Subsidised drainage poses major threat to West Coast wetlands

Forest and Bird, Volume 16, Issue 1, 1 February 1985, Page 28

Subsidised drainage poses major threat to West Coast wetlands

Our Government’s election policy made clear its commitment to protect our dwindling wetlands. Its natural waters policy states: ‘‘Labour recognises that wetlands are a scarce resource of nationwide importance. Accordingly wetlands already identified as of national importance will be protected with permanent reserve status. Wetland drainage will only be allowed where a catchment-wide evaluation shows it can occur without unacceptably adverse effects on scenic, habitat or hydrological values. "’ Government-subsidised drainage schemes pose the greatest threat to our few remaining wetlands. Catchment boards, which initiate and administer these schemes, are largely staffed by engineers who have made their careers in draining wetlands and manipulating rivers. The

boards themselves are often dominated by conservative farmers who narrowly view wetlands as_ potentially productive farmland. However a range of studies now show that the most economic way to increase agricultural production is usually through intensification and diversification of existing farmland. Thereby wetlands can be left for flood control, to store water, as wildlife habitat and as scenic and recreational areas. The Westland Catchment Board in particular seems hell-bent on destroying the natural wetlands which are a_ special feature of its region. Approved wetland drainage schemes in Westland qualify for a special 50 percent direct Government subsidy. Much of the balance of the drainage cost in the past has been met through low-interest Government loans. Major swamp drainage schemes underway in Westland include the huge Kongahu swamp near Karamea and drainage of the extensive Rotokino flax swamp near Whataroa. The Board has announced drainage schemes for the Birchfield swamp near Westport; Lake Haupiri, a wildlife refuge in Central Westland; the Ohinetamatea swamp next to Westland National Park and part of the magnificent Kini flax swamp at Bruce Bay in South Westland.

Their rush to get these schemes approved seems designed to beat proposed changes to the Water and Soil Act to protect wetlands and threats to drainage subsidies posed by the Government’s market orientated realism in rural land use. The wetlands threatened with drainage have been ranked of national importance by the Wildlife Service. Labour has therefore pledged to protect them. The flax swamps of Westland are the breeding ground for much of New Zealand’s finest whitebait — but for how much longer?