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| Sweetwater Lakes and Wetlands A precious ecosystem at risk New Zealand's lakes and wetlands provide an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are in serious decline. In fact. more than 90% of these unique natural habitats have been lost over the last 150 years.
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| The Sweetwater
Lakes and wetland system stretches along the
Aupouri peninsula (about 18 km northwest of
Kaitaia), and is recognised by the Department of
Conservation as a vitally important habitat. The
lakes and surrounding wetlands provide a home to
many threatened species such as the New Zealand
dabchick, fernbird, bittern, crake and a large
number of other species.
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| This little appreciated wildlife habitat area is suffering from agricultural overload. Unlimited stock access to the lakes and surrounds causes erosion, water pollution, high nutrient discharge, siltation, decimation of important native plants like kutu, consequent takeover by various noxious plants, and degradation of archaeological sites. |  |
