Pest Fauna It is a well-known fact that Aotearoa New Zealand has a disproportionate number of introduced animal species, many of which are detrimental to the survival of native wildlife. Many species, such as rodents (rats and mice) and mustelids (weasels, stoats and ferrets) are well documented and present around this area. This page will introduce some of these species, plus others that are not so well known. Brief introductions and a list of organisations where these can be reported will be included, as are some control methods. iNaturalist has a list of exotic species for the Ramsar site but this is a little vague in terms of information. Best to search for the individual species in this link . Before commencing any trapping of Mustelids, Rats or Possums please consult Department of Conservation booklet Practical Guide to Trapping 3rd edition. One of the most comprehensive coverages of what is required to start and expand a successful pest control program is contained in a publication by Predator Free Miramar and titled How to kill rats and engage a community . It contains a detailed account of what is needed from trap building to engaging public and everything else in-between. It is a must read. Predator Free NZ produces a series of excellent guides on the main predator species which can be viewed via this series of links. Weasel , Stoat , Ship Rat , Norway Rat and Possum. Below are listed three of the best guides to pest control. All slightly different - follow the basics but adapt to your own person situation as required. Asian Paper Wasp Polistes chinensis A common species in the area. They do sting but are not as aggressive as Vespula wasps and stings not as severe. They take a heavy toll on native insects and their nests should be destroyed as soon as they are found. Normally only small structures they can sometimes be large. First spray with a commercial fly spray and when there is no sign of wasps in the vicinity, destroy nests which will kill any remaining pupae. If Monarch Butterflies breed in your garden there will be a nest close-by. Well worth checking. possum Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula This serious pest of forests and gardens was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand with a view to creating a fur trade. The first, in 1837 was unsuccessful but it was the 1858 attempt which started the colonisation of this destructive pest. While some possum fur is still used, usually combined with wool to give extra strength, it is the side effect that is being felt now. Possums are now trapped extensively to try to eradicate them. Wildlife Foxton Trust has a trap library and loan out possum specific traps, with instructions for use in the Foxton Beach area. Enquiries via their website. wildlifefoxton.org MUSTELIDS Three species make up this most lethal suite of introduced predators that Aotearoa New Zealand has. Weasel, Stoat and Ferret are capable killers being able to decimate entire populations of native species from areas that are not protected with an eradication program. Traps and boxes can be purchased as a complete unit or separately. Boxes for these traps have a design which must be followed. The DoC 250 for stoats and ferrets and DoC 200 for weasels are the industry standard and design details can be found in this handy guide. More information is available in the three guides listed above. The video opposite was taken by Cleland Wallace for which we acknowledge his permission to use. This photograph is of a ferret and was taken on the recent Bittern Muster (survey) at Lake Omanu. Being the domesticated form of the Polecat, they tend to be more confiding than the other two species. Efforts are underway to start a trapping program in the area, an important habitat for many species of birds.

Papangaio Te Wharangi Manawatū Estuary Information on this website is found by clicking on related pictures, links or via the search button below. Checklist species can be found via the find and search icon on the home page ribbon on the relevant Excel spreadsheet once opened. Search The Manawatū Estuary Trust is a charitable Trust that was formed in 2001 by members of The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc. and The Ornithological Society of New Zealand. The Trust is dedicated to ensuring sustainable and wise management of the Manawatū Estuary, which is a very important habitat for native wildlife. The Trust now has numerous members, including wildlife tour groups, schools, organisations and individuals. The Manawatū Estuary Trust works closely with the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Landcare Trust, Horizons Regional Council, Horowhenua District Council and Wildlife Foxton Trust, which at the moment helps provide the Trust with technical expertise. The Manawatū Estuary Trust also has long standing relationships with academics from Massey University. The Trust has accepted responsibility for carrying out various tasks, such as public education, advocacy, assisting in the preparation of management plans, coordination between public authorities, interest groups and the community, fundraising and construction of information signs. Location The Manawatū Estuary lies at the mouth of the Manawatū River on the west coast of the lower North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, beside the settlement of Foxton Beach. Foxton Beach is 5km west of Foxton township, 20km north of Levin, and 30km south of Bulls. From Palmerston North it takes half an hour to drive to Foxton Beach; from Wellington about two hours. State Highway 1 will take you to Foxton, from which it is easy to get to Foxton Beach. Please be aware of the following when visiting the Estuary Dogs are not allowed on the bird sanctuary. Dogs can scare the birds that use the estuary for feeding and roosting. Please keep your dog(s) on a lead when exploring the estuary area outside the bird sanctuary. Vehicles are not allowed on the bird sanctuary. However, vehicle access is permitted on the beach, as well as on the estuary shore near the river mouth. Most motorists are very considerate, but it is important to be aware of moving vehicles and to respect sensitive areas such as the dunes which contain many rare plants and should not be driven over. The Manawatū Estuary is a tidal area. When exploring the environment, remember to be aware of the incoming tide. Check tide tables if spending time on the beach or other tidal areas and allow plenty of time and a clear pathway to safety. The estuary can experience strong winds and inclement weather at times so please check conditions before travelling and be aware that they can change quickly with little notice.

Pāpāngaio Te Wharangi Manawatū Estuary Newsletters Prior to the launch of the Pāpāngaio Te Wharangi Manawatū Estuary Management Plan in March 2025, the first newsletter produced by the Manawatū Estuary Management Team became available in November 2024 and is linked below. Future issues will be produced at least quarterly. Subsequent issues are also linked as are the Management Plan and Ramsar pages for more general information on the Ramsar site and the documents associated with it. Issue 5 December 2025. Issue 4 September 2025. Issue 3 July 2025. Issue 2 April 2025. Issue 1 November 2024 . Newspaper and Magazine Articles The launch of the Plan attracted much local media attention in both the Horowhenua Chronicle and the Horowhenua Star. As time progresses, it is anticipated that there will be more coverage of the estuary and the activities which are undertaken to improve this important area. Click on dates below each thumbnail to view a larger version. newspaper Horowhenua Chronicle 02/10/25 Horowhenua Chronicle 04/10/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 24/7/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 29/5/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 1/5/2025 Horowhenua Star 4/4/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 21/3/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 21/2/25 Storm slash at Estuary Horowhenua Chronicle 02/10/2025 Horowhenua Star 26/9/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 31/7/2025 Horowhenua Star 27/6/2025 Manawatū Standard 3/5/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 17/4/2025 Manawatū Standard 25/3/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 28/2/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 25/9/25 Horowhenua Chronicle 04/10/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 24/7/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 8/5/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 1/5/2025 Horowhenua Chronicle 28/3/2025 ENM Newsletter March 2025 Stuff 20/2/2023

Wīwī/Sea Rush Juncus krausii Native. Not threatened. As with some other rushes, the Māori name for this species is lumped together under Wīwī. In this Ramsar site, it is the most common species, but in the salt marsh area it endures competition, some native, some exotic and is only encountered infrequently. There are presently none of these plants in the Dune Garden, but it is found in ephemeral dune wetlands at a number of points along this coast and is widespread throughout Aotearoa New Zealand in various saltwater habitats. It is also found throughout Australia, Southern Africa and South America and because the stems are fibrous they are used by indigenous Australians and the Zulu people of South African to make sleeping mats, baskets and crafts. Even in some areas, fishing line. Because of this usefulness, it is cultivated and managed to ensure a regular supply. Little used here in Aotearoa New Zealand as the endemic Harakeke/New Zealand Flax is a readily available fibre and has a greater range of uses because of its larger size and superior strength. iNaturalist-Juncus kraussii NZPCN-Juncus kraussii australiensis Oioi Oioi/Jointed Wire Rush Apodasmia similis Endemic. Not threatened. This is a common rush throughout the estuary and dune wetlands of this coast, indeed around much of Aotearoa New Zealand. Oioi is dioecious, which means it has gender and unlike many species, the sex of each plant is visible without the need of a microscope. It can grow very densely, so that there is seldom room for other vegetation amongst the stems of any cluster. One downside of this is that Oioi can crowd out smaller species, as part of natural succession processes. Because it can be colourful, Oioi is used widely nationally as an ornamental plant, such on the walk between the international and domestic terminals at Auckland airport. NZPCN-Apodasmia similis iNaturalist-Apodasmia similis Purua Grass Purua Grass Bolboschoenus caldwellii Native. Not threatened. Also known by its alternative name of Caldwell's Club Rush this is an annual grass, which in winter dies down leaving only the detritus from the past summer’s growth. It occupies a large area of the salt marsh immediately south of Sunset Walkway and is the dominant species that is easily visible from the viewing platform on Darwick Street throughout summer and autumn. It is a coastal-loving species associated with Estuaries and lowland saline areas and in some locations can occur in pasture bordering its favoured habitat. It is also found in Australia. The main spike bares three to six red-brown spikelets which develop tiny flowers between October and January. A nut-like fruit appears between December and May which, because of the volume produced soon creates dense patched. They are believed to be dispersed mainly by water but also by wind. NZPCN-Bolboschoenus caldwellii iNaturalist-353857 knobby club rush Wiwi/Knobby Club Rush Ficinia nodosa Native. Not threatened. Wiwi is a common rush around the southern hemisphere. It is one of several species labelled under the same moniker. Growing in xeric (dry) dunes as well as in wetland and estuarine situations, Although a mainly coastal species it has been recorded at altitudes up to 700m above sea level. It is a tough plant - often the last remaining native species before being swamped by exotics. White flowers appear from September to December and fruits between November and May. When ripe, the nuts are thought to be dispersed by wind. NZPCN-Ficinia nodosa iNaturalist-Ficinia nodosa coastalrestorationtrust-wiwi

Water Quality The quality of water flowing through the estuary from the adjacent towns and land and from the entire upstream length of the Manawatū River and its tributaries has a profound effect on the health of the habitat for all forms of life in the estuary. The Manawatū Estuary Management Team has formed a Water Quality group that is looking into gaining a good understanding of the water quality and what is going on that could improve it. As solid information is gained, it will be referenced on this page. There are four regularly monitored swimming spots within the area and testing runs from November to the end of April. These are carried out by Horizons Regional Council and results given on the LAWA website. To view a particular spot, click on each site picture to view details, bearing in mind that they are not monitored outside of the summer/autumn period. Once on the site, click on the weekly/long term button to see if there is any update. Other useful information is also viewable once on this site is open. The HDC Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 came into effect on 1 July 2025 and means there is now one Bylaw covering all local Horowhenua water services. Previously there were three different Bylaws (Water Supply, Wastewater and Trade Waste) and no Stormwater Bylaw. All previous Bylaws can be viewed through Local Bylaws and Policies.

Maakoako/Sea Primrose Samolus repens Native. Not threatened. A common estuarine plant around Aotearoa New Zealand, in many situations it can be a pioneer species moving in after an area has suffered a natural disaster. Afterward, other species move in, often overgrowing it, but even then, Maakoako survives under taller vegetation. For example, at the time of writing, at the end of Carter Crescent there is a patch of ‘lawn’ mowed by Council staff down to tide level. There is also a small patch easily seen from the viewing platform. Maakoako is a principal constituent of this patch of estuarine lawn. There is also a small patch easily seen from the viewing platform. It has pretty white flowers which show from well before Christmas until the start of winter, a long growing season. Besides Aotearoa New Zealand, it can be found in Australia, some Pacific Islands and Chile in South America. NZPCN-Samolus repens var repens iNaturalist-Samolus repens

Pekapeka/Indo-pacific Comb Star Astropectin polyacanthus As its name suggests, this species inhabits the Indo-Pacific region being found from around Africa to Hawaii and from Japan, the Indonesian Islands to Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This species is typically found in shallow estuaries and harbors, at depths reaching 185 metres.. It is often a victim of dragnet fishing, which could explain why they are occasionally discovered deceased on beaches, sometimes in significant numbers. In life, they exhibit a dark purple hue on their upper side and orange on their underparts. Their common name originates from the "spines" located on both sides of their five arms which resembles a comb. Food consists mainly of shellfish which are swallowed whole. iNaturalist-Indo-pacific Comb Star finger sponge Pūngorungoru/Finger Sponge Callyspongis nuda Very little is known about this frequently washed-up Sponge Although there are records of this species being found globally in locations off East Africa, Madagascar, Indonesia and North and South America, it is Aotearoa New Zealand which seems to have the most records (see GBIF reference). Food in the form of plankton and dissolved organic material is drawn in through pores (clearly visible in the photograph) and the nutrients filtered from the water by cell walls as it was pumped through. Waste is also expelled through these pores. The life cycle of Sponges in general is complex. Most are hermaphroditic with both male and female cells. Larva produced find places to attach themselves to which can be rocks, marine debris or as in the picture, the shell of a mollusc. GBIF-Callyspongia nuda Wikipedia-Sponges by-the-wind-sailor By-the-wind Sailor Velella velella Not every summer but most, there are strandings of By-the-wind-sailor, although not in the numbers that are found for Bluebottles. Often called Jellyfish, they are actually a group of organisms each with a particular part to play in ensuring its survival and are termed Siphonophores. Unlike true jellyfish which are mobile in their own right, By-the-wind-sailors have no mechanism by which to achieve this and rely solely on wind and currents for their movement. A thin semicircular fin is set diagonally across the float and this acts like a sail which catches the wind and moves these creatures over great distances. The sting of this species is not that strong, but handling should be avoided. Jellywatch-Velella velella

About the estuary The Manawatū Estuary is a very special place in Aotearoa New Zealand. So special in fact, that it has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance (a Ramsar site), one of only seven in Aotearoa New Zealand. Bar-tailed Godwits feeding at the Estuary The importance of the area lies partly in its role as permanent or temporary home to 23 threatened species: thirteen species of bird, six species of fish, and four species of plants. The estuary is an important habitat for migratory native fish living upriver, as many Aotearoa New Zealand species need to go to sea at some point in their life cycle. The mudflats serve as a feeding ground for many migratory birds each year. A very high diversity of birds and fish is supported by these waters; 95 species of birds have been recorded here, meaning the estuary holds one of the greatest diversities of bird species in the country. As the largest (over 200 ha) and most significant estuary in the southern half of the North Island, the Manawatū Estuary offers important habitat for many different wildlife species, including the migratory Bar-tailed Godwit, which flies all the way from Alaska to spend our summer here before returning to the Arctic for the northern summer to breed. The Land Air Water Aotearoa website (LAWA) has some more interesting information about estuaries, including what can be found at the Manawatū Estuary. More on the history of the estuary and river can be found here .

Pohowera/Banded Dotterel Charadrius bicintus Native. At risk-declining. Pohowere/Banded Dotterel breed mainly inland, moving to coastal regions in late December and are at their greatest numbers in February. From mid-July they begin to return to their breeding grounds. Most years at least one attempt is made to nest in the sand dunes. Usual clutch size is three with incubation reputed to be around four weeks. Young are active from hatching and take a further 6 weeks to become independent. Plumage is variable with non-breeding livery pictured opposite. Two distinctive dark brown and chestnut bands cross the breast in breeding plumage, which fade as winter approaches. These active little birds are visual feeders, running across the mudflats and stopping when they see something interesting. Their diet consists of crustacea, worms, flies and berries from species such as Muehlenbeckia and Coprosma. nzbirdsonline-Banded Dotterel

Events The Manawatū Estuary Trust and several local organisations and Agencies periodically hold events which enhance both peoples' enjoyment and protection of the area, giving the opportunity to learn more about this very special place. There are two main activities which occur once or twice a year and several, mainly centred around weeding pest plants which are undertaken on either weekly or a fortnightly basis. Dates for the two big events will be published on both this and on the Wildlife Foxton Trust website, plus other local organisations media and through Horizons Regional Council and Horowhenua District Council. Following local facebook pages will also notify of up-coming events. Details on main calendar if available. Welcome and Farewell the Godwits The estuary hosts a farewell (March/April) and a welcome back (September/October) for the migrating Bar-tailed Godwit (see calendar for details) which use the area either as a summer residence or a stop-off resting/feeding place en-route to other places. Some birds on their way back to Aotearoa New Zealand from Alaska can fly 11-13,000 km non-stop to get here in as little as 7 days. The event is held around the viewing platform on Dawick Street and hosted by the Manawatū Estuary Trust who provide spotting scopes to view the birds at close range. Dr Phil Battley, a renowned authority, acts as master of ceremonies, providing an insight into these birds and their amazing flights Planting Sessions For several years, Horowhenua District Council (HDC) and Horizons Regional Council (HRC) have been funding both the purchase and growing of Kōwhangatara/Spinifex and Pingao for the dunes at Foxton Beach to aid stabilisation of the dunes and thanks to a generous donation from Horizons Regional Council's Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi Community Response Fund, Wildlife Foxton Trust were able to successfully grow 3000 Kōwhangatara/Spinifex plants in 2023 and 2024. In 2024 Central Districts 4 X 4 Club also donated over a 1000 Spinifex plants. Wildlife Foxton Trust continues to grow both species. Volunteers from a number of local and regional groups, plus representatives from both HRC and HDC participated in the planting of these important species for the protection of the dunes. Wildlife Foxton Trust and Manawatū Estuary Trust websites will include notices of further planting days, as will both facebook pages and other publications in the area. Weeding Sessions One of the main areas of concern around the estuary and the area in general is the profusion of invasive weeds that are taking over, crowding out native species, many of which are at risk. A number of local enthusiasts spend a considerable amount of time trying to keep them under control and are to be found every Wednesday morning and alternate Sunday mornings at various points around the estuary attending to pest species. It is not all hard work and is a brilliant way to learn about the special plants that are to be found in this amazing place. If you are interested in helping with this important activity, please make contact through the contact MET page. MAJOR CLEARANCE SESSIONS Apart from the weeding sessions mentioned above, periodically groups come together at various locations such as the loop at Foxton and Waitarere Beach, to undertake major clearance of pest plants such as poplar, willow, ragwort and acacia. Major rubblish clearance is also carried out. These are normally run in conjunction with Horowhenua District Council so keep looking at the events calendar for any upcoming events

Kawaupaka/Little Pied Shag Microcarbo melanoleucos Native. Relict (much reduced but stable population) This is the most common of the five species of cormorants recorded in the Estuary and is most frequently seen perched on both man-made and natural structures. They will also rest on land, but this is not favoured as difficulty is experienced when taking off. Diet consists of fish, including tuna (eels) and crustacea but will also consume frogs and invertebrates in brackish water. They hunt by diving and can stay submerged for up to twenty seconds at a time often surfacing some distance away. At the onset of the breeding season both sexes develop a crest. Nests are built in tree-top colonies, usually over-hanging water and are bulky structures in which up to five eggs are laid. Also observed in the area is the Māpunga/Great Cormorant:(Phalacrocorax carbo ) which is a much large, all black bird. This is a cosmopolitan species that occurs in many parts of the world. nzbirdsonline-Little Shag

Punakuru/Angled Lobelia Lobelia anceps Native. Not threatened. Punakuru/Angled Lobelia has a tiny but prominent presence in the Dune Garden, not least because it flowers for much of the year. Besides Aotearoa New Zealand, it is also found in Australia, South Africa and Chile. It is a coastal and lowland plant that is generally found in exposed places that includes riversides and near lakes. Among it’s characteristics, in the Dune Garden it grows mostly prostrate (along the surface), but when it grows amongst other vegetation such as Kōwhangatara/Spinifex or Marram Grass, stretches upwards impressively, occasionally exceeding 30cm in height. Flowers are blue to purple. NZPCN-Lobelia anceps iNaturalist-Punakuru