The Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets practical project was a three year project aimed at working with a cross-section of farmers to provide advice and share knowledge about the benefits wetlands offer the farming system and the wider community.
The project was funded by Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures administered by the Ministry of Primary Industries and
- Environment Canterbury
- NZ Landcare Trust
- NZ Deer Farmers Association
- Deer Industry New Zealand
- NZ Merino
- DairyNZ
- Overseer Ltd.
- MPI
- Federated Farmers
- Fonterra
Fourteen wetland demonstration sites were set up, focusing on the protection and restoration of wetlands. The demonstration sites covered a range of wetlands across the different farming systems and varying ecological zones of Canterbury. Three constructed wetland types were also included in the project.
To view some of these case study sites on a map, use the below link.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ab30c587ea2d4352963dbd4541dcf3c1#ref-n-sJwhHL
Read the Final Project Report below under resources.
Restoration Stories - video
Restoration Plans
New Zealand has lost around 90% of its wetlands through drainage, land development, and land-use change, and in Canterbury natural wetlands on the plains are now very rare. Through this project, wetlands were successfully integrated into farming systems, delivering reduced compliance costs, fewer stock losses, improved biodiversity, and stronger brand stories for consumers. Restored wetlands slowed run-off, trapped sediment, reduced nutrient loss, and enhanced rural communities by creating recreational spaces, improved amenity, and eco-tourism opportunities. Farmers found it easier to protect and restore existing wetlands, and the project provided practical support on weed control, planting, and management. It also created a suite of awesome resources that farmers and communities used to guide wetland protection and restoration. Led by Steering Group Chair Ian Mackenzie, a mid-Canterbury farmer and regional councillor, and Project Coordinator Tony Watson, who brought extensive farming knowledge and hands-on experience, the project boosted understanding of wetlands as taonga and showcased farmer-led restoration in action.
Wetland Handbook series
Published by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research – a range of practical resources
E-Can Wetlands
Follow this link for information on what’s happening in Canterbury with wetlands and how they are doing it!
Constructed Wetland Practitioner Guide
A report by DairyNZ
WETMAK
Water Monitoring
A comprehensive set of modules to support the Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Kit.
Constructed Wetlands In Canterbury: Consenting Guide
Constructed wetlands to reduce contaminant loss from pastoral farms
