Wetlands proposal boost for eco-tourism

August, 2005
By Bruce Holloway
Archived from stuff.co.nz © 2005

Development of a proposed National Wetlands Centre at Rangiriri should enhance Waikato's image as a leading "nature destination" within New Zealand.

National Wetlands Trust chairman Gordon Stephenson reckons the innovative Rangiriri project could do for the north Waikato what the Maungatautari Ecological Island is doing for Waipa district in terms of eco-tourism.

The trust, established in 1999, has bought 0.4ha of land on the shores of Lake Kopuera, where it wants to build a state-of-the-art interpretation centre, with research and educational facilities, wetland gardens and heritage trails.

Last week, Environment Waikato's environment committee authorised a $40,000 grant from its environmental initiatives fund to go towards the design and architectural costs of building a $3 million centre.

Mr Stephenson was delighted with the decision.

"You have got to have a brand for tourism, and with the Waitomo Caves, west coast harbours, Maungatautari and the river trails, this is another piece of the nature jigsaw for the Waikato," he said.

"Wetlands are a much neglected but very important part of our environment, scientifically, ecologically, hydrologically, and recreationally.

"But if you want to know something about wetlands, where do you go? We want to recreate examples of wetland types –- including geothermal, bogs and swamps –- found in New Zealand."

The trust is developing its concepts into tangible plans. Mr Stephenson said that to be commercially viable, the project had to be "world class".

Waikato is the national stronghold for wetlands, with three of New Zealand's five internationally important sites –- Whangamarino, Kopuatai and the Firth of Thames –- within close proximity.

But wetlands are far more challenging than –- native bush and coastal areas –- for the public to interact with, because they are so difficult (and wet) to access.

But as a major regional attraction and educational resource, a National Wetlands Centre –- complete with wooden walkway –- could bring significant economic benefits.

Environment committee chairman Paula Southgate was pleasantly surprised by the size and scale of the project.

"It is a far-reaching and exciting concept and when it comes into being it will be a world-ranked site," she said.

"People should recognise how important it is.

"Within 5-10 years we should really start to see it bloom."

The grant will provide about a third of the design costs.

Fundraising will be next year's prime consideration, with centre construction projected to begin in 2007.