Waiorea
Local Mäori named Waiorea for its abundance of eels (wai - water, orea - eel). Eels have long been a vital food source for Mäori. Customarily they were caught by hand, with spears, or in specially designed hinaki (eel traps).
Around the country, eel harvesting was, and often still is an important activity for Mäori. In recent decades, much to Mäori concern, human population growth and habitat destruction has seen eel populations around the country decline, but Waiorea has been redeveloped as a refuge for eels.
Waiorea is a shallow spring-fed lake of around three hectares, with a maximum depth of 2.9 metres. It discharges from two weirs into Motions Creek. Its wetlands also have special importance. Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments, hosting tremendous biological diversity. The Western Springs Lakeside Park wetlands are a healthy example and are large compared to other wetlands in the district. New Zealand's Department of Conservation has recently identified these wetlands, along with the lake, as a Site of Special Wildlife Interest
Wetlands also have great importance to Mäori, providing not only food, but essential materials such as flax, for clothing, mats, baskets, and ropes.
