Matu Booth from Nga Manu Nature Reserve spoke to the Club about the many exciting developments at one of Kapiti's finest attractions. Nga Manu has certainly suffered a drop in numbers due to Covid-19 but about two thirds of visitors have always been Kiwis who have been very supportive over the past year. Whilst the reserve has managed to contain pests and preserve wetlands, one of the biggest challenges facing Nga Manu is the surrounding and ever encroaching residential developments draw on the water table and cats.Nga Manuis run by both paid staff and volunteers. There is always need for volunteers so if you are keen to help out, contact Matt at Nga Manu directly.
The Nga Manu Nature Reserve consists of 14 hectares of the last remaining coastal swamp forest in the region. The Reserve was established in the 1970s,
right
next to Jacks Bush, thus making so making a large ecosystem in the heart of Waikanae. Though it faces the challenges of a changing landscape, with subdivisions creeping closer every day.
next to Jacks Bush, thus making so making a large ecosystem in the heart of Waikanae. Though it faces the challenges of a changing landscape, with subdivisions creeping closer every day.The Reserve has on average 20,000 visitors a year, many of them from local schools.
Nga Manu delivers a range of programmes and activities including:
- Trapping for pest control, mainly ferrets that are living on local rabbits
- Running recovery programmes that bred native birds such as kiwi, blue teal duck, lizards and plants such as tuatara and other species under the threat of extinction. These programmes involve them working closely with DOC
- Funding scholarships at Victoria and Massey University
- Having accommodation for hire - Theo’s cottage
- Hosting Kiwi night encounters
- Delivering conservation advocacy
- Providing injured bird rehabilitation
.