Ecosystems and impacts
The operational area of Te Urewera Mainland Island sits within the rohe (tribal boundary) of the Maori iwi (tribe) Ngai Tuhoe. As tangata whenua (people of the land) Tuhoe are intricately connected with the place and its values, both spiritual and physical.
Te Urewera National Park
Te Urewera has very significant ecological values; it is part of the largest example of natural landscape and related ecosystems remaining in the North Island and its complement of flora and fauna is as complete as anywhere on the mainland of New Zealand.
Over 650 species, sub-species or varieties of plants have been identified and at least 48 bird species are present including nearly all the extant North Island forest species (the exceptions are weka, and the saddleback and stitchbird recently-reintroduced to other sites). This list of nationally threatened species present includes:
- North Island kokako
- North Island kaka
- Whio/blue duck
- North Island brown kiwi
- Kakariki/yellow-crowned parakeet
- New Zealand falcon
- North Island rifleman
- Short-tailed bat
Kokako
Other significant fauna species present include:
- Long-tailed bat
- Raukumara tusked weta
- Short-jawed kokopu
The area is characterised by steep, forested hills rising up to approximately 900 m above sea level. Three main ranges are divided by the Whakatane and Tauranga/Waimana Rivers which flow south to north and drain into the Bay of Plenty. The vegetation in the project area is predominantly lowland conifer-broadleaf temperate rain forest with northern rata and rimu emerging through a canopy of tawa and tawhero (kamahi).
The region is relatively isolated, with limited road access. However, a network of tracks and huts (cabins) provides recreation opportunities for the public. The nearest significant population centre is Whakatane (pop. 15,000), situated approximately 30 km to the north.
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