Wetlands get $10m boost
Restored wetlands can suck hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the air, and now Wellington has a financial boost to do so.
The wetlands and rivers in the region will receive $10 million to safeguard them against the effects of climate change.
The Ruama¯hanga catchment and Wairarapa Moana Wetlands project will be targeted, with Greater Wellington Regional Council contributing about $4m on top of $6m from the Government.
Council chairman Daran Ponter said the ‘‘wise’’ funding would, at the same time, create resilience against floods and mitigate the effects of climate change.
‘‘This funding boost will bring forward works that will provide a much-needed boost to employment in the region.’’
Planned action for the Ruama¯ hanga catchment would provide flood protection and buffer planting through native and exotic planting alongside the upper Ruama¯hanga, Waingawa and
Waipoua rivers. That could also mean improved ecosystems, carbon sequestration and water quality.
Work planned for the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands will include more than 60 hectares of native planting, scaled-up pest control and visitor facilities at the Domain and Ferry lakes.
Wairarapa regional councillor Adrienne Staples said that the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands’ funding was timely.
‘‘Wairarapa Moana is an important ecosystem of 10,000 hectares, home to indigenous fish, birds and native plants.’’
Local knowledge would help restore it to full health, she said.
‘‘Visitors from across New Zealand and the globe seek out this wetland to enjoy recreational activities, learn about the unique ecology and delve into its rich history.
‘‘Raising the profile and value of wetlands like this will hopefully support the process of identifying and protecting more throughout the region.’’
The funding coincides with an announcement on Sunday for 23 projects across the country to clean up waterways and create more than 2000 jobs.