Ecology

“The potential for this site to enhance and restore large areas of native forest on warm aspects is a major attribute that is unrivalled for its potential elsewhere in the Banks Peninsula Ecological Region.”

NICK HEAD, SENIOR ECOLOGIST, CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL

Flourishing escarpment vegetation

Te Ahu Pātiki contains a wide diversity of habitats, predominantly north facing over an altitudinal range from 200m to 900m, including sub-alpine summits, bluffs, rocky outcrops, old growth remnants and regeneration through gorse and open pasture. Removal of grazing stock enables old growth remnants on the block to replenish and seed new trees. Natural regeneration through the gorse canopy that covers much of the land will transform to mature forest in time, as it has done at the successful Hinewai Reserve near Akaroa.

Revitalising the catchment and improving mahinga kai for Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour through the removal of livestock means clean water now flows down the catchment basin between Te Ahu Pātiki Mt Herbert and Mt Bradley protecting Te Wharau stream from summit to sea. Te Wharau is already protected on its journey through Orton Bradley Park below Te Ahu Pātiki. Water quality of Te Waiake stream on the western side of Mt Bradley will also improve.

Ancient Kāpuka ‘mother’ tree

Photos: Dr Jaz Morris