1. Awarua Wetland Looking after New Zealand’s first & largest Ramsar site Sarah Thorne & Brian Rance Department of Conservation

2. New Zealand’s first Ramsar site in 1976 (3,597 ha) Expansion 2008 (c. 19,500 ha) = Largest Arawai Kakariki wetland restoration site Special to Southlanders Introduction to the Awarua Wetland

13. Most know about the lagoon, but not about Ramsar Special to some Headache to others What does Ramsar and Awarua Wetlands mean to Southlanders?

19. Diversity – each part has its own challenges Major threats – the usual suspects! Challenges – Access and people Our challenges

26. Focus and dollars Practical work – farm and Public Conservation Land Knowledge and understanding – science and hearts Strong relationships – community and agencies Good initiatives

33. Good things take time! Raise awareness and understanding Work together Keep up the good work The future

34. Thanks to the wonderful people who supplied photos: Brian Pattrick (Wildlands Consultants), Andy Hicks, Chris Wright, Chris Owen, many DOC staff And to all the wonderful people and agencies that work in the Awarua Ramsar site Acknowledgements

35. Awarua Wetland