Waituna Wetlands Scientific Reserve

The Waituna Wetlands Scientific Reserve is a peatland area of 3,556 ha in the Southland Region of New Zealand designated as being of international significance under the Ramsar Convention in 1976. [cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc215.pdf|title=Waituna Lagoon: summary of existing knowledge and identification of knowledge gaps|pages=p 6|format=PDF|publisher=New Zealand Department of Conservation|author=R.M. Thompson and G.R. Ryder]

Now part of the Awarua Wetlands. 16,000ha. Now includes Awarua Plains Wetland, New River Estuary. Mataura Estuary, Toetoes Harbour and Sand Spit, and Toetoes Wetlands.

Date of extension 28 August 2006

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick unveiled a plaque at New River Estuary 4th May 2008.This wetland is unique in New Zealand as it includes privately owned ground.Gamble, Nicol,and Rance families. [Southland Times 05/05/08]

On the North East Corner of the Toetoes Wetlands is an area of Native Bush (aprox 25ha), which along with other areas of Bush close by was covented to the Q E II Trust by the Nicol Family. [Ramsar Article 2.1 site 102 ] While not a true wetland it is an area of natural vegetation with an unmodified stream flowing from the wetlands through Bush and into the Mataura river. A small sanctuary for the declining native fresh water fish population.

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