Natural and cultural significance of Ō Tū Wharekai
Australasian bittern
Significance to Māori
For early Māori the area was a major kaik/village and part of the seasonal mahinga kai and resource gathering trial. Mahinga kai taken include: tuna/eels, weka, kākā, kererū, tūī, pūkeko, freshwater mussels, bracken/aruhe, kiore/Pacific rats, kōkopu (native trout), mountain daisy/tikumu and cabbage tree/ti kōuka. The area was also part of the pounamu trials and an ara/path to Poutini/West Coast.
Through the Ngāi Tahu Settlement Act 1998, a Statutory Acknowledgement and Deed of Recognition is in place over the area to formally acknowledge the association and values Ō Tū Wharekai holds for Ngāi Tahu.
Wildlife
Ashburton lakes contain a diverse range of habitats, largely due to the unique glacial landforms that shaped the landscape. Because of this, it supports a large amount of wildlife.
There are over 30 bird species that regular use the lakes and wetlands which have been designated as 'Areas of Significant Nature Conservation Value'. Ō Tū Wharekai encompasses the upper Rangitata River, which contains one of two of the most important breeding sites for the threatened wrybill/ngutu parore.
As well as birds and fish, Ō Tū Wharekai is home to minute animals called zooplankton in the water.
Plant life
Ashburton lakes are also important site for kettle holes which support rare ephemeral turf vegetation, including endangered marsh arrowrush (Triglochin palustris), pygmy forget-me-not (Myosotis pygmaea var. minutiflora), and pygmy clubrush (Isolepis basilaris), as well as one of the largest known populations of the native lily, Iphigenia novae-zelandiae.
The swamps of Ō Tū Wharekai include a threatened sedge Carex tenuiculmis.
Plants aren't just restricted to above water, Ō Tū Wharekai has a hugh diversity of macrophytes or aquatic plants.
Find out more
Take a look at the LEARNZ virtual field trip videos or follow the links below to find out more about Ō Tū Wharekai's weird and wonderful biodiversity.