A Liminal Zones (Tasman Threads) documentation post for an excursion to Waikaraka, part of Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve.
Liminal Zones is a project investigating and sharing practices between Yarun Island and Te Tai Tokerau. The project’s focus is place-based, reflecting the spiritual and creative focus of Kim, Maggie and Tracey, the key artists involved.
Dr Tracey Benson lives within a few metres of a marine reserve on Yarun, while Dr Maggie Buxton and Kim Newall are within walking distance of the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve. Both sites are mangrove-based ecosystems with flourishing wildlife and strong sentiments, and sediment flows in and around the contested mangrove plant.
In New Zealand, mangrove species primarily consist of two main types: the common mangrove (Avicennia marina) and the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina var. australasica).
The 227.5 ha marine area at Waikaraka, the part of the reserve close to Kim and Maggie’s house, is almost entirely a mangrove forest with associated intertidal mud flats and a sub-tidal channel edge.
As one of nature’s most highly productive zones, the gently flowing waters and mud surrounding the mangrove roots are home to many organisms: fish and shellfish, crabs, worms and shrimps.
Fish like snapper, trevally, kahawai, kingfish and mackerel spend essential parts of their lives among mangroves, thereby contributing to replenishing fish numbers in the harbour. The mangroves also provide a habitat for a wide variety of birdlife.
Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, stabilising shorelines, trapping sediments, and filtering pollutants from the water. Despite their ecological importance, mangroves face habitat loss and degradation threats, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these vital coastal ecosystems in New Zealand.
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