Bethells Beach: A wildlife treasure

Opportunities to secure a piece of land of such national importance as this are as rare as hen's teeth. By CEDRIC GRAY.

A Wetland area near Bethells Beach, considered in an Auckland Region Policy Statement to be of national importance and worth protecting, is for sale.

It forms part of the Te Henga wetland, the biggest coastal freshwater swamp within 120km of Auckland and home to at least 15 native bird species.

The property, in two titles, comprises about 45ha below Bethells Rd, and is within walking distance of the popular west coast beach. About 35ha are fed by two rivers - a picturesque mix of swamp land and small lakes that are alive with wildlife. Two adjoining areas in the catchment are owned by the New Zealand Forest and Bird Society and the Auckland Acclimatisation Society.

There is a neat three-bedroom home and 4ha of grazing land on one lot; the second lot offers an attractive building site with lake views and a small patch of virgin native bush. The land - part of a large dry stock farm - has been in the same family ownership since 1969.

Because it is within the boundaries of Rodney District Council and Waitakere City Council, both local bodies are expected to take a keen interest in the sale. So are national environmental groups, and Norwest Real Estate, in nearby Kumeu, claims there is international interest from investors anxious to retain a wildlife treasure.

The bird life is prolific. The Australian bittern is a regular visitor and the wetland is also notable for the presence of the threatened North Island fernbird. More common are grey and mallard ducks, black swans and pukeko. Grey herons return each year to nest.

The native bush supports the more common birds of the Waitakere Ranges - fantails, grey warblers, silvereyes and tuis - and there are a dozen fish species in the free-flowing freshwater and adjacent lakes. Eels were harvested for export until a few years ago.

Virtually all of the northern swamp plant species provide food and shelter.

The property is owned by Ken and Rhonda Jordan, who, in 1985, built their home on two levels overlooking Lake Wainamu. It is a delightful setting, well-sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and surrounded by grazing land.

The combined lounge, dining and kitchen areas boast expansive views to the north across the wetland. The downstairs area includes one bedroom, a bathroom, laundry and rumpus room, and could easily be converted into self-contained accommodation.

The property is being marketed by Norwest Real Estate, with the tender closing on May 17. Contact Ron Gussey on 412 8876 for details.