Strakas Lagoon

Size: 4.4 hectares

Site description

Strakas lagoon is a large, artificially-constructed pond at the base of north-facing hillslopes in the lower Waiwera catchment. A road separates Strakas Lagoon from the adjacent Waiwera River estuary.

Stakes Lagoon in Waiwera, the estuary and surrounding wetland vegetation.
Strakas Lagoon can be seen in the top right hand corner, beyond the road embankment.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Vegetation

Machaerina sedgeland (WL11) and raupō reedland (WL19) wetland extends around the lagoon margins and back up the gully system behind the lagoon. The vegetation includes:

  • raupō
  • pūkio
  • jointed twig rush
  • cabbage tree
  • flax.

There are plantings along the boundary separating the lagoon from the road and estuary. On the banks surrounding the rest of the lagoon are areas of regenerating native scrub (VS5) and planted exotic trees.

Strakas Lagoon, SH1 and Waiwera River mangroves.
Looking east over SH1, Strakas Lagoon can be seen in the adjacent gully. Strakas Lagoon drains into the Waiwera River.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Native fauna

The lagoon and wetland vegetation provide valuable habitat for a wide range of native birds including:

  • weweia (New Zealand dabchick)
  • pārera (grey duck)
  • pāpango (New Zealand scaup)
  • kawau tūi (little black shag)
  • kawau paka (little shag)
  • kāruhiruhi (pied shag)
  • kuruwhengi (Australian shoveler)
  • poaka (pied stilt)
  • mioweka (banded rail)
  • pūweto (spotless crake)
  • mātātā (fernbird)
  • matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern).
Strakas Lagoon and SH1.
The raupō and Machaerina wetland can be seen extending upstream some distance.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Related ecosystems

Wetland ecosystem

Machaerina sedgeland ecosystem (WL11)

This critically endangered ecosystem occurs on the edges of lakes and shallow basins. It often occurs in a mosaic of wetland habitats including raupō reedland. Many native fauna species live here.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Raupō reedland ecosystem (WL19)

Raupō swamps are found in a wide range of areas on mineral soils and fluctuating water tables. They are dominated by raupō and other rushes and grasses, which provide a home for wetland birds.

Threat status
Endangered