Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere
Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, one of New Zealand’s most important wetland systems, is a brackish, shallow lagoon with an average depth of 1.4m. Covering around 20,000 hectares, Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, which lies just to the south of Banks Peninsula, is New Zealand’s fifth largest lake and is internationally significant for its wildlife abundance and diversity.
The total number of bird species recorded at the lake is 167, with at least 37 species breeding. 43 species of fish have been recorded in the lake.
A Vision for Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere
- A place where healthy and productive water provides for the many users of the lake while supporting the diversity of plants and wildlife that make this place unique.
- A place of cultural and historical significance that connects us with our past and our future.
- A place where environmental, customary, commercial, and recreational values are balanced while respecting the health of the resource.
- A special wide open place for the enjoyment and wonderment of present and future generations.
- A place of contemplation and tranquillity as well as activity, a place just to be.
EDUCATE FACILITATE ACTIVATE
Acknowledging the past and looking to the future, we:
- Educate - enhancing understanding, awareness and the value of the Lake through education programmes, newsletters, and field days.
- Facilitate -promoting better management practices through public seminars and by partnering with private landowners, community groups and government agencies.
- Activate - providing opportunities and encouragement for people to get actively involved in projects to rehabilitate the ecosystem through riparian and wetland enhancement.
Our Community Strategy is available to download from the bottom of this page.
WET Community Strategy