Introducing our Lake

Introducing Rotomanuka

(roto = lake, manuka = the manuka tree)

I am starting my blogging career by introducing our lovely lake and wetlands.

This significant Waikato peat lake and surrounding wetlands are an integral part of our life in Ohaupo. My office window looks out toward its surface and the kahikateas beyond, reminding me daily how close to nature partner, John, and I live.

When we first moved in here seven years ago visitors would advise us to cut down the Tasmanian blackwoods which at the time, obscured much of our view of the water and its dense raupo and scrubby edges, but we didn’t. Now the foliage has lifted because the trees are taller, and we see all the lake we wish. We are still looking through some of the left behind branches, but the view down the hill never-the-less, is rather stunning.

Living Waters, (a collaboration of DoC and Fontera), began a huge project in 2013 to improve the water quality and biodiversity of Rotomanuka.
The spotless crake is a small vulnerable bird and its population is declining. It is only one of the species of wildlife here which are protected.

One of the projects had been to control the predator population. Neighbours of Rotomanuka in conjunction with Living Waters have been establishing and monitoring trap-lines around the perimeter of the lake to control these pests. We are now trying to establish a larger ring of traps further out on the properties which circle the lake, thus a sort of ‘halo’ of protection.

Very recently there have been signs that the number of spotless crake living in the wetlands here are increasing, at least partly due to the predator trapping. Let’s hope this continues. ?