New nature reserve set to open near Dargaville

Ecologist Nan Pullman and former owner David Underwood survey the river flats from the highest point in a new scenic and wildlife reserve due to open near Dargaville on Sunday.

An ecologically precious area of wetland river flats and regenerating forest has been permanently protected thanks to a far-sighted Kaipara farming family.

The Underwood Wetland, 342ha of native forest, wetland and river flats just 5km east of Dargaville, will be officially opened this Sunday by Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner.

The former Underwood farm includes mature kanuka and young kauri forest while the river flats at the junction of the Northern Wairoa and Manganui rivers are home to rare lowland kahikatea and nikau forest.

Northland Fish & Game manager Rudi Hoetjes said the land was bought from farmers David and Gloria Underwood by the Nature Heritage Fund with financial help from the Northland Fish & Game Council.

The Underwoods recognised their property was unique in the Kaipara District because no significant development had occurred and the land had started to revert to its original state. The family ran a low-intensity cattle grazing operation and set out to protect much of the property's vegetation and habitats.

"The end result is an area with outstanding scenic and ecological values. The Underwood family deserves praise for their foresight where this land is concerned," Mr Hoetjes said.

The forest and wetland areas were now classified as a scenic reserve and would be managed by the Department of Conservation, while Northland Fish & Game staff would manage the river flats as a wildlife reserve. The 40ha flats had been drained but would be returned to a natural wetland. Hunting for waterfowl could be allowed after restoration was complete.

Mr Hoetjes said native species such as bittern, crakes, herons, pied stilts, mudfish, eels and whitebait would also benefit from the restoration.

Everyone involved in the project, from the Underwoods to DoC and the Nature Heritage Fund, should take a bow for an extraordinary conservation achievement, Mr Hoetjes said.

- The opening is at noon on February 19, at 420 Hoanga Rd, Dargaville. RSVP for catering purposes to rhoetjes@fishandgame.org.nz or (09) 438 4135. Members of the public will be invited to walk through part of the property.