A wetland is an area of land where water naturally sits above the soil or is present at ground level year-round or during certain seasons. Wetlands act as nature’s water filters, often referred to as the earth’s kidneys. They cleanse surrounding soil by filtering out impurities, improving water and land quality – much like how kidneys filter blood in the human body.
Wetlands are also vital habitats, providing a home for native plants, wildlife, and birdlife. Constructed wetlands play a key role in restoring ecosystems, particularly in agricultural areas, where they can help support sustainable farming practices.
We offer a range of resources to help you understand and restore wetlands, including guides for planting and maintaining wetlands, restoring swamp shrublands, and developing wetland restoration plans. For wetland assessments, utilise the Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Kit Wetmak to ensure accurate and effective evaluation.
The Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets project was a three-year initiative to help farmers see wetlands as valuable resources for farming and communities. Funded by Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures with support from various groups, the project established 14 demonstration sites in Canterbury. These sites showcased wetland protection, restoration, and three types of constructed wetlands across different farms and ecosystems. There are many resources on this page.
Want to learn more about wetland restoration efforts? Visit Fonterra’s Restoring Wetlands project page to see how wetlands are being revitalised across the country.
PLANTING A WETLAND
10 easy tips from NZ Landcare Trust. This short guide provides essential tips for planning, planting, and maintaining a thriving wetland ecosystem, from site preparation to long-term care.
Wetland Restoration Plan blank template
A guide for landowners on wetland restoration, including regulations, planning, and integrating cultural, scientific, and farming knowledge for long-term success.
RESTORING A SWAMP SHRUBLAND
This is a case study on restoring a swamp shrubland near Maungatautari, focusing on native plant regeneration and ecological restoration techniques.
WETLAND SCIENCE PLAN
This document explores the importance of protecting and restoring wetlands, particularly on farms, where they can be integrated into the agricultural system to provide a range of benefits—from reducing environmental compliance costs to improving biodiversity and creating opportunities for eco-tourism.
WHAT IS A WETLAND
This PDF document explores the importance of wetlands in supporting New Zealand’s endangered wildlife, their environmental and economic benefits, and offers guidance on creating or restoring wetlands to enhance biodiversity and water quality.
Wetland Restoration Handbook for New Zealand Freshwater systems
A Handbook for New Zealand Freshwater Systems brings together expertise from specialists and groups actively engaged in restoring wetlands throughout the country.
Scientific Studies of Wetlands in Hill Country
Discover how New Zealand’s hill country wetlands help reduce nitrate losses and improve water quality. This collection of research explores wetland hydrology, soil processes, and carbon dynamics — offering valuable insights into how these unique natural systems can be better understood and optimised for effective catchment-scale nutrient management.
Below, you’ll find links to three key pages: the WETMAK resource, the Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets project, and the Constructed Wetland Workshop, along with additional resources for wetland restoration and construction.
WETMAK (Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Kit) is an online resource designed for community groups involved in wetland restoration projects across New Zealand. It offers practical tools, monitoring techniques, and assessment methods to help track the progress of restoration efforts. With a variety of formats and modules available, WETMAK caters to both beginners and advanced users, making it easy to measure impact, identify areas for improvement, and plan future actions effectively.
The Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets project was a three-year initiative to help farmers see wetlands as valuable resources for farming and communities. Funded by Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures with support from various groups, the project established 14 demonstration sites in Canterbury. These sites showcased wetland protection, restoration, and three types of constructed wetlands across different farms and ecosystems. The project highlighted the ecological and economic benefits of wetlands while promoting knowledge-sharing among farmers.
A Constructed Wetland Workshop was held in Takaka, Golden Bay, providing landowners and support agencies practical insights into wetland construction.
The event was organised by Annette Litherland, Regional Coordinator for Nelson/Marlborough at the NZ Landcare Trust, in partnership with the Tasman District Council. Over two days, wetland expert Nathan Burkepile (NZLT) led the workshop, sharing his knowledge and expertise. Video recordings of Nathan’s presentations are available below for those who want to learn more.
Additional resources, including wetland construction guidelines from DairyNZ and NIWA, are also linked in the constructed wetland page.
Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets
Constructed Wetlands
Workshops and Webinars
Over two days, wetland expert Nathan Burkepile (NZLT) led the workshop, sharing his knowledge and expertise. These are the low budget video recordings of Nathan’s presentations.
WETMAK
Water Monitoring
WETMAK (Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Kit) is an online tool for community groups restoring wetlands in New Zealand. It offers practical tools and techniques to monitor progress, measure impact, and plan improvements. With modules for both beginners and advanced users, WETMAK makes tracking restoration simple and effective.