ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS Facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
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ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS Facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond By Kerry Lukies on behalf of the Eastern Bays Songbird Project
Acknowledgements Thanks to: Auckland Council for the funding to produce this report, the Ōrākei Local Board for their ongoing financial support and enthusiasm for the Songbird Project, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei representatives for their ongoing support and for the ideas and feedback provided for this report, Tim Lovegrove, Robyn Simcock, Margaret Stanley and Bruce Burns for their valued ecological expertise, local residents for their input, Jillana Robertson for the thorough proofreading, Edin Whitehead, Gray Milmine and Martin Heffer for the photos, Shaun & Tracy Lee for the photos, maps and making the report look amazing. New Zealand pigeon / kererū. Photo by Shaun Lee.
2 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Executive summary Contents
The Auckland Council commissioned Methods used in this report included Acknowledgments 1 Findings and recommendations 9
this research report to identify interviews with members of the
Executive summary 2 Current status of the Songbird
strategic revegetation sites in the local community, consultations with Project zone 9
Eastern Bays in order to increase ecologists and desk-based research to Introduction 4
indigenous forest cover, improve determine which native species would Native species and their
Biodiversity in New Zealand’s dispersal requirements 9
the long-term viability of current be most suitable for the Eastern Bays, urban forest fragments 4
ecosystems and restore ecological how existing forest fragments and Birds 9
corridors to enable movement of corridors could be enhanced, and Ecological corridors to connect
forest fragments 4 Invertebrates and reptiles 13
native species throughout the Eastern where new ecological corridors would
Bays. While written as an ecological be most appropriate. Existing forest How do ecological corridors Retain existing vegetation 15
report, it aims to be accessible to a fragments and corridors, along with benefit wildlife? 4
Remove weeds and competitive exotics 17
range of readers with little scientific proposed corridors for revegetation
Other benefits of ecological corridors 5
knowledge. The report focussed were outlined on maps of the Eastern Increase canopy cover 19
on private land and transport Bays Songbird Project zone. The Eastern Bays Songbird Project 5
Public land 19
corridors as both public and Māori Report Objectives 7
land in the Eastern Bays already Retaining existing vegetation, Private land 21
have comprehensive revegetation removing weeds and competitive Research Methods 8
What to plant? — A diverse
strategies in place. exotics and increasing canopy cover Place-based knowledge 8 assemblage of native species 23
on both public and private land
The biodiversity decline driven were identified as key measures to Desk-based research 8 Ecosourcing 23
by habitat loss and introduced increase and enhance habitat for Ecological input 8 Recommended plant species 23
mammalian predators results in many native biodiversity in the Eastern
Rare species 26
native birds, insects and reptiles Bays. A diverse assemblage of native
being confined to pest-free offshore groundcovers, shrubs and trees were Establishment and maintenance
islands, such as those in Auckland’s suggested for revegetating backyards of vegetation 27
Hauraki Gulf. The pest control efforts and transport corridors in key zones
Where to plant? - Connecting forest
by the Eastern Bays Songbird Project as defined in this report. Enhancing fragments in the Eastern Bays 29
suggests that the Eastern Bays can transport corridors and backyards
become a safe landing area for native with native vegetation would Ōrākei 30
birds returning to mainland Auckland significantly increase indigenous Mission Bay 34
from these pest-free islands. While forest cover, enhance connectivity
large areas of green space in the between forest fragments and help Kohimarama 38
Eastern Bays provide some habitat for to create a pest-free urban sanctuary St Heliers 42
native species, ecological corridors where populations of native species
Glendowie 46
between these forested fragments will can flourish. Revegetation efforts
increase the overall size of available in the Eastern Bays would also be a The Eastern Bays Songbird Project zone 50
habitat and ensure that birds, along critical step towards facilitating the
Recommended next steps to implement
with reptiles and insects, can migrate, movement of biodiversity throughout
the ecological corridors 52
disperse and repopulate areas not the area and the wider Auckland
otherwise used. Reconstructing native region. Summary 53
habitat through increased planting Appendix 54
Urban forest fragment (Pamela Place, Kohimarama).
and establishing connectivity between
Image from Land Information New Zealand.
habitat patches ensures that native References 56
species can move freely through
modified urban ecosystems such as
the Eastern Bays.
4 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Introduction to small and fragmented habitat
patches with limited dispersal which
Urban ecological corridors provide
numerous environmental benefits.
can result in genetic bottlenecks Corridors connect urban, rural
and local extinction [8, 10]. Corridors and natural landscapes [10], absorb
Biodiversity in New increased planting and establishing
between large habitat patches can pollution and reduce the urban heat
Zealand’s urban forest connectivity between habitat patches
significantly increase the movement island effect [11]. When located along
ensures that native species can
fragments of certain species by around 50% [7] waterways, riparian corridors prevent
move freely through modified urban
Over time New Zealand’s indigenous enabling migration, dispersal and the flooding, inhibit runoff and erosion,
ecosystems [2]. Forest fragments in
forested ecosystems have been repopulation of empty patches by increase nutrient cycling and improve
Auckland range from 1 - 17,000 ha
altered by habitat clearance for wildlife [11], in addition to increasing water quality [12]. Thus, ecological
(Hunua Ranges) with most forest
agriculture and urban development the overall size of available habitat corridors in urban areas can have
fragments in urban Auckland
6 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Report Objectives
Several reports have been written and
management plans are already in place
to enhance green space in the Eastern
Bays. The Ōrākei Open Space Network
Plan provides a thorough assessment
of recommended improvements for
parks and reserves in the area [18] and
the Ōrākei Visual Framework and Te
Pou o Kāhu Pōkere - Iwi Management
Plan highlights several ecological
enhancements planned for Ngāti
Whātua Ōrākei land in Ōrākei [19, 20].
The Songbird Project has already
engaged many private landowners in
pest control and would like to extend
the existing backyard conservation
efforts to include habitat creation
and enhancement for native species.
The location of the Eastern Bays Songbird Project zone in Auckland. Therefore, this report aims to build
on the existing recommendations by
Auckland Council, the Ōrākei Local
from the area. The group aimed to Harbours, the islands of the Hauraki Board (ŌLB) and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
complement the existing ecological Gulf, and the Hunua Ranges. Many by identifying strategic revegetation
restoration activities occurring of the parks and reserves in the sites on private land and road corridors
on public land by engaging the Eastern Bays have planting and pest in the Eastern Bays. The specific
community and encouraging pest control programmes already in place objectives of this report are to provide
removal in residential backyards. The by Auckland Council and volunteer revegetation suggestions to:
pest control efforts by the Songbird groups. This habitat enhancement
Project community suggests that will provide foraging and roosting
the Eastern Bays are fast becoming opportunities for native birds, 1. Increase indigenous forest cover
a safe landing area for native birds however, a lack of connectivity to create habitat for native species
dispersing to mainland Auckland from between these forest fragments including birds, insects and reptiles
pest-free Rangitoto, Motutapu and has been identified as a barrier to
2. Improve the long-term viability of
Motuihe / Te Motu-a-Ihenga, a mere bird dispersal in the area [17]. This
current ecosystems
4-7km offshore. can be mitigated through habitat
enhancement on both private and 3. Restore ecological corridors to
Another goal of the Songbird Project public land between forest fragments enable movement of native species
is to increase and enhance existing which will create ecological corridors throughout the Eastern Bays and
habitat to ensure that birds that and facilitate bird dispersal in the the wider Auckland region
arrive in the Eastern Bays can move Eastern Bays and beyond.
between the forest fragments and Red-crowned parakeet / kākāriki. Photo by Shaun Lee.
use the area as a steppingstone
between the Waitematā and Manukau
8 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Research Methods Findings and recommendations
This report incorporates knowledge Desk-based research
from a range of sources including Google Scholar was used to search Current status of the identifies six native bird species that
the place-based knowledge of the the primary literature on ecological Songbird Project zone the group would like to see in the
The Eastern Bays consists primarily Eastern Bays; bellbird / korimako,
local community and mana whenua, corridors, specifically those in New
of urban housing with pockets of kākāriki, kākā, tūī, fantail / pīwakawaka
primary and grey literature, ecologists Zealand’s urban areas. Reports
green space and water on three sides. and kererū. All of these species have
and local government. from other conservation groups
Significant remnant forest fragments been identified as suitable candidates
on landscape connectivity were
in the area include Kepa Bush and for reintroduction to urban areas in
also reviewed including NorthWest
Place-based knowledge Wildlink and Forest Bridge Trust. Dingle Dell, and the forest associated New Zealand [23], but require intensive
Interviews were carried out with with the wetland at Tahuna Torea. pest control and a year-round food
members of the local community Extensive areas of green space are supply to flourish [3]. Please note
Google Earth version 9.3.116.1
to determine which native species also found in the suburb of Ōrākei the scientific and Māori names of all
[21]
satellite imagery was used to
people would like to see return to at Bastion Point / Whenua Rangatira species are recorded in the Appendix
identify existing forest fragments and
the Eastern Bays, how existing forest and at Pourewa, both of which if not mentioned in-text.
corridors within the Songbird Project
fragments and corridors could be zone, and where, on both public and are currently being revegetated by
enhanced, and where new ecological Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Additionally, Bellbird, kākāriki and kākā are all rare
private land, additional vegetation
corridors would be most appropriate. significant landforms of volcanic origin on the Auckland mainland but are
would enhance connectivity between
Included in the interviews were are Glover Park / Whakamuhu and present on many of the pest-free
the existing fragments.
Merania Kerehoma and Jessica Taylor’s Hill / Te Taurere, two reserves islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Tūī, kererū
Hiscox on behalf of Ngāti Whātua managed by Auckland Council at the and fantail are already found in the
Ōrākei, the mana whenua of the Ecological input eastern end of the Songbird Project Eastern Bays in low numbers as are
area, members of local conservation Various ecologists were consulted for zone. A vegetated corridor lines swamp harrier, silvereye, grey warbler,
groups: John Laurence from the their input on implementing ecological the northern, eastern and western kingfisher, morepork and shining
Eastern Bays Songbird Project, John corridors in urban Auckland, bird borders of the Eastern Bays. cuckoo, which is a seasonal migrant.
La Roche from Friends of Kepa Bush movement in urban environments The dispersal abilities of whitehead,
and the Pourewa Restoration Group, and appropriate plant species. Most canopy cover (vegetation 3m North Island robin, saddleback and
Martin Heffer from Selwyn Bush, Ecologists included Margaret Stanley +) in the Eastern Bays are the forest stitchbird were considered insufficient
Alan Minson and Don Morrison (University of Auckland), Bruce Burns fragments of parks, reserves and for these species to colonise the
from the Mission Bay Kohimarama (University of Auckland), Robyn Māori land although private backyards Eastern Bays unaided [24-27], and
Residents Association and Mens Shed Simcock (Landcare Research) and Tim also contribute a considerable some, such as saddleback and
Auckland East, Frances Battersby of Lovegrove (Auckland Council). amount. Several forested gullies in stitchbird are highly vulnerable to
Kohimarama Valley Forest and Edward Kohimarama and St Heliers are in introduced predators [28], so these
Duff of Glendowie and Tahuna Torea. private ownership and contribute species were not considered.
to the overall canopy cover in the
Eastern Bays. Canopy cover across There are other terrestrial species
the entire ŌLB zone was 19.7% in a which may appear in the Eastern
2013 survey [22]. Local government Bays as occasional vagrants. These
hope to increase this to 24% [18] include New Zealand falcon, which
through revegetation efforts such as occurs more commonly further south
the One Billion Trees programme by although a few exist in the Hunua
the New Zealand Government [12, 18]. Ranges, long-tailed cuckoo which
passes through on migration but
Native species and their is also common on Little Barrier /
dispersal requirements Hauturu, and tomtit, which occur in
small numbers on nearby Rangitoto
Birds and which are also quite common in
The vision of the Songbird Project the Hunua and Waitākere Ranges [28].
10 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Eastern Bays Songbird Project target bird species and
their habitat and dispersal requirements
Bellbird dispersal requirements Kākā dispersal requirements
Bellbirds are common in urban areas in the South Island Kākā are known to travel between Great Barrier / Aotea,
but absent from most of the mainland North Island north Little Barrier and the mainland and have been observed
of the Waikato and Coromandel Peninsula. Bellbirds were as far away as the Waitākere Ranges (~100 km). They
observed in St Heliers before the 1970s, presumably are well established and common in the Hunua Ranges,
visiting from Motuihe Island [29]. In 2005 bellbirds especially in the areas being managed to conserve kōkako,
dispersed from Little Barrier and crossed a 23 km sea-gap and recently they have bred successfully on Waiheke [28].
to recolonise Tāwharanui [30]. Recently bellbirds have been Kākā dispersing from Great and Little Barrier Islands are
sighted at Devonport having presumably crossed from often seen during winter and spring in urban Auckland,
Rangitoto, where they are now becoming well established but at present they are not known to breed in the urban
following the eradication of mammalian predators [28]. environment [28]. In recent years, kākā have become
The minimum home range of bellbirds was determined quite common in urban Wellington following dispersal
Bellbird / Korimako / Anthornis melanura. to be at least 3.7 ha [31], and individuals may forage tens Kākā / Nestor meridionalis. from nearby Zealandia (Karori) Sanctuary where they
Photo by Edin Whitehead. of kilometres from breeding sites [32]. Bellbirds forage on Photo by Edin Whitehead. were re-established following translocation [37]. Their diet
flax, kōwhai, rewarewa and pōhutukawa nectar [31, 33] and consists of invertebrates, seeds, fruit, sap, nectar and
also consume honeydew, small fruits and invertebrates pollen from various plant species, with hinau, five-finger
[28]
. Nests are often well-hidden behind the dead fronds and tawa being important food sources [38]. Mammalian
of tree ferns / ponga [33] or in dense tangles of vegetation. pests have varying impacts on kākā. Kākā nest in tree
Bellbirds are vulnerable to predation by rats, especially at cavities and can coexist with rats, but chicks and nesting
night-time in their roosts. They require habitat with low females are vulnerable to stoats, while fledged young are
pest densities [30], especially in the northern North Island very vulnerable to cat predation because they may spend
where ship rat densities can be high [28]. about a week on the ground after they leave the nest [28].
Kākā also compete for food with possums [39].
Kererū dispersal requirements
Kererū are present in urban Auckland throughout the year Tūī dispersal requirements
and spend most of their time within a home-range of 326 Tūī are very mobile and are commonly seen in forested,
ha [44]. They are very strong fliers and have been tracked rural and urban areas [40, 41]. They have been tracked
travelling up to 102 km, crossing Foveaux Strait between flying 20 km from urban areas back to native forest in
the South Island and Stewart Island [45], and also observed spring to breed [41]. Natal dispersal is usually 1-1.5 km
travelling between Cape Rodney and Little Barrier, a [42]
and maximum dispersal is 100 km [43]. In spring, tūī
distance of 21.5 km [45]. Kererū are the most important forage on the nectar of a wide range of native plants
dispersers of large fleshy fruits such as miro, pūriri, including kōwhai, rewarewa, pūriri, fuchsia, flax, rātā and
taraire and tawa, so they are a keystone species in forest pōhutukawa, along with exotics such as brush cherry,
regeneration [28]. They forage on the fruits and foliage of various flowering gums and flame trees [28]. Other trees
species such as pūriri, cabbage tree, nīkau and kōwhai in and shrubs, both native and exotic, are important food
New Zealand pigeon / Kererū / Hemiphaga urban Auckland, in addition to feeding on the fruits and sources at other times of the year when tūī forage on
novaeseelandiae. Photo by Edin Whitehead. foliage of many exotic species [28, 44]. Tūī / Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae. honeydew, fruits and invertebrates [41-43].
Photo by Edin Whitehead.
12 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Invertebrates and reptiles
The Songbird Project is primarily open areas) or some other factor
Kākāriki dispersal requirements focussed on restoring native bird present in urban gardens that make
Kākāriki nest in cavities, rock crevices, tree trunks and species to the Eastern Bays, thus birds them unsuitable [49].
burrows in remnant forest, and replanted forest and are the primary focus of this report.
grassland on Tiritiri Matangi [34]. They can travel at least However, the role of invertebrates Due to their often poor dispersal
65 km over open water, as observed with one individual and reptiles in ecosystem function abilities, beetles found in remnant
travelling from Motuihe Island to Little Barrier [34]. The is recognised and suggestions are forest fragments in urban areas
minimum habitat size required for kākāriki is likely 100 made for habitat enhancement are likely relicts from earlier times
ha of forest and mammalian predators should be absent that will likely benefit reptiles and when connectivity was greater [50].
or near absent [35]. Kākāriki spend much time feeding on invertebrates in addition to birds. Therefore, remnant forest fragments
the ground where they are extremely vulnerable to cat in urban areas can act as important
predation [28]. They roost at night in tree cavities where
they are also vulnerable to rats and stoats. They forage
Red-crowned parakeet / Kākāriki / on a wide range of species including Coprosma spp.,
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae. rewarewa, pōhutukawa, Muehlenbeckia, kānuka and pūriri
Photo by Edin Whitehead. [36]
. Kākāriki nest in natural cavities in large trees such
as pōhutukawa and pūriri [34]. Kākāriki are rare vagrants
to mainland Auckland, with occasional sightings in bush
remnants and urban gardens in Birkenhead, Torbay and
Glenfield, between 15-25km from the presumed source
population at Tiritiri Matangi [37]. Kākāriki have been
reintroduced to several inner Gulf islands and Tāwharanui.
There are no recent records from the Hunua or Waitākere
Ranges [28].
A large crane fly / Tipulidae spp emerging from its larvae case in Selwyn Bush. Photo by Shaun Lee.
Fantail dispersal requirements Little is known about the habitat reservoirs for native invertebrates.
Fantails are habitat generalists and one of few native requirements and dispersal abilities In some instances, poor dispersers
birds found in heavily modified urban environments of most native invertebrates [48]. can gradually colonise restored
far from large forest patches [46]. They survive well Some species have specific habitat habitats [48], a migration that can be
in forest fragments and plantings in urban parks and requirements that are often not fully assisted through ecological corridors.
large gardens, and they readily disperse across urban understood, whereas others are However, some species may be
landscapes [47] though their maximum dispersal distances generalists and are found in a variety unable to reach restoration sites
are unknown. Fantails are insectivores [46] and well-treed of locations. For example, some native unaided and translocation may be
urban environments clearly provide the food resources beetles found in remnant forest required [48].
they need [28]. Fantail nests are vulnerable to predation fragments were absent from the same
by ship rats, but fantails produce multiple broods in the plant species in urban gardens 100 m In Pourewa and Kepa Bush in Ōrākei,
one season, so populations can recover quickly following away [49]. Some restoration sites and 346 invertebrate species were
Fantail / pīwakawaka / Rhipidura fuliginosa. predation [46]. gardens had similar compositions of discovered during a BioBlitz held in
Photo by Edin Whitehead. native invertebrates but these differed 2015 [51], many of which were native
from invertebrates found in remnant species. Included in these (description
forest habitats [48]. These differences and number of species in parentheses)
may be due to the dispersal were nematodes (roundworms,
abilities of some invertebrates (e.g. 34), spiders, harvestmen and false
flightlessness or the inability to cross scorpions (38), mites (9), beetles (39),
14 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
katydids, wētā and cockroaches (6),
thrips (5), flies and mosquitoes (mainly
with ample basking surfaces that are
free from predators [53]. The fruit and Retain existing vegetation
scuttle flies, 32), bugs (insects with nectar from at least 23 native plants
piercing and sucking mouth parts, are consumed by native geckos and Retaining and managing existing forest than starting afresh [8]. Moreover,
35), butterflies and moths (50), ants, skinks, making them short-distance fragments is key to facilitating the retaining vegetation preserves soil and
wasps and bees (78), amphipods (< 20 m) seed dispersers [54, 55]. Native reintroduction of wildlife into urban fungal health, which enhances the
(small crustaceans, 5), isopods lizards generally have a small home areas in New Zealand [12, 23] due to growing conditions for other plants [8].
(woodlice, slaters and pillbugs, 3) range and only occasionally have they the food and habitat they provide for
and molluscs (12) [51]. Invertebrates been observed moving a distance of native species, and seed sources for Coarse woody debris such as stable
of note were the large forest ghost 60 – 70 m [55 and references therein]. Due to backyards [56]. Mature trees (10+ m) in dead trees and logs, in addition to leaf
moth (Dumbletonius unimaculatus) and the limited dispersal abilities of many particular provide ample foraging and litter, provides food and habitat for
the pūriri moth (Aenetus virescens). native reptiles and invertebrates, well- nesting opportunities and increased an abundance of insects and reptiles,
No reptiles were mentioned in the connected ecological corridors can bird diversity is observed in urban which in turn are eaten by birds [50, 52,
BioBlitz report. help facilitate their movement. areas where remnant old-growth 53]
. One of the most iconic insects of
forest is conserved [57]. A large tree deadwood is the huhu beetle, whose
may support more than 30 other plant larval development stage requires
species growing on bark and perching wood to remain moist for two to
high in the canopy [58]. Forests three years [58]. Private landowners
regenerate slowly and the full range can be encouraged to keep an ‘untidy
of their diversity (with associated garden’ to enhance habitat for reptiles
lichens, mosses, mycorrhizae, fungi and insects [58, 59], especially those with
Pacific gecko. Photo by Shaun Lee.
Seven native reptiles are found in
Hebe / Pseudoveronica spp. Longhorn beetle / Xylotoles spp feeding on rotting
the Auckland region: Auckland green
Photo by Kerry Lukies. wood. Photo by Shaun Lee.
gecko (Naultinus elegans elegans),
forest gecko (Mokopirirakau granulatus), and insects) is not easily replaced, poor dispersal abilities [48].
Pacific gecko (Dactylconemis pacificus), thus patches of remnant native Most (61%) of Auckland’s urban
copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum), vegetation in urban areas should be forests are on privately owned land
ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum), protected regardless of how small or [22]
, therefore, it is important that the
moko skink (Oligosoma moco) and fragmented. Larger forest fragments community value and protect native
shore skink (Oligosoma smithi) in (2 - 5 ha) provide higher quality vegetation in their own backyards.
addition to the introduced rainbow, breeding habitat for a wider range of Increased protection of backyard
or plague skink (Lampropholis delicata) Large forest ghost moth / Dumbletonius
bird species than smaller fragments vegetation in the Eastern Bays is
[52]
. These reptiles can persist in unimaculatus. Photo by Shaun Lee.
[4]
, therefore, increasing vegetation in needed, especially of mature trees,
small patches of suitable habitat buffer zones around remnant patches which will help to retain canopy cover
will deliver greater ecological benefits and increase native biodiversity.
16 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Protecting vegetation on private
property will require communicating
addition to providing food and habitat
for native species. Many trees along Remove weeds and
the ecological importance of large
trees to the local community, for
Tāmaki Drive have been underplanted
with rengarenga which increases the
competitive exotics
example, taraire, pūriri and nīkau in resource availability for native species
providing winter fruit for kerurū or and provides some habitat complexity Auckland is the weediest city in New Reducing the prevalence of exotic
trees with cavities providing habitat [60]
. Norfolk pines are a common site Zealand [61]. A multitude of pest tree, invasive species on private land may
for kākā and bats [22]. Several forest along Auckland’s East Coast beaches vine and groundcovers can be found require an education process whereby
fragments in the Eastern Bays are and are valued for their cultural within the Eastern Bays on public, the negative impact of weeds and the
partially in private ownership such heritage. As benign exotics, Norfolk private and Māori land. Weed removal benefits of planting native vegetation
as Kohimarama Valley Forest (Pamela pines should be retained and at the is a priority in and around significant is explained. Information on the
Place Reserve), Glen Atkinson end of their lives replaced with native ecological areas (as per the Regional negative impact of weeds should be
Reserve and other vegetated gullies trees. Any additional vegetation Pest Management Plan, RPMP), on disseminated throughout the Eastern
of Kohimarama and St Heliers. These planted along the waterfront should the coastal fringes to reduce weed Bays and weed removal encouraged
properties should be a focus for aim to increase the diversity of native dispersal to the pest-free Hauraki Gulf through a series of events such as
communication of the importance plant species present and provide a islands [62] and within the ecological ‘weed swaps’ or school competitions
of retaining vegetation but also year-round food supply for native corridors suggested in this report. The that collect moth plant pods. These
protected by Auckland Council rules fauna [12, 59]. Native plants should RPMP focuses on a limited number of tactics have been used elsewhere in
and regulations. include coprosmas, berry-producing plants, therefore the Songbird Project Auckland.
Muehlenbeckia, hebes and coastal community should aim to: Examples of common weed species
Many mature pōhutukawa and flaxes [58]. present in the Eastern Bays are
introduced Norfolk pines line the climbing asparagus, moth plant,
1. Remove a wider range of exotic
beaches of the Eastern Bays along jasmine, arum lily, ladder fern,
plant species to stop weeds
Tāmaki Drive. Pōhutukawa are valued woolly nightshade, tradescantia, wild
replacing weeds.
for social and cultural reasons in ginger, Chinese privet, tree privet,
2. Find and remove uncommon exotic brush wattle, agapanthus, evergreen
plants to stop them from becoming buckthorn, Bolivian fuchsia and
widespread. pampas grass, among others [58,
63-66]
. Volunteers operating in parks
3. Discourage the planting of any and reserves continually remove
weedy species, even if they aren’t seedlings of exotic species common
officially ‘banned’ from sale under in backyards from predominately
the RPMP. This includes all of the native forest fragments [66]. Nurseries
species listed in the RPMP that are in the area should be encouraged to
known to be weeds but have yet promote native species over exotics
to legally be controlled [58]. and stop selling weed species, even if
they are not yet prohibited from sale
[58]
.
Urban forest fragments are often
degraded by weed infestations, spread
by the consumption of seeds and
vegetation by rats, possums and some
birds [12]. While many of the residents
Pohutukawa underplanted with rengarenga on Tāmaki Drive. surrounding forest fragments in the
Photo by Kerry Lukies.
Eastern Bays are already involved
in pest control, further habitat
enhancement is needed. In this
context ‘habitat enhancement’ refers
to weed control, animal pest control
Arum lily / Zantedeschia aethiopica.
Photo by Kerry Lukies. and planting native vegetation.18 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Increase canopy cover plant species, especially large trees
Reconstructing native habitat and that may be less desirable for planting
establishing connectivity between in private backyards due to space
habitat patches ensures that birds, restrictions.
reptiles and insects can migrate and Parks and reserves
disperse through modified urban Many of the parks and reserves,
ecosystems [2, 23]. Many native plants especially the smaller ones in the
rely on native birds to disperse them Eastern Bays, provide little to no
(e.g. kereru disperse large fleshy fruits habitat for native bird species as they
of pūriri and taraire) and generally are dominated by exotic grasses.
require active revegetation in the An opportunity exists to increase
absence of abundant native birdlife [3]. the multi-functionality of these
Therefore, active revegetation in the spaces to incorporate a range of
Eastern Bays is key to creating habitat uses including sports fields, urban
for and facilitating the movement of forests, playgrounds, walkways,
native species through the area. cycleways and other recreational
activities. Implementing the habitat
enhancement activities outlined for
Community weeding day at Kohimarama Valley Forest Pamela Place Reserve. Photo by Frances Battersby. Public land parks and reserves in the Ōrākei
Parks, reserves, transport corridors Open Space Network Plan [18] will
Community weeding bees in areas Moreton Bay fig trees are a prominent and public buildings in the Eastern increase canopy cover and improve
such as Kohimarama Valley Forest specimen tree on both public and Bays fall under the jurisdiction of the diversity of native species present
are necessary to remove the private land in the Eastern Bays. Auckland Council. Thirty-nine percent in the Eastern Bays [5].
plethora of weeds present and allow Some individual trees have historic of Auckland’s urban forest is in public
land; 7% of which are in parks, 9% Transport corridors
naturally established native ferns, cultural value, but unfortunately,
in road corridors and 23% in other Transport corridors provide a unique
herbs and woody plants to develop they are no longer benign due to the
public lands, such as schools [22]. It opportunity to enhance connectivity
unsmothered [58]. introduction of the pollinating fig
is the public land covered in exotic between forest fragments due to their
wasp in the 1990s [70]. Consequently,
grasses, shrubs and trees that could existing networks and the ability to
A range of palms including Bangalow, fig trees are now spreading into places
be converted to indigenous species provide connections where private
Phoenix, king, queen and Chinese where they are difficult to control,
cover. Revegetation of public land properties do not [11]. Many road
windmill palms [67] are common on such as the tops of walls and other
should include a variety of native corridors in the Eastern Bays contain
private properties in the Eastern trees (especially Phoenix palms). Given
Bays, many of which outcompete the this, the spaces
slower-growing nīkau, New Zealand’s
only native palm [68]. Several of these
exotic palms have sharp spines which
can cause injury and are therefore
expensive to remove once fully
grown. This is the case for phoenix
palms, a common species along
Tāmaki Drive. Female phoenix palms
should be removed and replaced with
nīkau palms and males inoculated
with pōhutukawa at the intersection
of roots and base so the native takes Phoenix palms on Tāmaki Drive.
over in time [58]. Landowners should Photo by Kerry Lukies.
be encouraged to replace exotic
palms with the indigenous nīkau
or to remove seed heads from all
non-native palms to stop them from Example of a vegetated road corridor. Photo by NZ Institute of Land Architects, n.d.
spreading into other areas [69].20 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
exotic grasses and few trees, many of berms, traffic calming features (e.g. all of which could be replaced with Predator control on private land
which are exotic species. Competitive roundabouts, speed bump terminals) native species to act as ecological is widely accepted as a necessary
exotics and benign exotics at the end can be planted with native grasses corridors. The Eastern Bays evil to protect native plant and
of their lives should be replaced with and shrubs [8]. When revegetating Songbird Project should discuss animal species in New Zealand,
native trees to form corridors. road corridors, care must be taken to vegetation enhancement along as shown by the number of
In the proposed corridors (Page 29), meet safety concerns such as visibility transport corridors with Auckland community groups engaged in rat,
revegetating grass berms with native for vehicles and pedestrians [11]. Council and relevant transport possum and mustelid control [73].
groundcovers, shrubs and trees providers. Mustelids are rare in urban areas,
(where these would not interfere with Rail corridors also present thus the primary focus for urban
utility service provisioning) would opportunities for ecological restoration groups are usually rats
significantly increase indigenous enhancement. Rail corridors in Private land and possums. Pest control reduces
Traditionally, revegetation efforts
canopy and enhance connectivity Auckland are frequently bordered the consumption of seeds, fruit and
in urban areas have focussed
between forest fragments in the by invasive species such as brush foliage by rats and possums, thus
on parks and reserves, however,
Eastern Bays. In addition to planting wattle, privet and woolly nightshade, facilitating the establishment and
this is changing as private land
growth of plants [3 and references therein, 12].
is increasingly recognised for Additionally, removing mammalian
its value in providing habitat predators helps to prevent the
and connectivity [71 and references depredation of birds, chicks and
therein]
. Private land contributes
eggs and creates safer nesting
an enormous amount to urban
sites [12]. Ongoing pest control is
greenspace and can provide paramount in urban restoration
biodiversity benefits through projects such as the Songbird
habitat and food provisioning [23]. Project, as there is little point in
Backyard vegetation does not
restoring habitat if birds dispersing
have to be entirely indigenous, but
into the area are depredated by
incorporating indigenous elements
pests on arrival [3] or the habitat is
into backyard planting is key to degraded by possum browsing.
facilitating the movement of native
species in urban environments [72]. A more contentious topic is the
prevalence of domestic cats in
Statistics New Zealand (2018)
urban areas, which also kill native
reported 13,449 dwellings in the
birds, insects and reptiles [74].
Eastern Bays. This represents a When rats are removed from an
considerable number of backyards area, but cats remain, cats will
that could help to increase readily prey-switch from rodents
Traffic calming feature planted in native species. Photo by Kerry Lukies.
canopy cover in the area. Habitat to native species [75]. In countries
enhancement efforts should focus where the negative impacts of
on properties bordering Significant domestic cats on native wildlife
Ecological Areas (SEA’s) and in the are less acceptable, conservation
ecological corridors suggested from tools include cat-free suburbs (e.g.
page 29. Increasing the amount the Cats Indoors! campaign by
of native vegetation in backyards the American Bird Conservancy)
and road corridors around existing or areas where cats must be
habitat patches in the Eastern Bays contained at all times, for example
will provide ecological buffer zones in Canberra, Australia [71, 76, 77].
and increase overall patch sizes, Reducing the number of free-range
further benefitting native species cats could be considered in the
[15]
.
Eastern Bays to limit the threat to
native species.22 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
New developments and New developments are a good What to plant? — Ecosourcing
sustainable urban design opportunity to condition that A diverse assemblage Any new vegetation planted within
Existing and new developments gardens and road corridors be the Eastern Bays should be eco-
can incorporate sustainable design required and planted with native
of native species
Planting a variety of species, rather sourced from local reserves to
principles to provide habitat for native species to benefit native animals ensure new plantings are suited
than only a few species, will help
biodiversity in high-density urban [71 and references therein]
. Ensuring berms to the environmental conditions
provide habitat for a wider range
areas. Sustainable design practices within new developments are wide in the area [12, 60]. The remnant
of birds, reptiles and invertebrates
such as green roofs, green walls, enough for trees to be planted or forest at Kepa Bush has been
[59, 75]
. To maximise habitat and
rain gardens, wetlands, swales and have a planted area in the middle identified as an important seed
value for biodiversity, several
impervious pavements can increase of the road, for example, the design source for surrounding areas [69].
individuals of each species and/
canopy cover and act as ecological used at Stonefields, can increase It is therefore recommended that
or clusters of repeated species
mixes should be planted to boost some of the seed stock for planting
flower and fruit volume that helps in the Eastern Bays should be
birds and insects forage efficiently sourced from there. Raising seeds
[58]
. Larger vegetated areas provide at the local Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
greater habitat than thin strips, and nursery could facilitate community
layering groundcover, shrubs, vines involvement in revegetation,
and trees can help create greater provide education opportunities
habitat complexity [58, 75], which has and strengthen the relationship
been shown to increase backyard between mana whenua and the
biodiversity [71]. Care should be Eastern Bays Songbird Project.
taken to plant species that provide
a year-round food supply for birds
[12, 75]
otherwise visitation will be
seasonal.
Roof garden in Stonefields. Photo by Kerry Lukies.
corridors in urban areas, facilitating canopy cover, create safer streets for
A diverse assemblage of native species.
the movement of birds, reptiles and pedestrians, be aesthetically pleasing Photo by Kerry Lukies.
insects [10, 75]. and enhance ecological connectivity
[8, 59]
. In the context of the Eastern Recommended plant
Green roofs and walls, in particular, Bays, any new developments species
require no additional space [78] and planned should aim to incorporate A diverse range of native plant
reduce the extent of impervious sustainable design which would create species has been suggested for
surfaces that would otherwise lack new habitat and increase native revegetating private backyards,
ecological benefits [75]. Green roof biodiversity in the area. Ngāti Whātua parks, reserves and road corridors
design can be curated to provide Ōrākei have proposed sustainable in the Eastern Bays. Groundcovers,
excellent habitat for rare insects and urban designs such as green roofs and Kākā / Nestor meridionalis feeding on seasonal shrubs and small trees (< 10m)
reptiles, especially on roofs that are rain gardens into new developments pōhutukawa nectar. Photo by Shaun Lee. are generally suited to smaller
rarely disturbed by humans [79]. In in Ōrakei in the Te Pou o Kāhu Pōkere properties whereas large trees
addition to environmental services - Iwi Management Plan [20], which will (> 20m) could be readily planted
such as pollution absorption, reduced benefit native species. in parks, reserves and some
urban heat island effect, stormwater road corridors without blocking
retention and improved water quality, sunlight or the view of surrounding
sustainable urban design can provide properties. Planting should be
educational opportunities and tranquil encouraged between May –
green space for people to enjoy [75]. September to achieve optimal plant
survival [75].24 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Groundcovers, shrubs and small trees (< 10m) suited to the Eastern Bays are outlined below. These Mid-sized tree species (10 - 20m) suited to the Eastern Bays are outlined in below. Both cabbage trees
smaller species can provide food and habitat for a range of birds, insects and reptiles and several are and nīkau palms are tall and thin and therefore will not obscure sunlight and views but will provide food
valued for their use in rongoa (traditional Māori medicine). Note that each plant requires suitable space, for native birds [59]. This means they are suitable for the many properties in the area with Harbour views.
light conditions and drainage / moisture.
Recommended mid-size trees (10m - 20m) to plant in the Eastern Bays.
Recommended groundcovers, shrubs and trees (< 10m) to plant in the Eastern Bays. List derived from B. Burns, R. Simcock, M. Stanley, pers. comms., 2020; Auckland Council, 2018a.
List derived from B. Burns, R. Simcock, M. Stanley, pers. comms., 2020; Auckland Council, 2018a.
Common name Māori name Scientific name Recommended for Max. height
Common name Māori name Scientific name Recommended for Max. height Whitey wood Māhoe Melicytus ramiflorus • Insects 10m
Babies tears Pānakenake Pratia spp. • Groundcover 5cm • Birds, especially bellbird
• Nectar for reptiles
New Zealand Pinatoro Pimelea spp. • Groundcover 5-10cm but varies
daphne / • Green roofs depending on the Ngaio Ngaio Myoporum laetum • Coastal areas 10m
riceflower source • Bellbird
Carex spp. (sedges) Carex spp. • Amenity planting, swales, floodplains, 30 to 130 cm New Zealand Kaihua Parsonsia heterophylla • Climbing vine useful to cover walls 10m
green roofs, road corridors or path Jasmine
edges to smother weeds Marbleleaf Putaputawētā Carpodetus serratus • Insects, including many pollinators 10m
Rengarenga Rengarenga Arthropodium spp. • Insects 1m • Swales
• Green roofs Silver fern Ponga Cyathea dealbata • Shady sites 10m
Cutty grass Tarangarara Gahnia lacera • Butterflies 2m • Insects, especially moths
• Rain gardens Karaka Karaka Corynocarpus • Kererū 12m
Muehlenbeckia Tororaro / Muehlenbeckia • Fences and retaining wall cover 2m laevigatus • Rain gardens
Pōhuehue complexa • Connects ground to the tree canopy
• Green roofs
Tree fuchsia Kōtukutuku Fuchsia excorticata • Tūī and bellbird 15m
• Berries for reptiles
• Sensitive to drought and requires organic-rich
Hebe spp. - Hebe spp. • Rongoa (Hebe stricta) 30cm to 3m soils
• Use small hebes instead of buxus (box)
Nīkau palm Nīkau Rhopalostylis sapida • Replacing exotic palms 15m
hedging
• Tall and skinny — won’t block views
• Green roofs
• Kererū
• Nectar for reptiles
Tawapou Tawapou Planchonella costata • Kererū and kākā 15m
Flax Harakeke • Phormium tenax • Tūī and bellbird • Swamp flax 2m;
(swamp flax) • Insects flower spikes Tea tree Mānuka Leptospermum • Fantail and bellbird 15m
• Phormium • Nectar for reptiles 3m scoparium • Nectar for reptiles
cookianum (coastal • Riparian planting, rain gardens and • Coastal flax 1m New Zealand Kohekohe Dysoxylum spectabile • Tūī and bellbird 15m
flax) swales mahogany • Specimen tree
Gumdiggers soap Kūmarahou Pomaderris kumeraho • Backyards 2m to 4m • Nectar for reptiles
Karo Karo Pittosporum • Backyards, hedges 5m Pigeonwood Porokaiwhiri Hedycarya arborea • Kererū 16m
crassifolium • Nectar for reptiles and birds Lacebark / Houhere Hoheria spp. • Kererū and insects 17m
Coastal daisy Kotahirau Olearia solandri • Coastal areas, hedges 5m ribbonwood • Large clusters of white flowers in autumn
Coastal kōwhai Kōwhai Sophora chathamica • Backyards 6m New Zealand Oak Tītoki Alectryon excelsus • Insects 18m
• Kererū and tūī • Birds, especially kererū
• Swales • Rain gardens
Pepper tree Kawakawa Piper excelsum • Shady sites 6m Cabbage tree Tī kōuka Cordyline australis • Replacing exotic palms 20m
• Rongoa • Tall and skinny — won’t block views
• Insects • Erosion control — roots hold stream banks
• Nectar for reptiles • Suits poor soil
• Kererū • Birds, especially kererū and bellbird
• Rain gardens
Coprosma spp. - Coprosma spp. • Kākāriki 6m
• Nectar and berries for reptiles
• Berries for reptiles
• Green roofs Kānuka Kānuka Kunzea robusta • Scale insects 20m +
• Bellbird
Tree fern Wheki-ponga Dicksonia fibrosa • Insects (for bird foraging), damp places 6m
• Nectar for reptiles
incl. stream edges
Five-finger Whau- Pseudopanax arboreus • Hedges 8m
whaupaku • Very good for birds including kākā
• Insects
Puka Puka Meryta sinclairii • Birds 8m26 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Large tree species (20m +) appropriate for the Eastern Bays are outlined below. Many of these species Establishment and
are best-suited to parks, reserves, some road corridors and schools where they can reach full size maintenance of
while also providing shade. Of these, pūriri is a species of particularly high ecological importance as
it produces nectar, fruit and seeds for birds throughout the year [62]. However, to reach its potential
vegetation
Many urban restoration projects in
it needs to be planted into deep, moist, organic-rich, soils, preferably at least 10m3 [58]. Rewarewa is
New Zealand have been invaded
another tall, slender tree that is suited to backyards as it does not obscure sunlight and views while
by weeds following revegetation
producing food for birds [59].
due to a lack of aftercare [15] thus
Recommended large trees (> 20m) to plant in the Eastern Bays. ongoing management is required
List derived from B. Burns, R. Simcock, M. Stanley, pers. comms., 2020; Auckland Council, 2018a. to prevent smothering and
competition by exotic species [12,
Common name Māori name Scientific name Recommended for Max. height 60]
. Aggressive, tall weeds should
Pūriri Pūriri Vitex lucens • Birds — important year-round food source 20m + be eliminated before planting to
• Kererū reduce the need for maintenance.
• Nectar for reptiles These include ginger, bamboo
• Rain gardens
and agapanthus [58]. Additionally,
Taraire Taraire Beilschmiedia tarairi • Kererū 22m care should be taken to remove
Celery pine Tānekaha Phyllocladus • Rongoa 25m weeds that spread from rhizomes
trichomanoides • Birds
or suckers and smother natives
Tōtara Tōtara Podocarpus totara • Can be used as hedging 25m such as kikuyu, couch grass,
• Insects
tradescantia, Convolvulus, Japanese
• Birds
• Tolerates compacted, low fertility (but well
honeysuckle, jasmine and madeira
drained) soil vine. Less aggressive, shorter weeds
Rewarewa Rewarewa Knightia excelsa • Birds, especially bellbird and kākāriki 30m can often be smothered using deep
• Tall and skinny — won’t block views well-wetted mulch. However, this
• Rain gardens technique is not suited to poorly
Pukatea Pukatea Laurelia novae- • Rongoa 40m drained soils as it will exacerbate
zelandiae • Rain gardens anaerobic conditions [58].
Kahikatea / White Kahikatea Dacrycarpus • Kererū 55m
pine dacrydioides Weeds and tall grass must be
maintained around new plantings;
water and fertiliser may also be
Rare species
required. The fertiliser should be
As pest numbers are reduced in the Eastern Bays, an opportunity exists to reintroduce plant species that
placed below 5 -10 cm depth
are rare on the mainland due to over-browsing by mammals. These rare species are usually confined to
and not on the surface where it
pest-free islands and any individuals planted in the Eastern Bays would bolster the overall population
will promote weed growth [58, 75].
and assist in re-establishing these species on the mainland [62]. Examples of rare plant species that could
Maintaining new plants with mulch
be reintroduced to the Eastern Bays are listed below.
decreased seedling mortality in
an urban Wellington restoration
Recommended rare species to plant in the Eastern Bays. project [80] and should be promoted
List derived from B. Burns, pers. comm., 2020. in the Eastern Bays.
Common name Māori name Scientific name
Milk tree Turepo Streblus banksii
Coastal maire - Nestegis apetala
Bartlett’s rātā Rātā moehau Metrosideros bartlettii
Fierce lancewood Horoeka Pseudopanax ferox
King fern Para Ptisana salicina
Shore spurge Waiu-tua Euphorbia glauca
Creeping fuchsia Tōtaea Fuchsia procumbens
A native copper butterfly / lycaena spp.
Photo by Shaun Lee.28 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
Where to plant? — Connecting forest
fragments in the Eastern Bays
The remainder of this report identifies forest fragments,
existing and proposed corridors, as determined through
green space management plans, satellite imagery and
interviews with ecologists and local residents. The ŌLB
Open Space Network Plan thoroughly details how parks and
reserves in the Eastern Bays can be enhanced through weed
removal and increased planting of native vegetation. This
section focuses primarily on private land and road corridors
between forest fragments. The dispersal abilities of the bird
species identified from page 9 are suited to continuous and
steppingstone corridors, thus both are incorporated into this
section.
A female native red damselfly / Xanthocnemis zealandica on an endemic whau / Entelea arborescens. Photo by Shaun Lee.30 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
The forest fragments, existing corridors and proposed corridors in Ōrākei
Forest fragment
Existing corridor
Proposed corridor
Songbird movement
The pest-free islands
of the Hauraki Gulf.
500m
Native tree planting by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at Takaparawhau Bastion Point. Photo by Kerry Lukies.
Ōrākei in collaboration with the Songbird
Ōrākei is a 280ha suburb at the Project, these two areas will provide
a
western edge of the Songbird Project excellent landing sites for native birds
zone. It is bordered by the Waitematā recolonising the Eastern Bays from
Harbour to the north, Pourewa Creek the pest-free Hauraki Gulf Islands.
to the west and south, and the suburb Plans for the Okahu Bay Reserve and
of Mission Bay to the east. Key Ōrākei Domain include a constructing
features of Ōrākei include expansive a wetland and additional native
areas of green space on Ngāti Whātua plantings which would benefit many
Ōrākei land at Bastion Point and native birds, insects and freshwater
d e h Pourewa Reserve (ex-St Heliers Bay fish and improve the water quality in
pony club) and the existing green Okahu Bay [19].
corridors bordering much of the
suburb. The opposing map shows the Ngapipi Reserve, Wātene Reserve,
f i
forest fragments, existing corridors Paratai South and Paratai North
g
and proposed corridors in Ōrākei. Reserves should be enhanced as
per the recommendations in the
Ōrākei Open Space Network Plan [18].
c Parks, reserves and Māori land Additionally, several of the smaller
Revegetation is already underway at reserves within Ōrākei currently
Takaparawhau / Bastion Point and provide little to no habitat for native
Pourewa Reserve by Ngāti Whātua species as they are dominated by
Ōrākei, and these reserves are exotic grasses. These small reserves
b considered forest fragments although could act as stepping-stones or form
not fully revegetated yet. When part of linear corridors between
a Bastion point combined with pest control efforts forest patches with increased native
b Pourewa
c Ngapipi Reserve
d Ōrākei border corridor
e Okahu Bay to Kupe St corridor
f Kupe St corridor
g Ngapipi Reserve to Kupe St and Orakei Domain corridor
h Kupe St to Mission Bay corridor
i Kupe St to Patteson Reserve32 | Ecological corridors – facilitating the movement of native species throughout the Eastern Bays and beyond
plantings if only a single large tree. Point and Pourewa Reserve. This The Ngapipi Reserve to Kupe
Examples of these reserves include: road corridor has been identified for Street corridor would facilitate bird
enhancement in the Ōrākei Visual movement between the existing
Framework [19], Auckland Council’s Ōrākei border corridor, proposed
• Fenton Circus could act as a
Kepa Bush Reserve Integrated Kupe Street corridor and vegetation
stepping-stone between Paratai
Plan [69] and the Ōrākei Local Paths at Bastion Point. This corridor
South Reserve and Okahu Bay
(Greenways) Programme Plan [81]. At would include backyards and berms
• Nehu Street Reserve and Reihana present, street trees are primarily on several residential streets and
Reserve could act as stepping- exotic; Eucalyptus with scattered should include additional native
stones between Pourewa Reserve, nīkau palms. This corridor should plantings at Ōrākei Primary School.
the Kupe Street corridor and the include the Ōrākei Tennis Club, the The school could adopt the corridor
Ngapipi Reserve to Kupe Street Ngake walkway, Te Arawa Reserve and promote native planting and
corridor. and private backyards on Kupe pest-trapping at households within
Street for additional canopy cover. the corridor to encourage an
increase in native biodiversity.
A corridor between Kupe Street
and Mission Bay beach and another
between Kupe Street and Patteson
Reserve would facilitate bird
movement between Ōrākei and
Mission Bay. These corridors would
include backyards and berms on
Kurahaupo Street, Aotea Street and
Aitkin Avenue and should include
Aotea Reserve and Kupe North
Reserve and walkway.
New Zealand pigeon / kererū. Photo by Shaun Lee.
Edward (Songbird Project) and Levi (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) installing possum traps at Whenua Rangatira.
Backyards and road corridors
Kupe Street corridor – Planting the Planting this corridor will require
road corridor of Kupe Street with collaboration between Ngāti Whātua
native groundcover, shrubs and trees Ōrākei, Auckland Council and private
would provide a direct connection landowners.
for bird movement between BastionYou can also read
