The Land

The Land

There are many ways to describe the richly varied and remote beauty of Te Moata. None of the physical descriptions can really do justice to the experience of the powerful presence of nature at Te Moata.

The land itself is 344 hectares, protected by a covenant since 1987 and covered in regenerating native bush with the two dominant species being rewarewa and kamahi, with nearly 200 species of plants having been recorded. There are still original remnants of the magnificent Podocarps which once reigned in the area: rimu, totara and kahikatea and three large groves of re-growing kauri. The land form is a volcanic caldera, and the views from the ridgeline of the caldera are breath-taking. Three healthy streams are dominant features of the landscape.

The sacredness of the land speaks. Visitors and guests at Te Moata are consistently touched by the special qualities it evokes. A sustainable future for Te Moata includes integrating our spiritual and conservation values by adopting an environmental restoration and protection plan to ensure the health of this precious environment.

With the support of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, an ecological survey was conducted at Te Moata (Footprint Enterprises, April 2008). The surveyor reported “a remarkable diversity of small habitats, micro niches and micro-climates contributing to the rich tapestry of flora”. Two distinct wetlands areas were identified, along with several threatened species that require urgent management to protect their futures.

Threatened Species at Te Moata

Hochstetter frogs: Found only in New Zealand, prehistoric Hochstetter frogs (genus Leiopelma) are among the most ancient and primitive frogs in the world. These native frogs are listed as “vulnerable” nationally and are a Category B threatened species. Several Hochstetter frogs were located at Te Moata during the eco-survey.

Fernbirds: Classified as “sparse”, fernbirds (Bowdleria punctata) are native birds inhabiting dense thickets near wetland areas. Fernbirds nest on one of Te Moata’s ridges.

Wetlands areas: Areas of high biological productivity and diversity, wetlands provide important habitats for wildlife and plants. Wetland areas are becoming increasingly rare worldwide and already 85-90% of New Zealand’s wetlands have been lost. Two distinct and previously unrecognised wetlands were found at Te Moata, one with rare swamp maire.

Kiwi at Te Moata

Two regional KiwiCare groups, Whenuakite and Kapowai, have enjoyed real success in protecting kiwi in the areas around Te Moata. The kiwi population in the land under their care has doubled over the past ten years. Te Moata’s proposed collaborative land management and predator control programs will be key to supporting protection for kiwi throughout the region and will make Te Moata a natural haven for an expanding kiwi population.

Threats to Te Moata’s Flora and Fauna

Despite the diverse habitats and apparently flourishing regenerating bush at Te Moata, animal pests seriously threaten our native flora and fauna. Mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels), rats and possums contribute to a low level of bird-life in many areas of the bush. Ground nests, eggs, and chicks are all ravaged by these non-native predators. Rats and mice also eat the seeds of native plant species. Damage from wild pigs was evident on much of the land during the ecological survey in 2008. Pigs rooting among native tree seedlings and rare plants threaten their survival. Pigs also disturb the water quality of the streams upon which the Hochstetter frogs depend.

Te Moata has had some pest control in place since the mid 1990s. After the 2008 ecological survey, Environment Waikato supplied 100 more bait stations and bait. 45 of these were installed in August 2008. There has been a noticeable increase in birdlife since these extra bait stations have been in place. In particular, native pied tits are now frequently seen in various parts of the bush, including areas quite close to the main centre, and we are delighted to now be graced by the occasional presence of Kereru (native pigeons).

Funding is currently being sought for a much expanded pest control programme, with mustelid traps and bait stations encircling the Manui basin where both wetlands lie.

A more regular pig-hunting regime has been in place in recent years, and pig damage is gradually reducing in severity.

Much valuable work has also been carried out in recent years by residents and volunteers reducing the noxious weed presence at Te Moata.

The Charitable Trust’s Commitment

The land of Te Moata has been a under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant since 1987. The Charitable Trust intends to expand protection of the land by adopting the environmental restoration plan recommended by Wayne Todd (Footprint Enterprises). The Charitable Trust has received funding from the Biodiversity Condition Fund to implement the next stages of this plan:

•a new track to be cut to join existing tracks to complete a circle of the Manui Basin
•mustelid traps to be installed from ridge line out to far hills hut and then along proposed track
•bait stations also to be installed on the proposed track

Funding is also soon to be re-applied for:

•rat-traps to help protect seeding nursery areas
•alternative toxins for bait stations

“If the Te Moata Charitable Trust is able to secure funding and purchase the property, there is no doubt it would contribute towards enhancing conservation of natural flora and fauna in the area”.

John Gaukrodger, Area Manager For Department Of Conservation, Hauraki

Fernbird

Hochstetter frog

Swamp Maire

Gumland Orchid