (Plagianthus divaricatus) Oioi/Jointed wirerush (Leptocarpus similis) Saltmarsh ribbonwood, Makaka (Plagianthus divaricatus) Oioi/Jointed wirerush (Leptocarpus similis) Form: Divaricating, densely tangled deciduous shrub Form: Dense, erect, wiry clumps up to 1.5m tall to 2m tall Stems: Wire-like, jointed, dull grey-green, orange and Stems: Spindly, interlacing with small leaves purple in parts Flowers: Small, cream, fragrant Leaves: Dark bands around stem Fruit: Flowers: Rush-like, in tight clusters (spikelets brown or grey) at Small, round, hairy Found: Along margins of salt marshes, dune hollows or near the top of the stem and coastal gravels Found: Bordering salt marshes and estuaries, tidal rivers, inland lakes, lowland swamps. Often found in large patches in the zone behind where glasswort grows Swamp Plants Mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua) Purei/Makura (Carex secta) Purei/Makura (Carex secta) Form: Harsh, spreading tussocks on trunk-like bases, up to 1.5m tall Leaves: Thin (3-7mm), cutty, drooping Flowers: In spikes Found: Widespread in swamps and up to 900m Mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua) Form: Dense bushy shrub reaching 3-5m tall but with large variations in size and form Stems: Grey Leaves: Dark green, shiny, varying in shape and size Fruit: Translucent, whitish, pale blue or with dark blue flecks Found: Swamps, bogs, dunes, lake and river margins, rocky spurs, coastal wetlands, forest margins and marble and limestone cliffs page 19 Red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) Toetoe (Cortaderia richardii) Red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) Toetoe (Cortaderia richardii) Form: Form: Leaves: Long, rigid, rolled, red brown Very robust tussock, coarse, one or more metres tall 1-1.5m tall tussock Leaves: Long, grasslike, green, rough to touch Flowers: Large spikelets Flowers: Heads reach up to 2m tall, white and feathery Found: Wet hollows and poorly drained valley floors Found: In swamps and slips, coastal banks, stream sides, river gravels, hillsides and sand dunes Flax/harakeke (Phormium tenax) and Mountain flax/wharariki (Phormium cookianum) Form: Robust, fan-like clumps of leaves, 1-3m tall, mountain flax generally smaller than flax Leaves: Long, fibrous. Mountain flax more droopy Flowers: Stalk 3-5m tall, reddish or orange-yellow flowers, greenish in mountain flax Fruit: Dark seed capsule - twisted, hanging pod in mountain flax and erect straight pod in flax, Flax/harakeke (Phormium tenax) both with glossy black seeds Found: Mountain flax is found amongst tussock and Flax Flower shrub in the mountains and on exposed coasts on Stewart Island and Fiordland. Lowland flax is found in damp and poorly drained land. Also commonly planted as a shelter plant Cabbage tree/Ti kouka (Cordyline australis) Form: Small tree, 12-20m. Unbranched trunk in young tree and branching in the upper half of the older tree Bark: Grey, thick, corky and rough Leaves: Mass of long leaves (up to 1m) at the top of the tree Flower: Sweet scented, white, in heads Cabbage tree/Ti kouka (Cordyline australis) Fruit: Whitish berries Found: Around the damp edges of lowland wetlands page 20 Tuffed hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) Tuffed hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) Form: Tufts, patches, or spreading green swards Cushion bog (Donatia novae-zelandiae) Cushion bog (Donatia novae-zelandiae) Form: across Leaves: Slender and sharply pointed Leaves: Overlapping at edges, glossy, bright green Flowers: In spikelets Found: Very compact raised cushions, 50cm or more Threatened grass found in swamps, estuaries and damp stream sides Flowers: Small, solitary, white Found: Lowland bogs to alpine wetlands. Now very restricted in Awarua Plains wetlands and is localised and very uncommon in Invercargill area. Normally grows in the sub-alpine zone Peatland Plants Wirerush (Empodisma minus) Wirerush (Empodisma minus) Manuka, Tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium) Form: Rush-like herb, wiry, dark green carpets or scrambling a metre or more up among bases Manuka, Tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium) of taller plants Form: Large shrub or small tree, up to 8m in height Stems: Bark: Stringy grey-brown bark, peels off in long strips Flowers: Small spikelets Leaves: Small, prickly to touch Found: Lowland to alpine bogs, swamps and damp scrub Flower: Masses of white flowers Fruit: Many branched Characteristic woody seed capsules Found: Widespread page 21 Turpentine shrub/inaka (Dracophyllum longifolium) Blue sun orchid (Theylmitra cyanea) Turpentine shrub/inaka (Dracophyllum longifolium) Blue sun orchid (Theylmitra cyanea) Form: Form: Leaves: Linear, pale green, stiff and pointed Ground orchid, 20-50cm high Shrub or tree 1-2 m tall, branches erect Leaves: Narrow, fleshy Flowers: Creamy white, in erect or drooping inflorescences Flowers: Deep blue, streaked with darker blue lines, Found: Often on peaty soils, including bogs white and creamy yellow in the centre Found: Bogs, boggy shrubland, wet ground under manuka Scented sundew (Drosera binata) Form: Erect, tufted herb, covered in sticky hairs to entrap small insects Leaves: Reddish, forked Flowers: Creamy, several at top of stalks up to 50cm tall Fruit: Very small capsules Found: Wet ground and bogs Scented sundew (Drosera binata) Bladderwort (Utricularia monanthos) Form: Tiny, delicate plant Stems: Erect and very slender, white creeping stems bear tiny leaves and even tinier compressed white bladders, 1-3cm tall Flowers: Purple with yellow “eye”, single or occasionally two Leaves: Tiny, narrow and green Bladderwort (Utricularia monanthos) Found: Low altitude bogs, shallow tarns, lakesides and shallow streambeds among moss page 22 Alpine Plants Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum cristatum) Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum cristatum) Form: Pale green to yellow brown, deep, sodden cushions Alpine Daisy (Celmisia alpina) Found: On very wet ground in forest, scrub, shrubland Alpine Daisy (Celmisia alpina) and open bogs from sealevel to alpine areas Form: Small tufted herb Leaves: Narrow thin leaves, pointed, hairless, grey-green above, white below Flowers: Stems 3-5cm long, white petals, yellow center, 1.5-2cm diameter Found: Low alpine areas, confined to bogs Buttercup (Ranunculus foliosus) Form: Compact, hairy rosettes variable in size and leaf shape Leaves: Firm, hairy, 2 -3cm wide, oval shaped, jaggered edges in three lobes Flowers: 15 -20mm diameter, bright yellow, on hairy stalk Found: River terraces, forest margins, flushes, and bog margins Buttercup (Ranunculus foliosus) Daisy leaved gentian (Gentiana bellidifolia) Form: Stout rooted herb, may be singular or branched Leaves: Thick almost fleshy overlapping leaves Flowers: White single flower or 2-6 flowers together in tight flat-topped head, bell shaped Found: High altitude tussock grasslands and herbfields Daisy Leaved Gentian (Gentiana bellidifolia) page 23 Comb/Cushion sedge (Oreobolus pectinatus) White caltha (Caltha obtusa) Form: White caltha (Caltha obtusa) Form: Comb/Cushion sedge (Oreobolus pectinatus) Lower leaves pressed against ground with distinctive upright rosette, leaves deeply Low growing creeping herb, forming divided, leaf-like stipules, large orange sheaths mats on flower stems Leaves: 1-3cm long, broad, upturned Leaves: Deeply divided to prominent yellow midrib, Flowers: Sweet scented white flower, 2-3 cm with a pair of leaf-like stipules on each diameter Flowers: Stem 30 cm tall, large orange sheaths on Found: Alpine stream sides, permanently wet flower stem hollows, snow banks Found: Alpine, stream sides, wet depressions and snow banks Bog speargrass (Aciphylla pinnatifida) Form: Very dense low lying tuffs, forming hard circular cushions up to 50 cm in diameter Leaves: Distinctly arranged in one plane with broad veined sheathing Flowers: Single spiklets, which are inconspicuous among leaves Found: Alpine bogs, herb moors, sometimes in wet depressions among tussock grasslands and herb fields Bog speargrass (Aciphylla pinnatifida) Sky lily (Herpolirion novae-zelandiae) Form: Tufts Flowers: Conspicuous for size of plant, pale to sky blue,creamy white toward centre with orange anthers Leaves: Blue green, rather stiff, grass like Found: Low altitude to montane damp open shrubland, boggy and sandy ground Sky lily (Herpolirion novae-zelandiae) page 24 pest plants in wetlands Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) Form: Scrambling multi-stemmed spiny bush Leaves: Compound, toothed leaflets, prickly Flowers: Single, white-pink flowers Fruit: Fleshy edible fruit Seeds: Seeds spread by birds Threat: Stems will root when in contact with the soil Smothers native herbs and shrubs Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Surveillance Plant Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Form: Sharply spined, densely branched shrub, deeply rooted, up to 4m high Leaves: Prickly, dark green Flowers: Yellow flowers Threat: Pioneer plant, can colonise just about anywhere. Seed pods ‘explode’ distributing the seed. Fire hazard. Long-lived seed bank Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Total Control Plant in urban areas of Southland, and Containment Plant elsewhere in the region. Refer to Appendix 1 of the Regional Pest Management Strategy Spartina (Spartina angilica) Form: Grows up to 1m tall in shallow saltwater. Colonies of spartina form dense grassy clumps and extensive swards Leaves: Broad and pointed from the base to the top Seeds: Contained in top of stem. Spreads easily by seeds floating on water or shoots sprouting from below Spartina (Spartina angilica) ground Threat: Introduced to New Zealand to ‘reclaim’ tidal flats, this perennial estuarine grass spread very quickly to other coastal areas where it built up the level of the flats so that they were no longer tidal, removing habitat for fish and invertebrates - the food sources for coastal birds. In Southland large scale efforts are being made to get rid of it Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Total Control Plant throughout the region page 25 Broom (Cytisus scoparius) Crack willow (Salix fragilis) Broom (Cytisus scoparius) Form: Erect shrub up to 3m high. Many branches Crack willow (Salix fragilis) with ribbed green stems Form: Tree, with brittle yellow twigs, dark brown bark Grows to 15 to 25m or can remain as shrub Leaves: Small, in threes, close to stalk Leaves: Broad, flat, simple shaped, pale on lower Flowers: Bright yellow, pea like surface, approximately 1 to 4cm wide Threat: Tolerant of cold and low fertility soils. Also has Threat: Unwanted spread can clog waterways, ‘exploding’ seed pods. Similar to gorse, but in more open land. Not strictly a problem of contribute to flooding through restricting flow, wetlands, but a problem around the edges reduces the variety of flows and alters the ecology of a waterway Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Total Control Plant in urban areas of Southland, Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: and Containment Plant elsewhere in the region. A strategy for crack willow is in development Refer to Appendix 1 of the Regional Pest Management Strategy Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) Form: Brittle and erect woody shrub up to 2m tall Leaves: Small, needle-like, densely cover plant Flowers: White inflorescences Seeds: Small, in capsule, easily dispersed by wind Threat: Forms dense stands on disturbed and bare sites. Can alter short, open indigenous scrub communities and tussock grassland Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Surveillance Plant Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) Oxygen weed/Lagarosiphon (L. major) Form: Freshwater herb, grows submerged in water Leaves: Spiralled, on a much branched stem Threat: Spreads from broken pieces, infestations restrict recreational activities, suppresses other desirable species and impedes water flow Classification in Regional Pest Management Oxygen weed/Lagarosiphon (L. major) Strategy: Total Control Plant throughout the Region page 26 Darwin’s barberry (Berberis darwinii) Form: Evergreen woody shrub, with thorns, up to 4m tall Leaves: Dark green, glossy and spiny Flowers: Yellow-orange flowers hanging in clusters Fruit: Dark purple/black berry, seeds bird-dispersed Threat: Shade tolerant and grows rapidly in an open environment. Can form impenetrable prickly barriers Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Total Control Plant within the Stewart Island, Tuatapere and Te Anau wards and Surveillance Darwin’s barberry (Berberis darwinii) Plant elsewhere Grey willow (Salix cinerea) Form: Small tree up to 7m high Leaves: Shiny on upper surface, covered with soft grey hairs underneath Threat: Can become dominant vegetation, excluding other vegetation, often found growing in swamps, riverbanks and wet areas behind coastal dunes. Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Grey willow (Salix cinerea) Surveillance Plant Reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima) Form: Large grass plant up to 3m tall Likes to live in moist areas such as the edge of waterways and ditches Leaves: Long, broad, erect Threat: Dense growth impedes water flow, smothers all other vegetation and causes sedimentation and flooding. Also prevents whitebait from spawning and known to poison cattle Classification in Regional Pest Management Strategy: Surveillance Plant Reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima) page 27 Important Contacts Southland Community Nursery For further information and advice on wetland care and how Contact: Chris and Brian Rance you can get involved, refer to the list of agencies below. 185 Grant Rd, Otatara Bushy Point Educational Boardwalk Contact: Ian and Jenny Gamble Phone: 03 213 1161 Website: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~rances/ 197 Grant Rd, Otatara Southland District Council Phone: 03 213 1302 15 Forth Street, Invercargill Access to boardwalk by prior arrangement PO Box 903 Invercargill Department of Conservation Southland Conservancy Office.State Insurance Building All enquiries phone: 03 218 7259 Website: www.southlanddc.govt.nz Don St, PO Box 743, Invercargill All enquiries phone: 03 214 4589 Website: www.doc.govt.nz Environment Southland Corner North Road and Price St, Waikiwi, Invercargill Further Reading All enquiries phone: 03 215 6197 or 0800 768 845 Bill, A. (1999) Significant Natural Areas - Invercargill Email: [email protected]. City District. Report prepared for the Invercargill Website: www.envirosouth.govt.nz City Council. Fish and Game New Zealand, Southland Region Crisp, P. (1986) Coastal Wetlands. Nature 159 North Road, Invercargill Conservation Council, Wellington. All enquiries phone: 03 215 9117 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fishandgame.org.nz Cromarty, P. (1996) A Directory of Wetlands in New Zealand. Department of Conservation, Wellington. Gore District Council Crowe, A. (1995) Which Coastal Plant?: A Simple 29 Civic Avenue, Gore Guide to the Identification of New Zealand’s Common PO Box 8, Gore Coastal Plants. Penguin Books All enquiries phone: 03 208 5091 Dawson, J. and Lucas, R. (1996) New Zealand Coast Website: www.goredc.govt.nz Invercargill City Council Resource Management Division or the Parks Division of the Invercargill City Council. Civic Administration Building 101 Esk St, Private Bag 90104, Invercargill. and Mountain Plants, their communities and lifestyles. Victoria University Press. Dugan, P. (1993) Wetlands in Danger. A World Conservation Atlas. Oxford University Press, New York. All enquiries phone: 03 211 1777 Environment Southland (May 2002) Regional Pest Website: www.icc.govt.nz Management Strategy. Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Johnson, P and Brooke, P. (1998) Wetland Plants in National Office, PO Box 3341, Wellington New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua Press. Call free: 0508 QE2 TRUST (0508 732 878) Southland Region Contact: Gay Munro Mokotua, RD5, Invercargill Mark, A.F and Adams N.A (1973) New Zealand Alpine Plants. A.H and A.W Reed Ltd Phone: 03 239 5827 Wilson, H.D (1982) Stewart Island Plants - Field Website: www.converge.org.nz/ntsth Guide. Field Guide Publications, Christchurch. page 28 Glossary Algal Bloom : An excessive proliferation of algae in a Total Control Pest: a pest that is of water body, usually associated with limited distribution or density in higher than normal nutrient levels the region. Anaerobic: Requiring oxygen free conditions to live The goal is eradication Biodiversity: Overall diversity of native species and Riparian: Of or on the bank of a river or lake ecosystems Sedimentation: The process whereby matter settles to Carnivorous plant: A plant that digests trapped insects or the bottom of a liquid other animal substances Sequence: Colonising species: A species of plant that is able to Community: Divaricating: Ecosystem: one another establish itself in a new area Sward: An expanse of short grass A group of plants growing together in Tarn: A relatively small and deep, the same area steep-sided lake or pool occupying an Intertangled stems spreading at wide ice-gouged basin amid glaciated angles mountains A biological community of organisms Zonation: and their physical environment Fruit: Ripened ovary containing seeds Habit: General appearance of plant Habitat: The natural home of an organism Indigenous: Native to an area, not introduced Leaching: A liquid permeating (or filtering) Bands of singular or multiple plant species Wetland Types: Simplified terms have been used in this booklet to classify wetlands. The detailed framework for classifying New Zealand wetlands is available on the National Wetlands Trust website: through some material Oxbow Lake: A set of things belonging next to www.wetlandtrust.org.nz A deep pool of still or slow flowing water in an abandoned meander loop of a river Perennial: Lives for more than two years Acknowledgments Pest Plants: As defined in the Regional Pest The following people and organisations, are acknowledged Management Strategy: for providing information and help with the preparation of Containment Pest: a pest that is this booklet: abundant in suitable habitats in the region. The goal is to prevent adverse • Department of Conservation effects and the pest spreading to new • Fish and Game New Zealand, Southland Region areas or neighbouring properties, and, • Te Ao Marama Inc if practicable, reduce the area affected • Chris and Brian Rance Surveillance Pest: a pest of concern to • Wynston Cooper the region, but there is no requirement for the land occupier to control Written and compiled by: these pests Hovell Environmental Planning page 29 Index to Plants Page Alpine daisy (Celmisia alpina) 23 Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) 25 Bladderwort (Utricularia monanthos) 22 Blue sun orchid (Theylmitra cyanea) 22 Bog Speargrass (Aciphylla pinnatifida) 24 Broom (Cytisus scoparius) 26 Buttercup (Ranunculus foliosus) 23 Cabbage tree/Ti kouka (Cordyline australis) 20 Comb/Cushion Sedge (Oreobolus pectinatus) 24 Crack willow (Salix fragilis) 26 Cushion bog (Donatia novae-zelandiae) 21 Daisy leaved gentian (Gentiana bellidifolia) 23 Darwin’s barberry (Berberis darwinii) 27 Dwarf plantain (Plantago triandra) 18 Eelgrass/Nana (Zostera novazelandica) 17 Flax/harakeke (Phormium tenax) and Mountain flax/wharariki (Phormium cookianum) 20 Glasswort/Ureure (Sarcornia quinque-flora) 17 Gorse (Ulex europaeus) 25 Grey willow (Salix cinerea) 27 Knobby clubrush/Wiiwii (Isolepis nodosa) 18 Manuka, Tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium) 21 Mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua) 19 Native celery/Tutae koau (Apium prostratum) 18 Oioi/jointed wirerush (Leptocarpus similis) 19 Oxygen weed/Lagarosiphon (L. major) 26 Purei/makura (Carex secta) 19 Red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) 20 Reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima) 27 Saltmarsh ribbonwood, Makaka (Plagianthus divaricatus) 19 Scented sundew (Drosera binata) 22 Sea primrose (Samolus repens) 18 Selliera/Remuremu (Selliera radicans) 17 Sky lily (Herpolirion novae-zelandiae) 24 Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) 26 Spartina (Spartina angilica) 25 Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum cristatum) 23 Toetoe (Cortaderia richardii) 20 Tuffed hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosas) 21 Turpentine shrub/inaka (Dracophyllum longifolium) 22 White caltha (Caltha obtusa) 24 Wirerush (Empodisma minus) 21 page 30 Go re • Inve r c a rgill • Southland Lead Agency I nv e r c a r g i l l city council “ C I T Y O F WAT E R A N D L I G H T ” • Invercargill City Council Private Bag 90104 Invercargill 9520 New Zealand Phone (03) 211 1777 Fax (03) 211 1431 nd ala Ze New