Appendix 2: Method and Outcomes of Wetland Delineation Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project: Freshwater Ecological Assessment | Mataura wetland The wetland is well defined by a transitional “damp area” where there is an obvious visual ecotone occurring, and an inner functional wetland, where the soil profiles reveal a persistently high water table, along with the presence of wet tolerant grasses and rushes. Evidence of historic wetlands within this area were observed with the presence of two mature swamp maire (Syzygium maire), a once common wetland tree, now relict with a threatened status raised to Nationally Critical in 2017, following the arrival of myrtle rust in NZ. In addition, many populations now qualify as “Living Dead” as they persist as remnants within partially drained farmland, such as at Waihi North. Although functionally these specimens are extinct, if fenced this wetland may provide opportunity for this species to recover over time. With the exception of Transect One, the prevalence index scores indicate a definite zone of transition between the edge of the wetland (Plot 1 and Plot 4 / 5) and the centre plot (Plot 2 / 3) (Table 1), validating our visual assessment of the wetland boundary. Transect One revealed a transitional wetland zone, where the defined wetland was separated with raised areas of pasture (Plot 2 and Plot 3). Transect Three was bordered by a defined watercourse with riparian edge which is validated by Plot 1, surveyed on the edge of the watercourse. Transect one: Prevalence index scores T1P1 T1P2 T1P3 T1P4 T1P5 2.86 3.23 2.88 3.21 2.75 Transect two: Prevalence index scores T2P1 T2P2 T2P3 T2P4 T2P5 3.07 2.75 1.83 2.94 3.26
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