Mangere Lagoon facts for kids
The Mangere Lagoon is a special water area, or lagoon, located in the Manukau Harbour in New Zealand. It's not just any lagoon; it actually sits inside an old volcanic crater! This type of crater is called a maar, and it's part of the many volcanoes that make up the Auckland volcanic field. The lagoon is shaped like an oval and is about 600 meters long. In its center, there's a small island made of scoria (a type of volcanic rock) that has been restored.
A Volcanic Past
The Mangere Lagoon was formed thousands of years ago when a volcano erupted. Instead of building a tall cone, this volcano created a wide, shallow crater. Over time, this crater filled with water, forming the lagoon we see today. It's a cool reminder of Auckland's fiery past!
From Waste Ponds to a Natural Haven
The lagoon has had an interesting history. For a while, people tried to drain parts of it to create farmland. Later, in the 1950s, it was used to help clean the city's wastewater. Large ponds were built inside the lagoon to process the waste, and the original scoria island was even removed during this time.
However, people wanted a better way to treat wastewater, one that was kinder to the environment. So, a new, modern water treatment facility was built on land. This meant the lagoon could be returned to its natural state.
Restoring the Lagoon
In 2003, a big project finished that brought the Mangere Lagoon back to life. All the waste material was removed, and the lagoon was reconnected to the ocean so the tides could flow in and out again. The scoria island was also rebuilt, and a flat area was added next to it. This new flat part was designed as a safe resting spot for birds. Today, the Mangere Lagoon is a beautiful place for nature and a home for many birds.
Images for kids
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Māngere Lagoon seen from Māngere Mountain.
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Māngere Lagoon at low tide, seen from the Māngere Lagoon Path.
