Joint Waituna Lagoon opening consent granted

A panel of three independent commissioners has granted a resource consent application to enable the managed opening of Waituna Lagoon to the sea, marking a significant step forward in efforts to restore the ecological and cultural health of one of Southland’s most treasured natural areas.

The joint application, lodged by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Te Rūnanga o Awarua, and Environment Southland, sets out a long-term regime for lagoon openings over a 20-year period. The consent allows for openings based on a range of water level, biosecurity, ecological, water quality, and fish passage triggers and thresholds to enable lagoon openings.

Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell welcomed the decision and said it reflected years of collaboration and a shared commitment to restoring Waituna.

“The lagoon levels have been high recently and that has caused some concern amongst the community. This decision is timely and means there is certainty for how the applicants, alongside the community, move forward to care for the lagoon.”

Te Rūnaka o Awarua Kaiwhakahaere Pania Coote said the decision represents a meaningful step forward in a shared journey of restoration and protection.

“As mana whenua, Te Rūnaka o Awarua holds deep cultural and ancestral connections to this taonga. We are proud to stand alongside our partners in securing a long-term, collaborative approach to its care. The consent recognises the importance of ecological integrity, cultural values, and community involvement, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience and cherish the unique mauri of Waituna.”

DOC Murihiku Operations Manager John McCarroll said the decision will bring certainty to the co-applicants, stakeholders and community for the next 20 years.

“With these consents in place we have the ability to collectively manage the lagoon over the long term to achieve our shared goal of restoring Waituna’s ecological health and cultural values.”

The consent application includes a suite of proposed conditions to support the lagoon’s ecological and cultural values and ensures the community’s involvement in the on-going management of the lagoon. Also, under the consent conditions, the water level that would trigger an opening increases progressively in increments over time.

The immediate next steps include:

• Inviting the Waituna Catchment Committee to nominate a representative to join the advisory group
• Establishing regular community updates, meetings, monitoring and reporting

There is now a 15 working day period when applicants and submitters have an opportunity to appeal this consent decision.

Waituna Lagoon is part of the Awarua-Waituna wetland complex and was among the first sites in the world to be named ‘a wetland of international significance’ under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1976.

It is home to many species of native birds, plants, fish and insects, and is a culturally important site for Ngāi Tahu. The lagoon is also a significant trout fishery and a popular recreational area.

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Background:

The application was publicly notified in August 2024 and attracted 51 submissions. The hearing to decide on the consent application was held in July when 19 submitters and a range of experts presented to the panel.

Consent information including all relevant documents are available here.