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Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society

Mission statement
The objectives of the Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society (MOWS) are to support and encourage the conservation and restoration of the Lower Kaituna River, Maketu Ongatoro and Little Waihi Estuaries and their associated wetlands.
Results achieved so far:
• Improved the breeding success of the New Zealand dotterel population
• Provided a more secure environment for other native species
• Removed all resident pests apart from mice, from the tip of the spit
• Removed or killed all Pampas and several other weed species on the spit
• Replanting native species to restore important ecological habitats within the dunes and wetlands (Borrow Pits – Inanga habitat)
• Discovered five new or undescribed species of invertebrate
• Cleaned up the spit – ongoing
• We have raised awareness of the importance of wetlands, dunelands and our native species
• We have developed an educational programme with the local school
• Dunes Trust of New Zealand award for Best Ecological Restoration Project 2011
• Western Bay of Plenty TrustPower Community Awards – Supreme Winner