Restoring Place, Restoring People at Toreparu Wetland
- Natalie Jessup
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
From Eels to Bats There are Signs of Recovery in This Nationally Significant Wetland.
The Waikato Biodiversity Forum this week showcased inspiring projects across the region that are restoring native habitats while tackling pest plants and introduced predators. Among the many presentations, one stood out for its holistic vision and remarkable results.
It was especially heart-warming to hear about from Mahuru Wilcox and Taruke Thomson about the hapū led mahi to restore Toreparu Wetland Restoration South of Karioi maunga with Ngāti Whakamarurangi.
Their approach is about restoring people and their connection to place. The mahi includes retrieving archival information and tracing the whakapapa of tributaries, and acknowledging and reciprocating what the land has given across generations.
This nationally significant wetland spans 223 hectares and provides habitat for multiple threatened species. The waterways are thriving with koaro and banded kokapu, while massive longfin tuna have returned in recent years—a testament to the hapū's decision to stop commercial eel harvesting two decades ago. Remarkably, the entire rohe remains free of pest fish.
Wildlife monitoring has revealed encouraging signs of recovery. A 2025 bat survey around Raglan detected the highest bat numbers in this wetland, drawn by abundant insects and roosting sites. Hūrepo (bittern) monitoring has also provided fascinating insights, including tracking one bird's flight from the wetland all the way to Lake Waikare.
Looking ahead, the team is investigating how climate change will affect inanga spawning habitats. Pest control continues to evolve, with feral cat trapping now prioritized following their addition to the Predator Free 2050 list. Goat culls have already made a substantial difference to native vegetation.
Challenges remain, particularly sedimentation and elevated nutrient levels that threaten freshwater mussels. However, the hapū-led approach, supported by collaboration with surrounding landowners, offers genuine hope for this precious ecosystem's future.
Mahuru also took away an Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream kete with a kōaro sign, for Te Mata Primary at Whaingaroa Raglan, so we look forward to engaging with them further!
