The Northland mudfish (Neochanna heleios) is unique to Te Taitokerau. It’s only found in rare wetlands that occur within 25km of Lake Ōmāpere, so its survival depends on precise, habitat-driven conservation.

Northland Regional Council (NRC) is currently engaged in a collaborative project to survey the Northland mudfish and restore its gumland and peat bog wetland habitats.

The Northland mudfish is a species of galaxiid with a reddish colour. It is also known as the burgundy mudfish, though its appearance can vary to reflect its habitat conditions, with darker fish in shaded swamps and lighter tones in sunny areas. It is classified as “Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable” under NZ’s threat classification.

The three-year Northland mudfish project launched in June 2025, made possible through funding secured by The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust (MTSCT) from the DOC Community Fund. It will be delivered as a partnership between MTSCT, NRC, DOC and local hapū; Ngāti Rangi in Ngāwhā and Te Hauora o Ninihi Charitable Trust (Ngāi Tūteauru hapū) in Ōtaua.

The long-term aim is to protect the Northland mudfish and its habitats, while building sustainable local survey capacity and enabling hapū to continue conservation mahi beyond the three-year funding period.

The current, first year of the project is focused on surveying known habitats, many unvisited for 20 years, to gather fresh data on Northland mudfish population status.

The surveys will give an accurate picture of where the mudfish are found and their population size. Understanding their distribution and habitat preferences helps refine protection plans for mudfish, and wetland restoration more generally.

Years two and three will then prioritize restoration activities including planting, weed control and hydrological improvements at key wetland sites.

The project builds on existing partnerships between MTSCT, DOC, NRC and hapū, embedding community involvement as a core pillar.

Ngāti Rangi and Te Hauora o Ninihi Charitable Trust are fostering local stewardship through kaitiakitanga and active participation. Community engagement events have involved tamariki and whānau, increasing awareness and enabling hands-on involvement.

Momentum from the project has now swept into other, related initiatives. Surveys for the black mudfish are underway in Whangārei and in discussion in the Karikari peninsula. NRCs Biodiversity team will also hold a bioblitz in Ōtaua wetland in the coming months that will provide valuable data on species presence and biodiversity.

For more project information from The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust: www.mountainstosea.org.nz

Mudfish facts from DOC: www.doc.govt.nz