Whakatīwai

Size: 7.9 hectares

Site description

The Whakatīwai biodiversity focus area is located next to the coast within Whakatīwai Regional Park, on the Firth of Thames. It contains small patches of kōwhai forest on gravel ridges which is unique in the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region.

This biodiversity focus area includes part of a series of ten ridges running parallel with the coastline here. The ridges formed from greywacke gravel washed down local streams from the Hunua Ranges and then transported along the coast by tidal currents.

The gravel ridges have been used by geologists as a record of past sea level fluctuations. The unusual combination of the Whakatīwai gravel ridges with chenier plains down the coast at Miranda is recognised as an internationally significant coastal features.

Whakatiwai Regional Park.
The unique stonefield ecosystem at the entrance to Whakatiwai Regional Park.

Key ecosystem

Within this biodiversity focus area, the gravel ridges and associated vegetation are classified as shore bindweed, knobby clubrush gravelfield or stonefield (SA4). 

This ecosystem is ranked regionally endangered as a result of its natural rarity and the modification of stonefield and gravelfield ecosystems over time due to agriculture, road construction and pest plant invasion. This biodiversity focus area contains one of the only legally protected portions of the Whakatīwai Gravelfield.

Native species

The site contains an interesting assemblage of native vegetation including rare species. The kōwhai when in flower provides tūī with an abundance of nectar in spring. The boulders and associated vegetation support native lizard species.

Lichen diversity is high, with over forty species recorded here. The species composition differs within the site with some lichen species found growing on boulders in the open and others on boulders shaded under the kōwhai trees. For some of the lichen species this is the only site that they are found in Auckland.

Pohuehue growing at the stonefields.
Pohuehue, a small coastal divaricating shrub, is well suited to the coastal elements and stoney substrate.
Exotic plants at Whakatiwai.
Photo credit: The invasion of invasive and adventive exotic plants is clearly seen at the stonefield and is a constant threat.

Restoration

Pest plants threaten the lichen habitat and native plant regeneration.

An ongoing programme to control pest plants including monitoring the effectiveness of this work is underway. A rabbit fence surrounding the site allows seedlings of kōwhai and other native species to establish without being browsed.

Related ecosystems

Coastal saline ecosystem

Shore bindweed, knobby clubrush gravelfield or stonefield ecosystem (SA4)

Gravelfield and stonefield ecosystems are rare in Auckland, developing on beach ridges. The diversity of plant communities that establish here depend on the age of the gravels and proximity to the shoreline.

Threat status
Endangered