New Zealand's wetlands are in crisis and efforts should be made to restore them, says Fish and Game New Zealand.
One of the country's "most important environmental habitats" had almost been wiped out in the last 160 years through agricultural and commercial development, Fish and Game director Bryce Johnson said today.
Marking
World Wetlands Day today, Mr Johnson said in a statement it was believed only 10 per cent of New Zealand's wetlands remained.
"This is very disturbing when you consider that wetlands are home to more bird, animal and plant species than any other type of habitat," he said.
New Zealand needed to value its wetlands and restore them.
Today marks the signing of the international Ramsar Convention on wetlands in 1971.
Environmental lobby group Forest and Bird said New Zealand's performance in terms of the convention did not compare well with that of other developed nations.
The society's conservation manager, Eric Pyle, called on the Government to lift "our third world status" on the designation of wetlands of international importance.
Many of the country's northern harbours, such as the Kaipara, and southern braided river systems would qualify, he said.
"The auditor-general has already criticised New Zealand's interpretation of the Ramsar Convention and it is time the Government responded."
New Zealand had only five wetlands designated as of international significance. In contrast, Britain had designated 163 wetlands and Australia recognised 56.
Mr Pyle said New Zealand had not designated a wetland of international importance for over 10 years.
Meanwhile, National Wetland Trust chairman David Lawrie today announced a wetland education centre would be established at Rangiriri in the Waikato district.
Mr Lawrie said the trust had an unconditional agreement to purchase a site for a centre which would be used as a base for wetlands organisations throughout the country.
The centre would provide a resource for raising public awareness of the value of wetlands.
- NZPA
