August 08, 2013
Accord to keep wetland healthy
Tangata whenua are joining with central and local government agencies to clean up the Waituna Lagoon in the deep south.
At Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff today, Te Rūnanga ō Ngāi Tahu and Te Rūnanga ō Awarua are signing an accord with the Department of Conservation, Environment Southland and the Southland District Council.
The lagoon south of Invercargill is part of the 20,000ha Awarua Wetland, which is recognised as having international importance.
Concern was raised in 2011 about increased algae levels, and emergency action was taken.
The accord will focus on improving the health of the lagoon over the long terms and developing partnerships with local farmers, the community and industry.
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