Spring Newsletter

Recloaking Te Mata Park: 64,000 native trees planted in 5 years

We have reached a significant milestone in our ngahere restoration programme with the planting of 64,000 native trees over the last five years, part of a larger, long-term restoration strategy to protect, enhance and restore ecosystems across the maunga.

For decades we have been restoring areas of the Park for biodiversity and the enjoyment of the public. In 2020 we signed an agreement with Te Uru Rākau to plant 60,000 native trees across 12 hectares, revegetating and restoring the maunga, extending the bird corridor, and enhancing and highlighting the rongoā planting in the Park.

We are delighted to have concluded this initial planting project and exceeded our tree planting target. The native restoration of Te Mata Park is central to the Trust’s vision to protect and enhance this taonga for future generations. After only five years we can see this vision coming to life with pockets of new native bush already thriving.

We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of the local community, our volunteers, and our funding partners.  A big thank you to Guy Morris and his team from GB Landscapes who managed our planting programme over the last five years.

In 2025 planting will continue at a slower pace as the Park team also focus on nurturing the newly planted trees and securing a sustainable funding stream to support the next iteration of the restoration programme.

Our 2024 survey results

A huge thank you to everyone who took the Te Mata Park 2024 Survey. The feedback and ideas gained from over 650 respondents will provide valuable insights to support the Park’s operational decision making and long-term strategy.

A quick look at the results show:

• From a list of five priorities, survey participants felt that recreation and environmental protection and enhancement were most important
• The top five reasons for visiting the Park were walking, mountain biking, relaxation/wellbeing, nature, and dog walking
• Respondents were generally happy with the Park, in particular the quality of tracks, toilets, carparks, and general maintenance. The aspects of the Park that people believed needed more attention included dog poo bins, track signage and wayfinding, and road traffic
• The Park plays a key role in the overall health and wellbeing of respondents with 82% stating that it was significant or highly significant to their wellbeing
• 84% of people believe the Park is a unique place

You can read more about the survey results here. We would like to extend our thanks to local business AskYourTeam for providing the use of their professional and invaluable survey platform.

The Little Redwoods grove turns 50

Earlier this month, members of the Rotary Club of Hastings and Te Mata Park Trust gathered in the Little Redwoods to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the grove’s planting. The trees were propagated by local Rotarian Don Wilson using seeds sent from the Redwood Rotary Club of California and planted in 1974 by the Hastings club. David Davidson, who was part of the original planting team, joined the anniversary celebration, reflecting on the enduring connection between Rotary and Te Mata Park.

Te Mata Park Trust Chair Mike Devonshire expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Rotary, who have contributed to many projects and volunteer activities over the years.

Today, the grove of 135 trees stands at about 45 metres tall and is a much loved and visited part of the Park. You can read more about the Little Redwoods anniversary here.

Words from Mike Lusk

Our resident flora and fauna expert and leader of Friends of Te Mata Park.

The Park is still looking good, in spite of the spring drought it has endured. Obviously trees that survive up here need the ability to cope in such circumstances but it won’t be long before some of what I call indicator plants start suffering. Karamū, broadleaf and māhoe are the first natives to wilt and prolonged drought may mean one or more branches will die. Gum trees are more direct – some of them will drop a large branch to reduce the demands on the remaining tree. New plantings are especially susceptible to dry windy conditions so plant choice, timing and mulching are crucial.

While hunting out some wilding pines in the pasture area recently I found in a small deep hole a couple of young tree ferns. One, mamaku (Cyathea medullaris) is slowly becoming well established in the bush areas but the other, wheki-ponga (Dicksonia fibrosa pictured) is the only one I’ve seen in our Park. Fern seeds are very light and are easily distributed by strong wind.

Drones in the Park

A reminder that flying drones in Te Mata Park is strictly prohibited unless written permission  has been received from the Te Mata Park Trust Board. At the moment the drones we see flying in the Park significantly out number the applications we receive. If you wish to fly a drone within the boundaries of the Park, please read our Unmanned Aircraft Policy and apply using the form on the final page.

Triple Peaks 2025

Good news for adventurous Park goers, the popular Triple Peaks event will return next year to its full “triple peaks” format of Mt Kahuranaki, Mt Erin, and Te Mata Peak. Mark your calendars for 15 March 2025 and look out for entries which open next week.

Community events supporting the Park

Two successful events that support the Park have recently been held: The Enchanted Ball and Peak Trail Blazer. We look forward to sharing more soon but for now we would like to thank the organisers of both events for their ongoing support of Te Mata Park.

Sheep are grazing

About 1,500 sheep came into the Park recently to graze. They play an important role in managing the weeds and grass and reducing the fire risk. We ask all dog owners to please be vigilant when sheep are in the Park and use a lead if there is any chance your dog will worry sheep.