Key points
Environment Waikato monitors the type of water level control structures in peat lakes in the Waikato region. The Waikato peat lakes form the largest collection of peat lake habitat in New Zealand. Many unique plant and animal species live in them. These habitats are particularly vulnerable to water level lowering.
- There are 31 peat lakes in the Waikato region, found in the Waikato, Waipa and Otorohanga Districts and Hamilton City.
- 55 per cent (17 out of 31) are not protected by engineered water level control structures.
- 45 per cent (14 out of 31) are protected by engineered water level control structures.
- Most lakes without control structures are considered at high risk to the lowering of water levels. Control structures are an effective way of protecting water levels within the peat lakes.
Source: Environment Waikato
What agencies are doing
- Environment Waikato is installing water control structures in high risk lakes under private ownership.
- We are working closely with other management agencies to get structures installed in high risk lakes they manage.
- We propose setting the levels of lakes protected by consented structures in the Proposed Waikato regional Plan.
- We are a lead agency in the Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord. The Accord is an interagency agreement to work co-operatively with landowners, iwi and interest groups for the restoration and enhancement of the peat lakes.
- We support Lakecare groups involved in restoration activities such as planting and fencing.
- Environment Waikato is also in the process of implementing our Proposed Waikato Regional Plan to enhance the extent and quality of wetlands in the region.
- We provide environmental information including practical land management guidelines.
What you can do to help
- On peat soils avoid digging deep drains, and take care when clearing drains not to make them deeper. Deep drains result in over-draining and rapid subsidence of peat soils.
- Fence drains that flow into peat lakes. Where possible encourage drains to discharge to wetland areas rather than directly to open water.
- Maintain a paddock’s water table by restricting drainage over summer. This reduces peat shrinkage, and improves pasture growth and the health of the peat soil.
- Avoid cultivating close to peat lakes. Continuous cultivation can double the rate of peat shrinkage.
- Help protect and restore a peat lake by getting involved in a local Lakecare group.
More information
More detail on this indicator, including how and where this information is collected, is available here.
What we want to achieve
The community outcomes we are seeking to achieve by monitoring peat lake water levels are:
- The iconic landscapes and natural features of our environment define and sustain us. We respect and celebrate them as taonga.
- Our natural environment is protected and respected. Its ecological balance is restored, its air, soil and water quality is improved and its native biodiversity is enhanced.
- The traditional role of iwi and hapu as kaitiaki is acknowledged, respected and enabled.
- Our region’s waterways have consistently high water quality.