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Pukepuke Lagoon

Pukepuke Lagoon is a shallow coastal dune lake located within the Rangitīkei River catchment and is an important wetland habitat for nationally threatened and migratory birds, rare plants and native fish. In 2015, Horizons Regional Council commenced quarterly water quality monitoring of the lake by helicopter. In 2001 and 2015, NIWA assessed the ecological condition of the lake using Submerged Plant Indicators (LakeSPI). The Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area is managed by the Department of Conservation, and a (free) permit is required to visit the area.

The lake catchment area is nearly 80 per cent pasture, which is a source of lake eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) that can lead to increased plant growth and/or algal blooms. The lake is located within a target catchment for nutrient management under Horizons Regional Council’s One Plan.

Nature and conservation of Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area

Pukepuke Lagoon is a dune lake resulting from the formation of sand dunes along the coast near Tangimoana which prevented inland water run-off escaping out to sea. It is a shallow lake up to 2m deep, drying out occasionally in summer droughts, but still an important wetland habitat for native and introduced birds. Originally around 160ha in area, the lake has reduced in size to around 15ha over the last century as a result of sand drift, local drainage, and the spread of raupō.

Nationally threatened birds and migratory birds

A number of species seldom found elsewhere in the region live at Pukepuke Lagoon, including the North Island fernbird (mātātā), spotless crake (pūweto), marsh crake (koitareke), New Zealand shoveler (kuruwhengi) and New Zealand scaup (pāpango).

The royal spoonbill (kotuku ngutupapa) and variable oystercatcher (tōrea-pango) visit the wetland occasionally. Two nationally threatened species, the New Zealand dabchick (weweia) and the Australasian bittern (matuku-hūrepo) are found here.

Rare plants

Three wetland herbs that are rare elsewhere in the region have been found at Pukepuke. These are Hydrocotyle pterocarpaZannichellia palustris and dwarf musk.

Native fish

Pukepuke is home to a large population of short-finned eel. Long-finned eel and inanga are also present.

Research station

The New Zealand Wildlife Service researched waterfowl at Pukepuke until the late 1960s and a field officer lived on site until 1987. The area is now managed by the Department of Conservation.  

History and culture of Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area

Ngāti Apa occupied a fortified pa at Pukepuke until about 1840 and after that visited the area seasonally to gather food. Today, they have access rights and traditional fishing rights for long-finned and short-finned eels. Members of Ngāti Apa wishing to access tuna here should contact the Ngāti Apa Rūnanga on +64 6 327 5594 or email info@ngatiapa.iwi.nz

Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area information source: Department of Conservation (https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/manawatu-whanganui/places/pukepuke-lagoon-conservation-area/)

Lake Summary
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Scientific data for this lake

This dashboard shows information on the data collected by the regional councils and unitary authorities for two lake water quality and ecological condition measurements. LakeSPI (Lake Submerged Plant Indicators) and TLI (Trophic Level Index).  Select an indicator to see the historical monitoring data.

  • Water Quality

    Trophic Level Index (TLI)

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    This measure is the Trophic Level Index (TLI). The TLI indicates the life supporting capacity of a lake and is based on four water quality indicators.

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    Trophic Level Index (TLI) history for this lake

    Trophic Level Indicator (TLI) which measures four parameters: water clarity, chlorophyll content, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. From these parameters a TLI value is calculated. In cases where water clarity data is missing a three parameter TLI is calculated. The higher the value, the greater the nutrients and fertility of the water which encourages growth, including algal blooms. As a rule, higher TLI scores mean poorer water quality. View a factsheet on TLI

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    TLI history for Pukepuke Lagoon
    Year

    What do the icons mean?

    VERY GOOD
    Very good water quality. Trophic Level Index of 0-2. Microtrophic lake conditions.
    GOOD
    Good water quality. Trophic Level Index of 2-3. Oligotrophic lake conditions.
    FAIR
    Average water quality. Trophic Level Index of 3-4. Mesotrophic lake conditions.
    POOR
    Poor water quality. Trophic Level Index of 4-5. Eutrophic lake conditions.
    VERY POOR
    Very poor water quality. Trophic Level Index of greater than 5. Supertrophic lake conditions.
    NO DATA
    No data available.
    TLI history for Pukepuke Lagoon data table
    Year TLI Score
    Year TLI Score
  • Ecological Conditions

    Lake Submerged Plant Indicators (LakeSPI)

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    The LakeSPI status describes the ecological condition of the lake and is based on plants present.

    LakeSPI data provided by NIWA

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    LakeSPI history for this lake

    LakeSPI (Lake Submerged Plant Indicators) is a method of characterising the ecological condition of lakes based on the composition of native and invasive plants growing in them. A higher LakeSPI percentage result is associated with better ecological health:

    LakeSPI N/A
    LakeSPI {{spiData.details.Value}}%

    The overall LakeSPI score is calculated using a Native Condition Index ('good' plants) and an Invasive Impact Index (introduced, non-native plants):

    Native Condition N/A
    Native Condition {{spiData.details.NativeIndex}}%
    Invasive Impact N/A
    Invasive Impact {{spiData.details.InvasiveIndex}}% NA

    A higher Native Condition value indicates better ecological condition, but a higher Invasive Impact value indicates invasive plants are negatively impacting native plant communities.
    View a factsheet on LakeSPI for more information on these indicators.

    • LakeSPI
    • Native Condition
    • Invasive Impact
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    LakeSPI history for Pukepuke Lagoon
    Year

    What is this graph showing me?

    This graph is displaying the overall LakeSPI score over time. The results denote the ecological condition of the lake.

    EXCELLENT
    Excellent ecological health. A LakeSPI score of 75-100%.
    HIGH
    High ecological health. A LakeSPI score of 50-75%.
    MODERATE
    Moderate ecological health. A LakeSPI score of 20-50%.
    POOR
    Poor ecological health. A LakeSPI score of 0-20%.
    NON-VEG
    Non-vegetated. A LakeSPI score of 0% (there are no plants present).
    NO DATA
    No data available.
    LakeSPI history for Pukepuke Lagoon data table
    Sample Date LakeSPI Status LakeSPI % Native Condition Index % Invasive Impact Index %
    LakeSPI information has been provided by NIWA.
Sites

Monitored sites on Pukepuke Lagoon

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