Awarua Wetland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Awarua Wetland |
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 Awarua Wetland
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Southland Region of New Zealand |
| Area | 20,000 hectares (49,000 acres) |
| Designated: | 13 August 1976 |
| Reference #: | 102 |
The Awarua Wetland is a huge peatland area in the Southland Region of New Zealand. It covers about 20,000 hectares, which is like 20,000 rugby fields! This special place was recognized internationally in 1976. It was named a site of global importance under the Ramsar Convention.
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What Makes Awarua Wetland Special?
The Awarua Wetland is unique because some of its land is owned by private families. This is not common for such important natural areas in New Zealand. These families, like the Gambles, Nicols, and Rances, help protect the wetland.
A Special Ceremony
On May 4, 2008, a special event happened at the New River Estuary. The Conservation Minister at the time, Steve Chadwick, unveiled a plaque. This plaque marked the importance of the Awarua Wetland.
Native Bush and Fish
Part of the wetland area, near the Toetoes Wetlands, has a beautiful native bush. This bush is about 25 hectares big. It's a natural area with a stream flowing through it. This stream goes into the Mataura River. It's a safe home for native freshwater fish, whose numbers are getting smaller in other places.
Protecting the Wetland
The Waituna Lagoon is an important part of the Awarua Wetland. However, there are worries about its health. Nearby farms use a lot of fertilizer, which can wash into the water. This can cause too many nutrients to build up in the lagoon. When this happens, it can harm the plants and animals living there. People are working to keep the lagoon healthy and clean.
