The Government has paid $90,000 for a section of sandspit near Westport to help protect a coastal and estuarine environment for seabirds, and for Maori heritage.
Close to 24ha of coastal and estuarine dunelands at Okari Spit, Nine Mile Beach, were bought from Westport farmers George and Jennifer Brownlee by the
Government's Nature Heritage Fund, said chairwoman Di Lucas.
"With this purchase, Okari Spit is now fully protected, bringing the area of Department of Conservation reserve land in the area to more than 100ha."
The 400ha Okari Lagoon next to the sandspit is one of the largest tidal flat estuaries on the West Coast.
The estuary is significant for its dune landscape and birdlife.
More than 5000 South Island pied oystercatchers have been recorded at the estuary at one time.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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