Otago Fish and Game Council invites you, under s.41 of the Reserves Act 1977, to lodge written objections to or suggestions on the draft management plan for the Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve by 28 March 2025. A draft management plan is available by download using the weblink below or for inspection in terms of the Act at the Otago Fish and Game Dunedin Office on the corner of Harrow and Hanover Streets, Dunedin or 2 Ree Crescent in Cromwell. When making your submission, please indicate whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission. Submissions can be made using the weblink below, email or by mail to Otago Fish and Game Council, PO Box 76, Dunedin 9054.

Lake Dunstan was created on the Clutha River by the construction of the Clyde Dam for the purpose of hydro electricity generation.  It was originally consented through the Clutha Development (Clyde Dam) Empowering Act 1982. Lake-fill was undertaken in stages in 1992 and 1993 creating a 26 square kilometre reservoir from Clyde to Bendigo and from Cromwell to the mouth of the Kawarau Gorge. The Environmental Impact Report for the Clyde Power Project recognised the hydro dam’s adverse impacts on the Clutha River environment and the compensating wildlife, fisheries and recreational amenity values created by the new lake.  The then-Electricity Corporation of New Zealand supported the concept of enhancing conservation and recreation values if the primary function of the lake for hydro storage and power generation was not compromised.

DOC (1989) identified the priority management goals for the Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve to be:

  • To manage the habitat and public use so as to enhance waterfowl populations.
  • To provide and optimise opportunities for recreational waterfowl hunting.
  • To manage the habitat and public use so as to enhance values for protected wildlife.

The reserve is a river delta environment since the creation of Lake Dunstan. The dominant elements include the river itself immediately upstream of the lake, the lake shallows and islands in the delta area, the adjacent alluvial flats and terraces, and the typical riverbank and wetland vegetation. The latter is dominated by self-colonising willow and poplar. Gravel and river-washed boulder beaches occur near the main river channel. Shallow water areas are dominated by aquatic plants particularly Lagarosiphon major.  Willow and poplar are the dominant tree species, combining to form woodland areas and occurring in scattered form nearby. They are concentrated on the eastern side of the reserve. Tree growth has been prolific in the 25 years since lake-fill. While draping woody vegetation is an important habitat element in the reserve, providing cover for waterfowl and fish, active management of willows and poplars is warranted to restore optimum habitat diversity. Progressive replacement of crack willow with other native wetland plant species is being considered to enhance biodiversity in more accessible parts of the reserve.

Gorse, briar and lupin occur as scattered clumps without canopy species, often on “islands” on higher ground or disturbed gravel areas. Colonisation of open gravel areas has adversely affected river bird habitat areas. Emergent wetland plants such as flax, raupō, sedges and rushes are established within the varial zone (the intermittently flooded area) of the reserve. Supplementary planting of wetland plants using eco-sourced plants will hasten this process.

Background

Local gamebird hunters’ concerns over habitat loss and reduced wildlife populations along the Clutha River were taken up by the N.Z. Wildlife Service and carried forward into the Department of Conservation (DOC) when it was established and took over the functions of the Wildlife Service in the late 1980s.  That advocacy resulted in the proposal for a 152.4-hectare wildlife management reserve at the head of Lake Dunstan, near Bendigo, as mitigation for adverse effects on wildlife habitat. The reserve lies 18 kilometres north of Cromwell at the head of the Clutha Arm of Lake Dunstan. The reserve includes the reach of the Clutha River Mata-Au immediately above the lake and a large proportion of the shallow river delta area. The Bendigo WMR area occupies a low-lying area within the Upper Clutha valley which is dominated by Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River / Mata-Au with a high terrace scarp to the west.

The natural wetland characteristics of the reserve, following lake-fill, include extensive shallow water areas, braided river channels, islands, and lagoons within the Upper Clutha River delta. This diverse environment presents a unique opportunity to protect and enhance wetland values and associated recreational amenities, particularly gamebird hunting and fishing. The Department of Conservation (DOC) prepared a draft management strategy in 1989 to support this initiative. The land was designated as a reserve in 1993 and classified as a Government Purpose (Wildlife Management) Reserve in 1994. However, legal challenges related to the Clyde Dam's operating easement led to the revocation of the reserve status in the same year, with plans for reinstatement deferred. Legal complications persisted for 25 years, only resolving in 2019, which allowed for the reserve to be re-gazetted in accordance with the original intent. The notice re-establishes a Government Purpose (Wildlife Management) Reserve on Lake Dunstan at Bendigo and appoints the Otago Fish and Game Council to oversee and manage the reserve.

This draft management plan acknowledges that reserve management must align with the lake's primary function as a hydroelectricity generation facility. This requirement is outlined in the Deed of Covenant for the Wildlife Reserve, which involves Contact Energy Ltd, Land Information New Zealand, the Minister of Conservation, and the Otago Fish and Game Council.

Management Objectives

  • To protect maintain and enhance wetland values in the Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve to maintain biological diversity, productivity, and recreational opportunity
  • To manage the Bendigo WMR to preserve its natural wetland landscape characteristics and wilderness values as well as adjacent and connected habitat areas
  • To balance the provision of facilities including access tracks, bridges, boardwalks and maimai to ensure its natural and wilderness values are maintained
  • To manage recreational activities including commercial activity so that they do not adversely impact on landscape, recreation, and natural values
  • To enhance biological diversity and encourage development of indigenous vegetation
  • To maintain and enhance recreational opportunity within the reserve consistent with the objectives above
  • To advocate for sympathetic and complementary management of adjacent lakeshore and riverbed and riparian areas, wetlands, and public land to enhance wetland values and recreational opportunity

Current Conditions

The Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve is a river delta environment created by Lake Dunstan. Key elements include the river upstream of the lake, the lake’s shallows and islands, adjacent alluvial flats and terraces, and typical riverbank and wetland vegetation. Willow and poplar are the dominant tree species, with notable growth over the past 25 years. Scattered clumps of gorse, briar, and lupin are found on higher ground or disturbed gravel areas, adversely affecting river bird habitats. Emergent wetland plants such as flax, raupō, sedges, and rushes are established within the reserve’s varial zone (intermittently flooded area). Supplementary planting of eco-sourced wetland plants will further accelerate habitat restoration. While willow and poplar provide essential cover for waterfowl and fish, active management of introduced plants and other weed species is needed to restore habitat diversity. Plans include the progressive replacement of invasive crack willow with native plant species to enhance biodiversity and restoration of open spaces for waterfowl and other protected wildlife.

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Select here to download the draft management plan
Email your submission to otago@fishandgame.org.nz. We look forward to your input.

Volunteer

If you wish to volunteer and assist with the rehabilitation of Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve, please email otago@fishandgame.org.nz to register your interest.