New Zealand's Amazing Wetland Wonders

Exploring our unique aquatic ecosystems Year 5 Geography Discovering nature's water treasures

What Are Wetlands?

Areas where water covers the soil Can be fresh water or salt water Home to special plants and animals Act like giant sponges for our land

Types of New Zealand Wetlands

Amazing Wetland Wildlife

Pukeko - our purple swamp hen Bitterns hide among the reeds Eels can live for over 100 years Frogs, fish, and water insects

Wetland Plants vs Land Plants

{"left":"Can grow with roots underwater\nHave special air tubes in stems\nFlexible stems bend with water flow\nSeeds often float to new places","right":"Need well-drained soil\nGet oxygen through soil air pockets\nRigid stems for support\nSeeds spread by wind or animals"}

Wetland Food Chain Challenge

Draw arrows to connect: Algae → Water insects → Small fish → Eels Can you add more animals? What happens if one disappears?

Famous New Zealand Wetlands

Whangamarino - largest freshwater wetland Farewell Spit - golden sand and birds Waituna Lagoon - rare plants and animals Kopuatai Peat Dome - ancient bog

Why Are Wetlands Important?

Think about what wetlands do for: Wildlife and their homes Cleaning our water Protecting us from floods Share your ideas with a partner

Threats to Our Wetlands

Pollution from farms and cities Building houses and roads nearby Introduced plants taking over Climate change affecting water levels

Protecting Our Wetland Treasures

Every small action helps protect these amazing places for future generations - What will you do to help?