Ports of Auckland has started a 38-hectare native tree planting project on the Āwhitu Peninsula.
More than 24 thousand natives will be planted in collaboration with Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Āwhitu Landcare and Kauri Park in the first stage of the project at Mahanihani / South Head.
The goal is to create walking trails, restore native bush to the headland as an ecological corridor for the west coast from the Waitakere Ranges, and to develop an area that celebrates the land and its historical sites.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray planted some of the first trees. “Restoring this land is a wonderful but challenging undertaking. The planting is an important step in a long-term project that will see the area flourish.”
The first plantings will establish a windbreak to improve the success rate for future plantings, while helping manage coastal erosion.
Franklin Local Board Waiuku subdivision member Sharlene Druyven says harakeke - flax, ti kouka - cabbage tree, karamu and taupata - coprosmas, wharariki - mountain flax, and the coastally resilient whau, are being planted.
“It’s great news for a special place. Ports of Auckland works hard on harbour restoration projects, earlier this year formed Te Moananui o Toi Trust with Protect Aotea, and also launched work to increase biodiversity underneath some wharves to create into marine nurseries.”
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