Hinepango Wetland Restoration Group

The Wetland is under threat from invasive weeds such as Old Man’s Beard, blackberry, gorse, barberry and willow. With DoC's support and advice we are working to enhance the ecological values of the Hinepango Wetland through the removal and control of these weeds, and the restoration of riparian margins by replanting with eco-sourced natives.

It covers an area of approximately 27ha of conservation land in Rārangi and is home to several threatened fauna and flora species such as Bittern, Urtica perconfusa, Swamp maire, Mazus novaezeelandiae and probably the Giant Kokopu. Although it has suffered degradation and loss of habitat due to draining, grazing, and invasive weed establishment, it remains one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the region. The Hinepango Wetland is rare on a regional scale and is recognised as a “Significant Wetland” under the MEP.

Our aim is to increase the biodiversity of this special wetland by improving the quality of the habitat, extend the area, and improve the overall ecosystem health. We are now in our fourth year of operation and already we have seen increased bird life in the wetland with the return of Weka and Pukeko and more Tui, Kingfishers, Keruru and Paradise Ducks.

The Hinepango Wetland is nationally significant due to its unique land form; the alternating gravel ridges and wetland hollows associated with the retreating shoreline of Cloudy Bay. This type of wetland is almost extinct in New Zealand and the Hinepango Wetland’s precarious status is recognised by inclusion in DoC’s top 500 Environmental Management Units. To date we have cleared almost 4500m2 of riparian margin and completed restorative planting with over 4200 eco-sourced natives.

This Wetland is also part of a greater wetland network extending north of Rārangi Road, through the Wither Hills Vineyard, to White’s Bay hill. Extensive restoration work has already been undertaken in the northern wetland by Wither Hills Vineyard. Our group’s work on the Hinepango Wetland will not only improve the immediate ecology but will provide a more robust connection to this greater wetland network and the native bush beyond, providing a corridor for wildlife.

In 2022, the Hinepango Wetland was included in Kotahitanga mo te Taiao’s landscape-scale weed control project. Under the KMTT, specialist contractors were employed to undertake willow and Old Man’s Beard control in the northern section of the wetland. A lot of progress was made over the two year funding period and it gave our restoration efforts a huge boost.

We have received funding from multiple sources with recent grants received from Marlborough District Council, Yealand’s Sustainability Grant, Redwood Trust, Transpower’s Community Care Fund and the Top of the South Community Foundation.

Maintenance of our existing plantings is undertaken throughout the year by volunteers. Some property owners whose properties back on to the wetland have taken on the maintenance role for their adjoining areas. Our local primary school, Tua Marina, has partnered with the project and classes come out to plant the riparian margins as the clearing work and seasons allow. Last year, Marlborough Boys’ College came on-board with senior students undertaking water sampling in the wetland – a project they plan to continue. Yealands are also planning to have employees rotate through the project to undertake planting and/or maintenance work as part of their contribution. We have also had great support from Vinepower who donated an experienced team of horticultural workers for planting, and NMIT students volunteering hours to complete their course requirements with planting and maintenance.