New funding for Whangamarino wetland, insect heavyweight

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced two new International Visitor Levy (IVL) investments while in the Waikato, today — funding to protect the Whangamarino wetland, and further work to maximise breeding opportunities for the Māhoenui giant wētā at Otorohanga Kiwi House. “We are serious about protecting and restoring New Zealand’s taonga sites and taonga species now, and for future generations,” Mr Potaka says. “This is why we are committing $2 million over two years to kickstart work on the Whangamarino Action Plan and help restore the habitat as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site). “Whangamarino is a under significant pressure due to a history of drainage and frequent flood events. Working with Iwi and stakeholders, the aim is to improve water level management for biodiversity conservation and improved water quality, and to recognising the role of the wetland in natural flood management. “Additionally, we are granting the Māhoenui giant wētā captive breeding work at Otorohanga Kiwi House, which is carried in partnership with Te Whare o Mōkau ki Runga (Ngāti Maniapoto), $75,000 from the IVL. “Wētā are a unique breed of insect only found in New Zealand, an