Newspaper Article 2009 – Wildlife reigns

Wildlife reigns

Restoration of the Pekapeka Wetlands has come to a halt, but not without good reason.

The restoration project has paused to allow birdlife an uninterrupted nesting season.

Hawke’s Bay Community Foundation chairman Peter Dunkerley says he looks forward to the site’s completion which will allow people to wander through the wetland and discover the historic and interesting place, however “wildlife has been given precedence over contractors”.

Wildlife is already returning to the wetland as a result of the project which is being managed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Pekapeka Wetlands is a natural historical and cultural feature at the entry to the Heretaunga Plains alongside State Highway 2.

The area, especially the hills to the south of Pakipaki as far as Te Aute, was once home to a large Maori population.

Wetlands work as a “nursery” for the ecological system, providing breeding places for insects, fish and birds. They also work to improve downstream water quality.

Planting of the interpretation area will occur next autumn, with the boardwalk through the swamp to be built during autumn and winter.

The first stage of development, the layby and the parking area, has already been completed by the council.

The council will be installing information panels eventually, so people can learn more about plants, the wildlife and the water values.

A boardwalk and toilet will complete the facility.

Photo caption – Do not disturb: Nesting nooks are left undisturbed as contractors take a break from the Pekapeka Wetlands restoration.