The Otaki River Environment

A unique environment

 

The Otaki River upper catchment is highly valued as a natural, scenic and recreational resource. However, on the floodplain, the original mosaic of wetlands, open water, raupo swamp, flax and swamp forest have been largely drained and cleared to make way for development. The river is now largely confined to a single channel and the ecosystem is dominated by introduced species. Today, the river mouth is the only remaining area of ecological significance in the lower reaches of the river, and this area gets a lot of recreational use and is valued for its undeveloped character and easy access.

Despite these modifications to the original environment, there are still many key features that provide the basis for ongoing protection and enhancement of the river environment. An environmental strategy has been prepared for the Otaki River which represents the community's long-term vision for the Otaki River and its corridor and describes how this vision can be achieved. 

 

Long-term vision for the Otaki River

The Otaki River as a greenbelt, providing a corridor of particular landscape, ecological and recreational value that connects the coast and inland hills. Creating an ecological corridor for the distribution of birds, fish, invertebrates and plants with continuous habitat. The greenbelt will also provide excellent public access points which will improve recreational opportunities.