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.

Pūkeko/Australasian Swamp Hen Porphyrio melanotus Native. Not threatened. With their large size, bright blue plumage and raucous behaviour, Pūkeko are a familiar bird around the area. They are an abundant species throughout most regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. They have a growing presence being observed in margins bordering the estuary. They are numerous in the damp paddocks in and around Foxton Beach, often forming groups of six to ten birds out of the breeding season. Their breeding system make them a very interesting species to study. Many form monogamous pairs (1 male/1 female) while others are can be polygynandy where both males and females have multiple partners. Pūkeko are known to breed at any time of the year if conditions are favourable and it is not uncommon to see chicks during the winter months. Clutch size is up to six eggs but can be many more if additional females lay in the same nest. Mainly vegetarian, feeding on a variety of grasses, sedges and rushes, they also catch small animals and will feed on carrion. If items can't be swallowed whole, they will be gripped in a foot and ripped apart. nzbirdsonline-Pukeko

Matuku moana/White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Native. Not threatened. The White-faced Heron is the most common species of heron and is found throughout the country. They are a relatively new species to Aotearoa New Zealand, being self-introduced from Australia in the late 1940's. With the abundance of food and very little competition from similar species, population expansion was rapid. These elegant birds are solitary when foraging for food as they walk slowly in shallow water waiting for any sign of movement. Once detected, prey is seized with a rapid lunge of the beak. Food consists of fish and crabs in shallow water, also frogs, lizards and worms. A bulky mass of sticks and twigs usually constitute a nest and are generally built in the crowns of trees, usually. Clutch size varies from three to five eggs but usually only two or three chicks survive. They nest annually in the Foxton Beach area and young can be seen around the estuary from late spring onwards. nzbirdsonline-White-faced Heron white heron Kōtuku/White Heron Ardea modesta Native. Threatened-nationally critical. While widespread in Australia, the South Pacific and Asia where it is common, there is only one breeding colony in Aotearoa New Zealand and that is at Waitangiroto Nature Reserve in Westland. This was already established when discovered in 1865 and the population is currently thought to be around 200. During the winter these disperse around the country., occasionally being seen at the estuary. It is an elegant species with pure white plumage sporting a bright yellow beak and striking yellow eye. It is a revered species because of its elusiveness that in Māoridom there is a saying "he k ōtuku rerenga tahi" which literally means the bird of a single flight or once in a lifetime sighting. The similar Little Egret is much smaller and has a black bill and also turns up at the estuary from time to time. Diet consists of small fish, crabs, frogs and aquatic invertebrates. nzbirdsonline-White Heron bittern Matuku hūrepo/Australasian Bittern Botauris poiciloptilus Native. Threatened - nationally critical. This rare species is found in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia where it inhabits areas near water that are heavily vegetated. Once said to inhabit suitable areas around the "Loop" with reports of up to seven being sighted at various times. Unfortunately, a brief survey in 2024/5 failed to record any, as did a similar one around the Estuary. It is hoped to undertake another, more thorough one in the 2025/6 breeding season. There is an abundance of small tuna (elvers) around the edges so food should not be a problem in raising any young. Water quality might be a problem though. During the breeding season males "boom", to attract females to their territories and it is this call that gives them away, as does their characteristic silhouette when flying. If you are lucky enough to see one, please report it using the contact form on support MET page. NZbirdsonline-Australasian Bittern Conservation management of the critically endangered matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern: a review of threats and preliminary management techniques. By: Emma M. Williams. Department of Conservation Science for Conservation 341. 64 p. (PDF, 10,309)

Ramsar In 2004 the Manawatū Estuary Trust supported the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society’s (now Forest and Bird) application to list the Manawatū Estuary under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is a treaty signed by over 150 countries wherein they agree to be part of international cooperation regarding the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Original application document Map depicting Ramsar boundary In July 2005, the Manawatū Estuary was listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site no. 1491). The map opposite outlines the extent of the site but exact borders remain fluid because of environmental and other factors. Dotted lines represent the Ramsar site but other area are included and are noted in the legend. Achieving Ramsar status was a large step forward towards protecting the Manawatū Estuary for the future and although many people and organisations contributed to its Ramsar status, it was one person in particular, Joan Leckie, that was the main driving force behind that achievement, and her enthusiasm and passion can't be over-estimated. In the Winter 2025 issue of Forest and Bird Magazine there is an article on Joan and coverage of the unveiling of the 2025-35 Plan. At the time of its designation as a Ramsar site, Aotearoa New Zealand had only 5 throughout the country but with this and a subsequent on in the Wairarapa there are now seven, details of which are given via a link at the bottom of this page. An excellent introduction to this special site has been produced by Arnim Littek and is available to view and download by clicking the picture opposite. The Manawatū Estuary Ramsar site borders the townships of Foxton and Foxton Beach in close proximity, with all of the advantages and disadvantages this brings. At only 200 hectares it is the smallest of Aotearoa New Zealand's seven Ramsar sites but is unique in the fact that the townships of Foxton and Foxton Beach are in such close proximity with all the problems that may arise from this. The Manawatū Estuary Management Team (MEMT) meet every six months to discuss various aspects associated with the area. This comprises of representatives from the three statutory agencies, being the Department of Conservation, Horizons Regional Council and Horowhenua District Council, with local iwi, Forest and Bird, Manawatu Estuary Trust and Wildlife Foxton Trust and interested local residents from within the region. This enthusiastic group meet every six months to update on what has been achieved and plan for the forth-coming 6 months. For those wanting to know more about this special place, a number of documents are produced in the form of Estuary Management Plans and Ramsar Site Information Sheets (RIS). In November 2024 the first newsletter produced by the Manawatū Estuary Management Team became available and listed below, along with subsequent issues. Links to these, along with other documents which may be of interest are listed below. Ramsar Information Sheets (RIS) are published periodically to document changes made to any aspect of the area. Each contain much information about the estuary and are listed below. May 2005. The original RIS. April 2023. Current update on Ramsar Website. There have been two complete Management Plans produced and a third is currently being worked on which will be more comprehensive in nature. An incomplete attempted at another plan (2013-2023) is also linked below for reference. The original 2007-2012 plan is available here . A plan was started but remained unfinished. It aimed to cover 2013-2023 is available here for reference only. The current plan for 2015-2025 is available here with the final draft and associated information for the 2025-2035 plan available here . A brief introduction to the Manawatū Estuary is given on the Ramsar Information page with additional references to research previously undertaken. A map is also included. In addition, a report by the Department of Conservation is submitted to the triennial (three yearly) Conference of Parties (COP), the latest report (15) is linked here . Click English link from opened page. Each prospective Ramsar wetland site has to fit a set of criteria to be designated, and these guidelines are set out in detail in the guide produced by the Department of Conservation in their National Guidelines for the Assessment of Potential Ramsar Wetlands in New Zealand. More detailed information on Ramsar and its work can be had from their Website. Information and location, including map, of all seven Ramsar sites in Aotearoa New Zealand can be viewed here . Click on locator tab to see more information on each site. Ramsar Monument on the esplanade by the wharf and boating club Depicted on this stone monument is Papa Ngaio, the taniwha (water guardian). Resembling a tuna (eel) it is said to have only one eye and is charged with keeping the river clean. It is a fitting symbol of what people hope for the future of the river and estuary.

It is well known that Aotearoa New Zealand has a disproportionate number of introduced species and that many of them have become a serious problem around the estuary. Efforts are being made to control and eradicate them, but it is a continuous battle that needs constant effort to keep on top of it. Click on the pictures below to go to some of the current information on work that is being done around the estuary. Pest Fauna Pest Plants

Goosefoot Oxybasis ambigua Native. At risk-declining. This species can be found in a few estuaries on this coast, including at a few points in the Manawatū Estuary, but since it is a seasonal plant, you’re best off seeking it in the summer half of the year. It is a succulent member of the family of saltbushes. The profuse quantity of seeds produced are dispersed by both wind and water. Distribution is patchy in the Southern Hemisphere but extensive, taking in Chile, Easter Island, the Australian states of New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia plus both North and South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. NZPCN-Oxybasis ambigua iNaturalist-Oxybasis ambigua

Giant Kōkopu Galaxias argenteus Endemic. At risk-declining. This is the largest member of its family with specimens of over 450 mm in length have been reported This is rare with fish in the range of 200–300 mm being the more common size. It was the first of its genus (family) to be discovered and the whole group was given the name Galaxias because of the profusion of spots on adults giving the appearance of stars in the galaxy. Only found in low numbers in the whitebait catch, they can live in land-locked bodies of water such as lakes, and in streams where water-flow is slow with ample overhanging vegetation for shelter. They are mainly nocturnal in habit and feed on a variety of insects and other aquatic life. More information on this interesting species can be found here . Wikipedia-Giant Kokopu

Pied pango/Variable Oystercatcher Haematopus unicolor Endemic. At risk-recovering. At the estuary it can be seen on the mudflats at low tide, usually near the tideline, and, at high tide, roosting on the sandspit visible from Dawick Street. It is very similar to the Pied Oystercatcher in looks and behaviour. but the plumage is variable and may be entirely black, pied or intermediate between the two. Pied forms can be distinguished from the Pied Oystercatcher by the smudged boundary between the black and white plumage on the breast and the lack of a white tab in front of the wing. nzbirdsonline-Variable Oystercatcher Tōrea/South Island Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus finschi Endemic. At risk-declining. The Pied Oystercatcher breeds in the South Island but winters throughout the country. At the estuary it can be seen on the mudflats at low tide, usually near the tide line, and roosting on the sandspit visible from Dawick Street at high tide. Can be the commoner of the two species. nzbirdsonline-South Island Pied Oystercatcher

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

Piripiri/Biddy-biddy Acaena novae-zelandiae Native. Not threatened. This member of the rose family is common throughout the Ramsar dunes, in both wet and dry locations, it is also found in a few locations in the saltmarsh areas of the estuary. Known around the rest of the world as the weed from New Zealand it has been classified as a noxious weed in many countries, being capable of growing in a wide variety of habitats ranging from coastal to alpine regions. Their natural distribution, besides Aotearoa New Zealand is Australia and New Guinea. It has been introduced into the United Kingdom and is now classified as an invasive species there. Anyone who has been tramping is familiar with the success of Biddy-biddy’s burrs in propagating the species. The inflorescence (group of flowers arranged on a stem) contains up to a hundred flowers, each with four hooked barbs. Apart from clothing, they are dispersed by, not only livestock, but any wind-blown vegetation that they can attach themselves too. iNaturalist-Acaena novae-zelandiae nzpcn-Acaena novae-zelandiae

Autetaranga/Sand Daphne Pimelea villosa Endemic. At risk-declining. This plant is on the threatened species list as it is either scarce or extinct over much of Aotearoa New Zealand. Multiple threats are recorded and are similar to those of other dune plants with the addition of grazing by possums and rodents eating seeds. Full grown plants can reach 1.5m and accumulate large amounts of sand, making them effective sand binders. Although it is difficult to propagate from seed, it is thriving and propagating profusely all year round in the Dune Garden, including in some of the wetland areas. Ngāti Raukawa accords Autetaranga a special place as a decorative plant in their traditions. NZPCN-Sand Daphne CoastalRestorationtrust- Sand Daphne iNaturalist-Sand Daphne

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