Kahikatea forest ecosystem (MF4)

Mild forest ecosystem

Threat status
Critically endangered

About this ecosystem

In Auckland, this ecosystem occurs in moderately humid to dry areas in flood plains. When flooding occurs, the soils hold water for extended periods of time over winter.

Very few examples of this ecosystem remain in Auckland. This ecosystem can be found around frost-prone, lowland areas including:

  • Coatesville
  • Ararimu
  • Clevedon.
Forest of tall kahikatea trees.
Kahikatea forest near Clevedon.
Photo credit: Jason Hosking

Flora and fauna in this ecosystem

The forest contains abundant tall kahikatea which have long branchlets covered in small thin leaves. Twiggy shrubs with many interlaced branches are common in the understorey where this forest has been protected from grazing.

Kererū and tūī love kahikatea, especially when they’re producing lots of fruit. Other common New Zealand native birds found here include:

  • kōtare (kingfisher)
  • pīwakawaka (fantail)
  • tauhou (silvereye).
Tall kahikatea trees looming overhead.
Kahikatea forest near Clevedon.
Photo credit: Jason Hosking

Threats to this ecosystem

This ecosystem is critically endangered. Many examples of this ecosystem remain legally unprotected and grazed by stock.

Alongside land-use changes, fragmentation, clearance and drainage, the biggest threats to the long-term health of kahikatea forest include:

  • lowering of the water table
  • increased fertility of the soil
  • weed invasion.