Manawatu Estuary Management Plan: 2007-2012

The Manawatu Estuary, at the mouth of the Manawatu River near Foxton, is the largest estuary in the lower North Island of New Zealand, an important site in the lifecycle of many indigenous and migratory bird and fish species, and a significant recreational resource. In recognition of the ecological importance of the site, it was declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in July 2005. This great achievement was possible because of the efforts of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, supported by the Manawatu Estuary Trust.

The Manawatu Estuary Management Plan for 2007-2012, the culmination of several years work by the statutory managers of the estuary (Horizons Regional Council, Department of Conservation and Horowhenua District Council), interested parties and individuals, has been prepared to:

Partially fulfil the Ramsar convention requirements with a management plan that sets out the values of the site and the objectives/actions required to maintain/enhance those values;
Clarify the responsibilities of the statutory managers in what is a very complicated part of the region in terms of ownership, management areas, and legal responsibilities;
Record and summarise what information exists about the estuary, and what actions are required to fill knowledge gaps; and
Set-out what on-the-ground actions will be undertaken to to maintain, enhance or promote estuary values.

The Management Plan has a life of five years, after which it will be reviewed and amended as appropriate.

Click here to read the full Manawatu Estuary Management Plan

Foxton Beach animal pest management plan - draft for disucssion at community meeting 18 October 2010

If you have any questions about the Manawatu Estuary Management Plan please contact Alistair Beveridge on 0508 800 800 or Alistair.beveridge@horizons.govt.nz.

Related link/s:

http://www.wetlandtrust.org.nz