Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Assessment of indigenous biodiversity at Rotokawau lakes and environs, Karikari Peninsula, Northland

Author
Wildland Consultants
Year
2023
Journal / Source
Wildland Consultants Contract Report No. 6753
Pages
61 pp
Summary
The Rotokawau dune lakes and associated wetlands, scrub, and dunelands are situated near Rangiputa on the north-western tip of the Karikari Peninsula, Northland. In order to optimise management options, Lucklaw Farm Ltd, the client and landowner, wishes to better understand the biodiversity values of the wetland vegetation and other habitats surrounding the lakes, and the threats to them. Pest plant incursions have been observed by the client and, at present, these pose a management dilemma. Decisions around the methods used to control or eradicate the pest plants will be dependent upon the biodiversity values identified and (in some cases) their precise locations. The area of interest comprised two lakes, Lake Rotokawau West (63.3 hectares, 12 metres depth) and Lake Rotokawau East (21.3 hectares, <1 metre depth), the area of wetland, to the east of Lake Rotokawau West and the north of Lake Rotokawau East to Puwheke Road, the forest and scrub bordering the northern boundaries of the wetland and Lake Rotokawau West, and areas of forest, scrub and duneland to the north extending all the way to the foredunes of Puwheke Beach. This represents a mix of crown-owned and privately owned entities.