The fire ignited on October 21 in the wetland near Meremere in Waikato, a significant ecological and cultural area spanning almost 7000 hectares. Fire and Emergency NZ successfully contained the blaze and handed back the land to the Department of Conservation (DOC) on Sunday.
DOC confirmed that there are no remaining hotspots after thorough inspections by aerial and ground crews using thermal drones over the weekend. Moving forward, a scaled-down monitoring approach will be implemented.
Regional director Tinaka Mearns expressed the tragic loss of animal life and habitat due to the fire. However, thanks to the collaborative efforts of firefighters, local communities, and various indigenous groups, approximately 148 hectares of peatland were protected, serving as a crucial seed source for vegetation recovery.
Despite these efforts, DOC emphasizes that the recovery process will be lengthy and challenging. The Whangamarino Wetland is home to a variety of threatened native species, including black mudfish, Australasian bittern, and spotless crake. Additionally, it harbors endangered plant species like the swamp helmet orchid, making its restoration a top priority.
The burnt area encompassed the largest and most intact raised peatland habitat in Whangamarino, playing a vital role in carbon storage. The fire’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions is estimated to be significant, releasing tens of thousands of tonnes back into the atmosphere.
Kelvin Tupuhi of Ngā Muka Trust expressed gratitude for the community’s support during the crisis and emphasized the importance of incorporating Māori knowledge into the recovery process.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway to prevent future incidents and protect this invaluable ecosystem. The restoration of the Whangamarino Wetland will require ongoing collaboration and dedication from all involved parties.
