Tiakina nga manu, ka ora te ngahere Ka ora te ngahere, ka ora nga manu

Look after the birds and the forest flourishes. If the forest flourishes, the birds flourish.

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There are many native birds of national and regional significance who call Te Mata Park home, along with additional visitors like the occasional New Zealand falcon and kākā.

The Park is of vital importance as a plant food source for native birds, especially in winter. The beautiful kererū is reliant on food plants in the Park, as are tūī, pīwakawaka, and ruru. Their favourites include kōwhai, houhere, tī kōuka , karaka, and harakeke, plus some of the introduced eucalypts, banksias and tree lucerne.