Wetlands & Green Spaces

Wetlands are areas of land where the water is at or near the surface of the ground, creating conditions that are either permanently or seasonally saturated with water. They are characterised by a unique mix of soil, water, and vegetation, which distinguishes them from other ecosystems. Wetlands in NZ can take various forms, such as swamps, bogs, tarns, lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, intertidal areas, geothermal pools, and underground wetlands.

Wetlands are vital for maintaining biodiversity as they support a range of plant and animal species. These habitats offer breeding grounds, feeding areas, and shelter for a diverse array of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that are unique to New Zealand and not found elsewhere in the world. Additionally, wetland areas act as natural filters, helping to purify water by trapping and breaking down pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients. This helps to improve water quality and prevent contamination of drinking water supplies.

Wetlands also help to control flooding by absorbing and storing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or storm surges. Furthermore, the plants in the wetland areas help mitigate the effects of climate change by storing large amounts of carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ruakura has been working on constructed wetlands to treat stormwater runoff, improve local ecology and provide a recreational activity space.

The focus of wetland development strategies for Ruakura is to focus on supporting cleaner waterways, protecting native habitat, improving the management of stormwater, and providing a recreational space and a boardwalk through the wetlands for local residents.

The Ruakura-Hamilton region was once home to a vast expanse of Waikato wetlands, which included an extensive lake and wetland system. Since European settlement, many Waikato wetlands have been drained and transformed into grazing land. Today, you can still find remnants of this ecosystem in the form of Lake Rotoroa (also known as Hamilton Lake), Lake Rotokaeo (or Forest Lake), and Horseshoe Lake. Additionally, the Waikato River and its tributaries have shaped an extensive gully system, harbouring small pockets of kahikatea and rare swamp maire forest. These wetlands are a precious part of Waikato's natural heritage.