National Wetland Trust of New Zealand
The National Wetland Trust (NWT) – is a registered charitable trust established in 1999 to increase the appreciation of wetlands and their values by all New Zealanders. We are planning a Wetland Discovery Centre at Rotopiko/Lake Serpentine where visitors can learn about wetlands and experience their special qualities.
Our other aims are to:
- Increase public knowledge and appreciation of wetland values
- Increase understanding of wetland functions and processes
- Ensure landowners and government agencies commit to wetland protection, enhancement and restoration
Read our latest news.
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Why Wetlands
Wetlands are vital in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
You want clean water? Flood or tsunami protection? How about locking up carbon to protect us from climate change?
It’s the wetlands that do these for us..
Visiting Wetlands
Wetlands are wonderful places to visit. As well as their great natural beauty they provide opportunities for walking, boating, canoeing, bird watching and fishing. To help people visit wetlands the NWT has produced a series of wetland trails and is building an online directory of those you can safely visit.
Ramsar Convention
In 1971, the value of wetland sites around the world was formally recognised at the signing of a Wetland Convention in the Iranian town of Ramsar. To date, this is the only international convention on an ecosystem type. The anniversary of the Convention’s signing is celebrated on World Wetlands Day, February 2nd every year.
Despite their great natural wealth, wetlands are still largely a forgotten and under-valued habitat. Over 90 percent of New Zealand’s wetlands have been drained or filled. The National Wetland Trust (NWT) is working to reverse this trend, and to increase knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the value of wetlands.
What We Do
Despite their great natural wealth, wetlands are still largely a forgotten and under-valued habitat. Over 90 percent of New Zealand’s wetlands have been drained or filled. The National Wetland Trust (NWT) is working to reverse this trend, and to increase knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the value of wetlands.
