Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

Manuka Mire, Mokotua

Location:: Lawson Rd, Mokotua
Region:: Eastern Southland
District:: SDC

Commenced:: 1990
Access:: Open by arrangement
Area (ha):: 64

Contact:: Gay Munro
Phone:: 03 239 5827

Email:: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]

Description

Podocarp/kamahi forest, peatland and open water wetland. Animal and plant pest control. QEII covenant. Native riparian plantings and shelterbelts.

Historic involvement

NZTCV, DOC/Arawai Kakariki, Otago University and SIT students.

Current involvement

Ron & Gay Munro, part of ES Possum Control Area, Whakamana te Waituna.

The wetland area is protected by a QEII National Trust Open Space Covenant.

Predator control is ongoing with Fenn and DoC 200 traps situated in the wooden tunnel boxes.

Moats have been used as a barrier between the covenant area and the track adjacent.

Natural regeneration is strong since the removal of stock from the covenant area almost 20 years ago.

Gorse is a constant problem with some control work being undertaken.

Dracophyllum, wirerush and low manuka provides prime fernbird habitat.

Native plantings for riparian and shelter are ongoing around Manuka Mire Farm.

Otago University post grad student, Matt Wylie, studying the breeding of Giant Kokopu in the dams at Manuka Mire.

The threatened species, Giant Kokopu, showing markings.

Forming alcoves off the main Armstrong Creek to improve fish habitat in the waterway.

An alcove filled with bogwood to provide a refuge for fish in the stream when it is cleaned.

DOC staff, Sanjay and Andy set up concrete block alcove with the hope of improving habitat for the threatened fish species, Giant Kokopu.

2021 Visit by the Rural Women. Natural regeneration is strong with pokaka, rimu, broadleaf, toa toa emerging from the manuka shrubland.

2022 Funding assistance from Whakamana te Waituna, via the Fonterra/DOC Living Waters project, has helped pay for the erection of a fence around 2.5ha of manuka regrowth to the north of the QEII covenant area.

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