Haldon Pastures Wetland Enhancement.

Restoring a wetland for generations to come.

Across Canterbury, small wetland remnants remain scattered along river margins and low-lying land. While they may appear unremarkable, these wetlands are of high ecological value, playing a significant role in supporting biodiversity and healthy waterways.

Led through the Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets project and delivered in partnership with Environment Canterbury, the Haldon Pastures Wetland Restoration Project focuses on protecting and restoring one such wetland, with nationally critical canterbury Mudfish, kōwaro present on the site.

Supported by the Environmental Management Fund (EMF), the project takes the long-term view of wetland health, prioritising ecological restoration to strengthen biodiversity and resilience within the wider Hororata catchment. The wetland supports a range of indigenous species including kōwaro, kākahi, korimako, pīwaiwaka, and riroriro, highlighting its ecological significance.

Letting nature lead the recovery.

While early planning considered structural interventions to manage water levels, site assessments confirmed the greatest gains would come from working with the natural wetland process. Invasive crack and grey willow had begun to dominate the wetland, altering light levels, hydrology and habitat quality.

A diverse fern community had developed beneath the willow canopy, but dense willow cover was limiting light-dependent wetland species. Targeted willow control, including the removal of more than four hectares of willow, has restored light and hydrological balance and allowed indigenous vegetation – including harakeke, mānuka, toetoe and carex, to regenerate naturally.

Strengthening biodiversity within a working landscape.

As the wetland recovers, habitat quality has improved for kōwaro and other indigenous fauna, laying the foundation for a more resilient and self-sustaining ecosystem. The restoration demonstrates how targeted weed control and natural succession can deliver meaningful ecological outcomes without unnecessary intervention.

Through coordinated partnerships, and expert guidance the project shows how collaborative, farmer-led restoration can help protect threatened species, restore natural systems and cultural values, and deliver long-term benefits for land, water quality and the wider catchment.

Key Outcomes.

• Over four hectares of invasive willow removed.
• Improved habitat for kōwaro and other indigenous fauna.
• Natural regeneration of native wetland species.
• A resilient wetland integrated within a working farm system.

The Haldon Pastures Wetland Restoration Project was led by NZ Landcare Trust, in partnership with Environment Canterbury and sector partners, with funding support from Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (Ministry for Primary Industries), and multi-year EMF funding.