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An ambitious project to transform nine hectares of boggy pasture at Tāwharanui into a diverse wetland ecosystem is moving closer to becoming a reality.
The Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI) has been working on the wetland restoration project since 2019, with plans to create freshwater wetlands, kahikatea swamp forest, saline wetland and extensive revegetated areas.
It will be TOSSI’s fifth wetland project, but by far its largest.
The aim is essentially to return the land to its original purpose after decades of drainage and clearance for farming.
Wetlands were once widespread throughout New Zealand, but many have disappeared as land was developed for agriculture. Their importance is now better understood, including their ability to store carbon, provide habitat for specialised plants and wildlife, and hold water during periods of heavy rain.
The Tāwharanui project will be developed in stages over three to five years, subject to funding.
Once completed, the main road to Anchor Bay will pass through the middle of the restored wetland system, while linked walking tracks will give visitors the opportunity to explore it on foot.
Preparations are already well underway.
TOSSI’s nursery, traditionally a major producer of plants for forest restoration, has been adapting to grow the smaller and more numerous species required for wetland planting.
A paddock was planted as a trial site last year to determine which species performed best in different conditions.
That experience is helping guide the wider project.
Planting in areas that do not require resource consent started this year.
The project involves Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council as landowner and consenting authority, consultants, contractors and TOSSI volunteers.
A resource consent application is also being prepared. Once consent is secured, TOSSI says the project will effectively become “shovel ready”, putting it in a stronger position to seek substantial grant funding.
However, community support will also be needed.
TOSSI hopes neighbours, park users and its volunteer network from across Auckland will contribute to the project, either financially or through hands-on involvement.
The society says one of the attractions for supporters will be the opportunity to watch the wetland mature over the coming decade and beyond.
TOSSI acknowledges that raising money for a project of this scale in the current economic climate will not be easy, but believes the restoration will leave an enduring environmental legacy at the regional park.
As a registered charity, all donations to TOSSI are tax deductible.
