The Sinclair Wetlands and neighboring Lakes Waihola and Waipori are all that remains of the fertile Taieri Plain, a once vast wetland area of abundant forests and wildlife. Today, due tot the drainage and clearing of the land for farming, only a small but precious representation of the original wetland survives.
The wetlands were named after Mr Horrie Sinclair, MBE, who purchased the wetland in 1960. Despite considerable pressure to convert the area to farmland, Mr Sinclair has maintained and developed the wetland as a unique ecological and educational resource.
The wetlands where returned to Ngāi Tahu in 1998 as part of their Treaty settlement wit the Crown. Horrie passed away in 1998 but his vision lives on. The Sinclair Wetlands are protected in perpetuity under Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Open Space Covenant and by the commitment of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to the sustainable use and managment of the wetlands and their resources.
Ngāi Tahu and the community are working together on plans for the ongoing restoration of the wetlands including the reforestation of the wetland’s two islands. Their dream is that in the future native trees, such as the mighty kahikatea, may once more grow here, bringing with them forest birds and animals. With this new partnership the long-term security of this rare wetland habitat is now guaranteed.
It is the hope of Ngāi Tahu that the wetlands will be a living memorial not only to Horrie Sinclair, but also to the Ngāi Tahu ancestors who once walked these lands.
Sinclair Wetlands 