Harakeke/New Zealand Flax Phormium tenax Endemic. Not threatened. Very much a dune wetland species, it is currently a small factor in the Dune Garden suite of plants but over time it may play a bigger role as one of the successor plants in the evolution of dune wetlands. On a broader note, it is an abundant species throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, associated with damp areas but is also commonly planted in gardens and is in abundance around Foxton. Foxton has a rich history associated with this plant, from early times right through to the present, although not so much now but there is still a museum dedicated to the history of its uses, principally its fibre. There is not a website, but details can be found here and also a brief history within this site . Flowers grow on spikes and as they age, seeds pods develop. 2024 was a mast year with most plants flowering at the same time and producing abundant seed. NZPCN-Phormium tenax

Shore Cotula Leptinella dioica Endemic. Not threatened. Generally uncommon in the Manawatū Estuary, at time of writing there is a healthy patch toward the spit off the end of the Dawick Street platform, and a few small patches on the south bank. The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network entry suggests it has a long flowering season from October to June but here at the estuary it seems to bloom for only a brief period in early summer. Flowers can be either green or yellow but it is the leaves which are a distinctive feature of this plant. They are variable but mostly elongated, fleshy with cuts or lobes and either light green, green, blue-green or wine red in colour. NZPCN-Leptinella dioica iN aturalist-Leptinella dioica

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

Tara/White-fronted Tern Sterna striata Endemic. At risk-declining. The White-fronted Tern may be seen on the beach or the mudflats. It hunts for fish in coastal waters or a short distance further out. White-fronted Terns are a medium-sized tern with a black cap on the crown and nape which is separated from the black beak by a strip of white. In non-breeding plumage there is more white between the beak and cap. The upperparts are grey, and the lower parts white. The long tail is white and forked. Frequently, towards the end of the summer/beginning of autumn a number of juveniles can be seen which are probably from the breeding colony at Waika nae. Frequently seen either perched on the beach or actively hunting for fish which they catch by diving into the water. nzbirdsonline-White-fronted Tern caspian tern Taranui/Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Native. Threatened-nationally vulnerable. This is by far the largest species of tern to be seen at the estuary, and with a wingspan of a metre makes it similar in size to the Black-backed Gull. It is a large, stocky tern weighing as much as 780gms with a black cap that touches the beak when in breeding plumage, with a slight crest. The legs and feet are black, while the heavy beak is conspicuously red. Upperparts are grey and the underparts white. In flight the lower side of some of the primary wing feathers look black. In non-breeding plumage the black cap may be flecked with white. When feeding the Caspian Tern flies along over the water, 5 to 10 m up, looking down into the water to search for fish. On spotting one, it plunges down in a dive and enters the water briefly. Food is consumed while in flight. nzbirdsonline-Caspian Tern

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.

Shiny Bog-rush Schoenus nitens Native. Not threatened. This bog-rush is a small plant, growing to a maximum of 35cm in ideal growing conditions but frequently much less, and is easily distinguished from similar species by its well-developed leaves. A common species in many dune wetlands on this coast and wider, reaching as it does Australia and New Guinea. It is not yet widespread in the Dune Garden, but will over time spread further, as it is a successional species spreading as it does, into bare areas. It is mainly a coastal species of sand and can be found near tidal creeks, lagoons, swamps and shallow ponds. NZPCN-Schoenus nitens iNaturalist-Schoenus nitens

Kuruwhengi/Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Native. Not threatened. The Australasian Shoveler is a dabbling duck, getting most of its food from the surface of water or mud which it filters through the lamellae (hair-like structures) on the upper edge of the top mandible (bill). Invertebrates and seeds form the bulk of their diet. The beak itself is a major feature of the species, and the shape gives the bird its name. Males are quite distinctive with their blue-grey head and neck with a white crescent at the base of their bill. Mottled brown and white breast, chestnut flanks, and a white patch at the base of the tail. Females are a mottled brown with dull brown bill and eyes. Out of the breeding season some males develop female-like plumage. Lowland coastal swamps, freshwater lakes and wetlands plus occasionally the open sea are favoured habitats for this fast-flying species. It is seen in the estuary at most time of the year. nzbirdsonline-Australasian Shoveler Tētē-moroiti/Grey Teal Anas gracilis Native. Not threatened. The Grey Teal is seen on the river, mostly at dawn and dusk. It seeks refuge in the estuary during the shooting season (starting in May) but at other times solitary pairs can be observed fairly close to the tide line. Pairs can often be seen on the ponds and waterways around Holben Reserve Grey Teal is a small dabbling duck with a dark crown and a pale throat and cheek. The eye is red, and the beak and legs are black. It can be distinguished from the Grey Duch and Mallards by its lack of facial stripes and its much smaller size. Generally found on shallow fresh water with plenty of cover., it flies with a quick wingbeat when disturbed Although it isn't a gamebird, it is often mistaken for Grey Duck or Shoveler and shot. nzbirdsonline-Grey Teal grey teal mallard Rakiraki/Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Introduced. Not assessed. Male Mallard has a glossy green head, a white ring around the neck, a chestnut breast, orange feet, and a grey back. The female is much less showy, with upperparts patterned in browns and lower parts pale. She has a pale line above the eye and a dark line through the eye and looks similar to the Pārera/Grey Duck. The female can be distinguished by her darker throat and by the lines above and below the eye, which are much less distinct than in the grey duck. The dark stripe through the eye on Mallard is also much less distinct. Greys and Mallards are capable of hybridising, so some intermediate versions may be seen, especially in the males. Unfortunately, this is likely to result in the extinction of this species in Aotearoa New Zealand. Take a good look at those in the estuary and see the plumage variation. The Mallard is a dabbling duck, which means it feeds from the surface of shallow water and doesn't usually dive for its food, which consists of aquatic invertebrates and plants. It may pick things off the surface or upend itself and reach down into the water, its tail sticking up. nzbirdsonline-Mallard.

Remuremu/Swampweed Goodenia radicans Native. Not threatened. Found throughout the Southern Hemisphere, this species common name originates here. Routinely found in estuarine situations, it can also be found in wetland habitats with little saline component. In summer it produces a lovely white half-star flower indistinguishable from its rare cousin, Goodenia heenanii , which is known only from this coast. Another defining characteristic of Remuremu is the production of wonderfully large, soft carpets of vivid green overlaying estuarine mud flats. This plant occurs on both sides of the river on the Ramsar site. It has been hypothesised to be the main host plant for the moth species Asaphodes frivola, a critically endangered species, currently known from only two small colonies near Invercargill but would certainly be worth further investigation locally. NZPCN-S elliera radicans iNaturalist-Selliera radicans

Taupata/Mirror Bush Coprosma repens Endemic. Not threatened. This endemic species is common in the Foxton Beach area, in the estuary, the dunes, and around the township. In the Dune Garden wetland area, it is not common, but seedlings pop up all the time, and a few will doubtless grow to maturity, even if that is not presently the case. In estuaries along this coast, it is not unusual to find a small Taupata tree growing in the crevices of a larger fallen tree trunk. In the dunes, it can thrive on the front side of the front dune, and is a versatile plant evolved for this area. Interestingly it is in the same family as coffee and forms a bush or small tree reaching up to 8m. Shiny leaves are not unique to the species, but certainly are a characteristic, hence one of its alternative names is ‘mirror plant’. It is also called the New Zealand laurel which it does vaguely resemble. Peak flowering period is reported to be from June to February with the green/white flowers developing into orange berries from July onwards. While found wild only in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is naturalised in Hawaii, Australia, California and South Africa and in some areas, it is now classed as a weed. Also grown widely as a garden plant, consequently various cultivars have been developed. NZPCN-Coprosma repens iNaturalist-Coprosma repens

Beach Mysteries A walk along Foxton beach following a high tide or a storm event can be rewarding, although sometimes rather sad, depending on what has been washed up. For the most part findings consist mainly of shells but by keeping your eyes peeled, some other interesting items can be observed, a few of which are given below. Storms can cause devastation for some creatures, particularly sea birds and to a lesser extent Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) so please report these if found. Forms and contact details are given under the Research tab. Bluebottle Physalia spp Not every summer but most, there is mass strandings of 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, Bluebottles have no mechanism to achieve this and rely solely on wind for their movement. The sting of this species can be quite painful, and care should be taken when a "bloom" comes ashore. Wikipedia-Bluebottle Kōpūwaitōtara/Porcupine Fish Allomycterus pilatus One of the more unusual sights seen around the tide line is this heart-shaped structure. It is the swim bladder of the Porcupine Fish. Occasionally the intact body of this spiny fish is also found. Porcupine Fish are a more common species in northern Aotearoa New Zealand than in the south. It is a species frequenting depths of up to 100 m. They are able to inflate their body when threatened and if found on the beach, avoid as they contain a toxin . iNaturalist-Porcupine Fish Ngaokeote/Scarlet Tubeworm Galeolaria hystrix One of the most unusual items you may be lucky enough to find on the beach appears to be either a piece of coral or some cement and its hardness would seem to indicate that it could be the latter. If you look closely at the texture, it consists of a lot of bumps with some holes at one end, some of which appear to have tube-like structures at the entrance. Scarlet Tubeworms construct calcareous tubes as habitats, which frequently become fused together. Wikipedia-Galeolaria Ram's Horn Shell Spirula spirula Although this seems very shell-like, it is in fact the internal flotation mechanism of a species of deep-water squid. This is a tiny species, reaching a length of only 45 mm and living at depths of up to 1000 m. These shells are extremely light and very buoyant, floating on the surface they are carried on the ocean currents and turn up in their hundreds on beaches. The live squid is capable of emitting a green light from a photophore (cell) located at the tip of its mantle. Wikipedia-Ram's Horn Shell Kaireka/European Skylark Alauda arvensis Like many other species of introduced birds, mainly perching birds, it was in the 1860's that saw the first influx after which the quickly became established and soon spread throughout the country. They are a common bird in the Foxton area and are frequently heard in the spring when male fly high uttering their distinctive, melodious calls. Birds are often disturbed in the dunes, and it is then that their footprints can be found. BirdsNZ-Skylark Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor This species of deer is only found on the North Island and the Manawatū/Whanganui region is one of two strongholds for this species, the other being Hawke's Bay. Tracks can often be seen in the sand and is generally the only sign these animals are in the area. It is thought they periodically cross the river at low tide. They are an introduced species and in their homeland of Southeast Asia they are classified as vulnerable. Wikipedia-Sambar Deer Mussel Beard Quite often when you find mussel shells on the beach they may have attached to them what appears to be hair-like structures. These appear similar to a beard which gives them their common name. The technical term for these is byssus and they are formed by many species of bivalves (mussel family) and are secreted along sections of the shell. They are used to anchor them to a surface such as rocks where they create a hold-fast in strong currents. Wikipedia-Byssus Kararua/Dwarf Janthina Janthina exigua Among the many shells of various types and colours is sometimes seen this unusual shell. Looking more like that of a land snail it is a species of marine snail. This is the smallest of the five species at around 15 mm. The unique colouration serves a specific purpose and this is to do with its lifestyle of living on, and feeding off Bluebottles and By-the-wind sailor. They are capable of free-living by producing a raft of bubbles. More details are given in the link below. Wikipedia-Janthina Nursery Web Spider Dolomedes minor This may look like a web as used by many species of spiders to catch their prey , but it is in fact a case made out of silk in which she lays here eggs which she guards. If you look closely the numerous dark dots that you can see are in actual facts young spiderling that have recently hatched but not yet ventured out. Looking out from the Pinewood Road car park towards the saltmarsh, a number of these can be observed. Main species page Kowhai Sophora microphylla The seeds and seed pods of this familiar plant are not often seen on the beach but with the heavy rain and gale-force winds of recent times they are occasionally washed or blown on to the beach environs. They are a popular plant around the area in gardens, and their bright yellow flowers with an abundance of nectar are a magnet for Tui. They form as small tree which can reach 6 metres in height but rarely become a problem. Wikipedia-kowhai

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)

Mudwort Limosella lineata Native. Not threatened. This tiny dune wetland herb turned up in the Dune Garden in 2023 in a single patch which hopefully will increase over time. Found in other dune wetlands on this coast, and a few Estuaries too, it is not found in the Manawatū Estuary at the time of writing. One of the nice attributes of this species is that it can flower at any time of the year, but you must look closely – the flower is ca. 2 mm in width. Often growing in dense patches over open mudflats, these patches can be green, brown or red. It can also host a rare form of endemic yellow rust (fungus), which until a few patches were noticed north of Foxton Beach in 2023, had not been registered anywhere since 1970. NZPCN-Limosella australis iNaturalist-Limosella australis