Waituna Lagoon forms part of the much larger Awarua-Waituna Wetlands, a 20,000ha area. PHOTOS: SUPPLIEDImprovements to the health of Southland’s "resilient" Waituna Lagoon have been tentatively welcomed by the Department of Conservation’s (Doc) top science adviser. Researchers (from left) Pat Hoffmann (Doc), Chris Owen (Southern Waterways) and Inigo Zabarte-Maeztu (Earth Sciences NZ) during this year’s Waituna Lagoon survey. The lagoon level was 1.4m, which meant more water and habitat for plants to thrive, Mr Robertson said. Doc’s annual survey was undertaken across 47 sites at the lagoon and showed low levels of algae.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 02, 2026 21:32 UTC