Retoreto/Red Azolla Azolla rubra Native. Not assessed. This is perhaps Aotearoa New Zealand's most unusual species of fern is as much as it is entirely aquatic, being found on ponds, slow-flowing streams and ditches. It is found throughout both Islands but has predominantly been replaced in Northland by an introduced Australian species. Also, found throughout the Pacific reaching as far as India. As can be seen from the photograph it can form dense patches which can cover entire areas. Usually brick red or glaucous green it produces spores which are dispersed either by wind, water or by attaching themselves to anything that move through their environment. NZPCN-Azolla rubra iNaturalist-Red Azolla azolla Rauarahu/Austral Bracken Pteridium esculentum Native. Not threatened Thought by many to be the bracken of the Northern Hemisphere it is in fact native to parts of Southeast Asia, the Islands, Australia and New Zealand and is easily distinguished from its northern cousin by its more delicate foliage. It is a fairly robust plant which grows from underground rhizomes and spreads quickly in disturbed ground to the extent that it can quickly become a serious pest. As can be seen in the photograph the frond are upright and are triangular when fully open. It is said that this species is less toxic to stock than other species but can still prove detrimental if eaten over long periods. Rhizomes are reputed to be edible. NZPCN-Pteridium esculentum bracken spleenwort Petako/Sickle Spleenwort Asplenium polyodon Native. Not threatened. This is a species of fern that prefers either full or partial shade and is frequently found in woodland. In the region plants can be found in the pine plantations that border the Estuary with the odd plant being located further into the dunes that have a covering of vegetation, usually non-native. Occurring throughout most areas of Aotearoa New Zealand but mostly in western areas of the South Island. Although not threatened nationally, it has a regional classification of naturally uncommon for Otago. It is also to be found in Australia, Pacific Islands, Indo-Malaysia and Madagascar. Spores which are bourn on the underside of the leaves are dispersed by wind. NZPCN-Sickle Spleenwort

Pingao/Golden Sand Sedge Ficinia spiralis Endemic. At risk-declining. Pingao is a yellow/orange/red sedge grass used for decorative purposes throughout Maoridom. In spite of being a hardy plant, it grows slowly, so it is on the threatened species list. Common in the Dune Garden, it grows both in the dry dunes as well as in the dune wetland areas. Pingao’s dune building abilities are visible in the Dune Garden and is easily located in the dunes by the Surf Club. Formerly widely distributed the decline has been brought on by a number of factors as diverse as burning, browsing by domestic stock, damage by motor vehicles driving over dune systems and over-harvesting by weavers. The latter would not have been an issue before it became scarce but if only leaves and not whole plants are taken, they will regenerate.and help preserve this important plant. More difficult to grow, small numbers are planted alongside Spinifex in the dunes. Trials are underway at Wildlife Foxton Trust to see if local conditions will assist with its propagation. coastalrestorationtrus-Pingao ecology iNaturalist-Ficinia spiralis NZPCN-Fcinia spiralis

IN-PAGE INDEX Marram Red-purple Ragwort Tree Lupin Moundlily Yucca Tree Mallow Poplar Cape Spurge Agapanthus Everlasting Pea Wilding Pine Karo INVASIVE SPECIES Marram Karaihe/European Marram Grass Calamagrostris arenaria Introduced. Not assessed. Probably the worst pest species we have in the dune system at Foxton Beach. It wasn’t always thought to be and had previously been widely planted as a means of stabilising sand erosion . A deep-rooted species which creates high dunes through its deep penetrating roots. Unfortunately, as can be seen in the photograph opposite, these can cause the dune to collapse. The planting of native sand-binders such as Pingao and Spinifex has been undertaken at the dunes for several years now, and in time, will hopefully prove to be a better solution than Marram. It has been proven that seed can remain viable for over 20 years at up to depths of 4 m of sand. Wind erosion could bring these to the surface at a future date. View article abstract here . nzpcn-Marram Grass Red-purple Ragwort Red-purple Ragwort Senecio elegans Introduced. Not assessed. This is a species that originated from South Africa with sand dunes its favoured habitat and, if left unchecked can quickly colonise new areas. They are controlled in the managed area of the dune garden but are found in areas bordering the estuary and should be pulled up, ensuring the basal leaves are removed. It is a very colourful plant and one that is grown in gardens and while not encouraged it is recommended to remove developing seed heads once flowering is finished. They produce an incredible number of seeds which is wind dispersed, thus quickly establishing new areas. Some species can cover large areas, and this can be seen on parts of Transmission Gully with Pink Ragwort. Some species can also be poisonous to stock. Weedbusters-Red-purple Ragwort iNaturalist-Red-purple Ragwort Tree Lupin Tree Lupin Lupinus arboreus Introduced. Not assessed Originating from California, it is a common weed in the area and swathes of yellow in the distance are most likely to be this species. A fairly easy plant to distinguish as a seedling because of its distinctive leaves, it should be pulled up before they become established. Once plants mature and seed, they have the potential to become established quite quickly as seed pods split explosively to disperse seeds which are also spread by water. These tall, up to 2.5 m plants, soon shade out any natives and allow other shade tolerant weedy species to colonise. Controlled in parts of the dune garden but should be pulled up if seen elsewhere. It is also tolerant of wind and cold. Weedbusters-Tree Lupin Moundlily Yucca Moundlily Yucca Yucca gloriosa Introduced. Not assessed. This is a very impressive species that is widely cultivated because of its rather exotic appearance. The only problem is that it can quite often outgrow its welcome and because of this is removed and frequently dumped in the vicinity of the estuary from where some make their way into the sand dunes. The plant itself is impressive with its long narrow, bright green leaves which can reach 50 cm and terminate with a sharp spike. It is at its most spectacular when it blooms, with the bell-shaped, white flowers that can sometimes be tinged with pink. These are produced on a stem which can be up to 2.5 m tall. The elongated berry can be up 7 cm and produce numerous seeds. Once they get to this stage and the dispersed seeds start to germinate this is when the serious problems start. Seeds can also be water dispersed. NZPCN-Moundlily Yucca Tree Mallow Tree Mallow Malva arborea Introduced. Not assessed. This is a species that is found in coastal regions in its natural distribution of Western Europe, extending as far as Libya. Like many pest species they are quite pretty which is a downfall in countries outside of its natural distribution making it a good subject for horticulture. It is fast growing and is subsequently pruned or removed completely while still in seed. Seed is reputed to be very resilient to salt water and can remain viable for many years in quite saline conditions. Because of its mobility and tolerance of sea water it has become quite a serious pest on numerous seabird islands around the world. Aiding its survival is its reputed ability to excrete salt through glands on its leaves. Has the potential pest species in this area. iNaturalist-Tree Mallow Poplar Pāpāra/White Poplar Populus alba Introduced. Not assessed. This pest species became naturalised in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1904 and has since became a serious problem as it spread to many areas. It is also a pest species in many areas outside of its natural distribution of the Northern Hemisphere. At the estuary it is growing extensively on both sides of Pinewood Road just on the approach the beach. Towards the end of 2024, with generous funding from Horizons Regional Council, Kaitiaki o Ngahere have been engaged in some poplar clearance. An example of their efforts can be seen from the photograph opposite. Apart from crowding out other plants, it quickly spreads by producing suckers from lateral roots which can extend as much as 30 m from the main stem, throwing up new shoots to quickly form dense clumps. Wikipedia-White Poplar Cape Spurge Caper Spurge Euphorbia lathyris Introduced. Not assessed. If not controlled this has the potential to become a serious pest in the area. Currently found only in the region of Pinewood Road, it has been the subject of concerted efforts by the Wednesday weeding group at controlling a spreading infestation. Care has to be taken when handling this plant as broken stems produce latex which can cause skin irritation. This is exasperated by exposure to sunlight and can cause severe blistering. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and most animals. The natural range of this species is southern Europe and north Africa eastwards to western China.but has become naturalised through garden waste dumping and is now classed as invasive in many countries. iNaturalist-Caper Spurge Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox Introduced. Not assessed. This is a widely grown species which is sometimes called the Blue or African Lily and is familiar to many with its bright blue, globe-shaped flowers. More rarely, white coloured flowers can be found with lighter shades of blue also occurring in some populations. It is a native to Southern parts of Africa but is naturalised in several countries including Australia and New Zealand and is now regarded as a pest species in several others. In Aotearoa New Zealand it is frequently found in parkland and along roadsides. The blooms once they have finished flowering produce a number of flattened seeds which are spread by wind once dry or by water in areas prone to heavy rain. They can take up to four years to flower. They should be deadheaded once flowering is over to help prevent their spread. Wikipedia-Agapanthus praecox Agapanthus Everlasting Pea Lathyrus latifolius Introduced. Not assessed. The alternative name for this plant is the Broad-leaved Sweet Pea, an apt and descriptive name referring to the elongated 2 cm wide leaves which can reach 7.5 cm long. If growing amongst vegetation it is able to scramble up to a height of 2 m, aided by twinning tendrils that help it grasp. It is, however, able to scramble over open ground. Flowers are large, up to 2.5 cm and are a rich pink with some lighter areas. Flowering season can be long, spanning nine months from September through to May, depending on area. Many seedpods are produced but also spreads from rhizomes. Native to Europe it has been introduced to many countries and is now classed as an environmental weed here in Aotearoa New Zealand. NZPCN-Broad-leaved Sweet Pea Everlasting Pea Wilding Pine Pinus radiata Introduced. Not assessed. Several conifer species fall under this category but for the Foxton Beach area it is Pinus radiata, the familiar Radiata Pine. This species as a whole is planted for commercial timber production but it is not those that are planted, it is the growth that develop from seed outside of these areas which cause a problem. These grow quickly and out compete all other species, including any natives. These wilding pines are becoming a real problem in some areas and attempts to control them nationally is becoming a major problem. In the Foxton Beach area, they are not a problem as such but there is a number starting to encroach in the area near Pinewood Road and needs addressing. Wilding Pines.NZ Wilding Pine Karo Pittosporum crassifolium Endemic. Not threatened. This fast-growing shrub is one of the few native species that is considered to be invasive. Although endemic, it only occurs naturally in the north of the North Island and for various reasons has spread too other areas. It is a common garden plant, along with other members of the Pittisporum genus but unlike those it spreads vigorously through the copious amount of seeds it produces. It is mainly a coastal species adapting to a variety of coastal habitats from coastal dune slacks to boulder beaches and sometimes on steep cliffs. Flowers are red/pink/purple and borne in clusters with grey bulbous seed pods developing soon after before the black seeds are dropped or dispersed Wikipedia-Pittosporum crassifolia Karo

Grasswort Lilaeopsis novae - zelandiae Endemic. Not threatened. Also known by several other names, including tape measure plant or micro sword, it is another subtle, small endemic dune wetland herb and at home in only a handful of places in the Dune Garden. One of these locations is always findable, as the others tend to come and go depending on the wind and sand deposition. Like many of these small herbs it has tiny 2mm subtle white flowers, which you have to look closely to find them. Some related species are common plants for aquarists, but care needs to be taken that none are allowed to escape, and disposal needs to be done carefully. NZPCN-Lilaeopsis novae-zelandia e iNaturalist-Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae

Rauparaha/Shore Bindweed Calystegia soldanella Native. Not threatened. This native convulvulus graces the Dune Garden, both dry dunes and dune wetland areas but is generally a widespread species being also found in the temperate climates of both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. It is a low growing plant with fleshy green, glossy leaves. Pink and white, trumpet-shaped flowers grace the summer half of the year. An annual, it disappears almost completely in the winter, to start afresh in the spring. Small dune hollows are often filled with the black seeds which have rolled downhill from the plants. Roots are quite fleshy and penetrate deep into the sand and it is this that aids their survival as they are able to propagate from root fragments. NZPCN-Calystegia soldanella iNaturalist-Calystegia soldanella

Whitebait Galaxias sp. Whitebait is the collective name for the juvenile stage of five species of fish of the genus Galaxias . The most frequently caught of the five, Inanga G. maculata has a wide distribution reaching as far as Argentina but listed as declining in Aorearoa New Zealand. Kōaro G. brevipennis is also found in Australia while the Banded G. fasciata , Giant G. argeneus and Shortjaw Kōkopu G. postvectus .are found nowhere else other than in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whitebait are caught as they start their migration up-stream. As a group they are fascinating with a diverse lifestyle, much of which is covered in a fun Whitebait activity book produced by the Department of Conservation and available here for download. They are a much-loved source of food which are caught in nets over a brief period each year. Current regulations can be found here . Wikipedia - Whitebait Find, protect and create inanga spawning habitat is an informative guide produced by the Department of Conservation covering all aspects of protecting and enhancing spawning grounds for this important species. Whitebait Connection is a nationwide environmental education programme that empowers communities, landowners and schools to explore, understand, and protect freshwater ecosystems. It focuses on native freshwater fish, particularly whitebait species, and teaches participants about their life cycles, habitats, and threats. Through hands-on learning, stream studies, and restoration projects, it encourages kaitiakitanga and community action to improve waterway health and supports the survival of these taonga species. McDowell, R.M. 1984. The New Zealand Whitebait Book. A.H. & A.W. Reed Ltd Taylor, M.J.. 2002 . The National Inanga Spawning Database: Trends and Implications for Spawning Site Management. Department of Conservation Science for Conservation no. 188

Indo-pacific Comb Star Other marine species A variety of other weird and wonderful organisms are sometimes to be found on the beach, either washed up after a storm or dying through natural causes. They are a diverse collection which are difficult to catagorise without being too scientific because of not falling into any one particular family. Apart from those included here some more examples are given on the Beach Mysteries page. Types covered in this group include seaweed, sea urchins, starfish, jellyfish and sponges with a checklist of species recorded from the area included here . Information is basic and continually updated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded, and additions added for personal use be “save as”. These will not be saved to web. Indi-pacific Comb Star Finger Sponge By-the-wind sailor

Mammals Aotearoa New Zealand is not well represented by native terrestrial (land) mammals with neither of the two species of bat being recorded in the area. Introduced exotic species, however, are an ever-present problem with Brown and Black Rats, House Mice, Weasel, Stoat, Ferret and Hedgehog being the main culprits, all capable of impacting on local wildlife. Some control of these species takes place around areas of the Ramsar site such as Fernbird Flats, but little is done elsewhere. A page is being developed with information on how to control some of these species and where to go for expert advice, plus other valuable information. Marine mammals are more numerous around the coasts and several species can be seen at certain times of the year. Sightings can be useful to record so if you are fortunate enough to witness these enigmatic creatures please report using this form . Most however are recorded as either beach wrecks (fatalities) or strandings. Report whale or dolphin incidents to the DoC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). A checklist of species recorded from the area is included here . Information is basic and continually up-dated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. This checklist follows a recognised international format and may not follow any that are used in Aotearoa New Zealand. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded and additions for personal use be "save as". These will not be saved to web. Kekeno/Australasian Fur Seal

Beetles This page is under contruction and will be continually up-dated with additional information added as it becomes available. A checklist of species recorded from the area is included here . Information is basic and continually updated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded, and additions added for personal use be "save as". These will not be saved to web. Broun"s Sand Beetle Lagrioda brouni Endemic. Not assessed. Very little is known about this reasonably common species of beetle. It is mainly associated with driftwood, being found either beneath it or inside crevices. Mainly observed either as solitary individuals, small groups or, on occasions, congregating in groups of a dozen or so. Recorded from both islands, mainly in coastal regions with a number of observations between Otaki and Himatangi Beach with the summer months providing the most observations although it can be found at most times of the year. Naturalist-Broun's Sand Beetle

Sand Buttercup Ranunculus acaulis Native. Not threatened. A relative of the Common Buttercup that is found growing in lawns and paddocks, this specialised tiny member of the buttercup family occurs for the most part in sandy or muddy areas. This species flowers in November or December with flowers finished in days, so you are lucky to see one at all. The first instance of this plant appeared in the Dune Garden in April 2019, and within two years spread over a large area, propagating by fragments floating on the winter waters, to take hold in new areas. Several other small species in the Dune Garden utilise this propagation method as well. It is also found in Tasmania, Falkland Islands and Chile. NZPCN-Ranunculus acaulis iNaturalist-Ranunculus acaulis

Legislation can be divided into three main sections - National, Regional and District, all of which will cover many aspects of use and protection of the Estuary. Those on a National level cover the whole country. The Regional encompasses groups of districts. Horowhenua is our local district and is grouped with other districts to create the Manawatū-Whanganui Region (called Horizons). National legislation directs Regional legislation and Regional legislation directs District legislation. Click on each banner to access either National, Regional and District legislation, each of which will contain links applicable to the Estuary and surrounding area. These will be divided further into categories, if needed, such as wildlife, water, land etc and will have links to main pages, if present on the website. HOROWHENUA DISTRICT COUNCIL LEGISLATION The full range of Policies and Bylaws applicable on a local level can be viewed here......... .. Local Bylaws and Policies The recently updated Public Placed Bylaw in available here......... . Public Places Bylaw 2024 The recently updated Dog Control Bylaw is available here....... Dog Control Bylaw 2025 The Local Waters Combined Bylaw came into effect on 1 July 2025 and means there is now one combined bylaw covering all our local 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. Sections of Land Transport Bylaw are applicable to the estuary as areas of the beach are classed as a road. HORIZONS REGIONAL COUNCIL LEGISLATION Much of the legislation applicable to both the Manawatū River and Estuary is governed by Horizons Regional Council. The overarching bylaw is https://www.horizons.govt.nz/flood-emergency-management/river-safety and the foreword to this document is reproduced below to give an idea of the scope this covers. Please refer to this for any information needed if planning to use the river for either commercial or recreational purposes as some restrictions may apply. Water quality data is available here if you are planning to be in the water for whatever reason. The other main recreational use is whitebaiting and the current regulations can be found here. For more detail on the various tasks undertaken by Horizons in relation to flood management, please consult horizons.govt.nz AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND LEGISLATION The Aotearoa New Zealand Government has its own website specifically dedicated to legislation and is available here . Perhaps the most important legislation for the area is the Wildlife Act . This is a comprehensive document covering all aspects of wildlife protection. When the link above is activated, it takes you to the contents page where each section has a link to the subject covered. A link to secondary legislation is included but has only a limited implication for our area. When searching for specific content, those items will be highlighted yellow . hdc horizons aotearoa MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES (MPI) mpi The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is responsible for overseeing and regulating New Zealand's primary industries, including agriculture, fisheries, food safety, and biosecurity. It is a complex organisation and is the go to place for regulations surrounding many aspects of business, animal welfare and biosecurity. Their website can be found here and contains a wealth of information, including detailed information on emerging biosecurity threats such as Yellow-legged Hornet and Golden Clam.

Dune Garden The Dune Garden is an ephemeral dune wetland surrounded by a ring of tall, dry dunes, on the western edge of the Manawatu Estuary Ramsar site. It is the most studied and actively managed coastal site on this coast, and probably much wider. As such it is a good wilderness habitat to explore, learn about, and better yet, become involved in its protection. Community work parties undertake monitoring, weeding, planting and maintenance, on a fortnightly basis, on Sunday mornings. This helps to protect the natural biodiversity, and provides a path to learn about the ecosystem, the flora and the fauna that make the Dune Garden home. If you would like to know more, please feel free to reach out via the Support MET page or use the following QR code to send an email directly. To find the Dune Garden, follow the signs to Foxton Beach township, driving along main road Seabury Avenue through the township to the Foxton Beach Holiday Park where the map below becomes useful to direct you to the Dune Garden, and various points around it. Car parking is available on the hard sand at the end of Pinewood Road, i.e. where the blue arrows in the above map start. Access to the big bowl in the centre of the Dune Garden is over the big dune or else wending one's way through smaller dunes. The former is more straightforward and provides a sweeping first view. From atop the dune you might already be able to see the fluoro orange sunhat and jacket of regular attendees hundreds of meters to the west. We recommend you inform the team of your arrival time, If your timing is inopportune, they may be working behind a small dune or equivalent. It is easier for us to be appropriately visible if you're close to your indicated arrival time. Photo C. Tuffley As an ephemeral dune wetland, the Dune Garden tends to be quite dry through the summer and autumn, and over winter can fill up with water, which in wet years may remain until summer. The wetland area can be hard packed sand when dry, and the surrounding dunes are soft dry sand where they're not covered in vegetation. Dune Garden team members are happy to explain this as part of your introduction to the area.