Ferry Reserve is found on the eastern side of Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge, and its wetland is a symbolic reminder of the types of native habitat that once covered a large area stretching along the base of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges.
Today, only 10 per cent of the pre-European wetland area across New Zealand remains. In the Horizons Region, only 3 per cent prevails. Horizons Regional Council aims to restore these significant habitats with research and monitoring, pest plant and pest animal control, funding assistance, and specific work programmes for wetland enhancement.
Amongst the many reasons as to why they are so important, wetlands play a big role in alleviating flooding by holding water, much like a sponge. By doing so, wetlands help to stabilise river levels, and filter and purify the surface water. Wetlands take in water during storms and whenever water levels are high. When water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water.
Ferry Reserve wetland is a complex and intricate system that includes a variety of habitats. The open pond area was created in 2006 for waterfowl habitat and the banks were planted with appropriate native species such as hebe, carex sedge, flax, and kowhai to stabilise and shelter the area. Great care was taken to ensure the wetland water level wasn’t affected. From the pond edge, the habitat grades to a swampy area full of raupō, ideal for waterfowl to nest in, giving them protection from predators. Water seeps through here slowly, undergoing a thorough filtering and nutrient conversion process before reaching the pond. From the raupō, the swamp forest begins.
This wetland was fenced in 2006 and since then it has flourished. Through community initiatives driven by Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Governance Group, over 6,000 native saplings have been planted. The group includes neighbouring landowners, tangata whenua, local city and district councils, Horizons Regional Council and the Department of Conservation, who have worked alongside community groups.
As a result of planting initiatives, natural regeneration is occurring. This ensures the survival of the wetland over the long-term as young plants grow up to replace the ageing and dying trees as part of the natural process.
