AWHI Initiatives

Flora & Fauna Protection

Another major Atihau Whanganui Incorporation conservation initiative is the protection and preservation of the Pua Reinga or 'Woodrose'.

The Dactylanthus or Pua Reinga is an extremely rare native plant with some unique characteristics. It is hard to locate the Pua Reinga, as it grows partially underground, making it difficult to estimate the number of plants in one area. There are likely to be only a few thousand plants left, as the rate of loss is high and the rate of reproduction low.

There are separate male and female plants. Seed can remain viable for at least seven years in the soil. Pua Reinga has been cultivated, however it took nine years from sowing seed to flowering. The seed is not adapted for long distance dispersal.

Possum and rat browse are the major threats to pua reinga. They have both been recorded on video seeking out and destroying both the flowers and flower buds. A single possum can prevent a whole population from reproducing. Other threats include deer, goats, pigs, stock, habitat clearance and loss of pollinators. Some of the active pollinators include Fruit Bats. The species has also declined due to collectors destroying pua reinga to obtain the 'woodrose'. This is part of the host root to which pua reinga is attached, and which becomes deformed as a result of this attachment.

A national recovery plan has been published by the Department of Conservation to co-ordinate conservation efforts and insure the survival of pua reinga. The plants are caged to prevent browser damage and key pests are controlled at selected breeding sites.

Illustration of the Pua Reinga showing its manner of growth. The Pua Reinga in its natural habitat Some of the elaborate measures the Incorporation has taken in order to protect the rare Pua Reinga from the ravages of rodents.

Alternative Power Solutions

Atihau Whanganui Incorporation has been investigating the potential of Wind Farming. As some lands in the Atihau catchments seem ideal for such a venture, being isolated and wind prone.

Native Bush Reserves

The fencing of the Nga Whenua Rahui (Native Bush reserves) on Ohorea Station has resulted in some staggering returns. As can be seen in the following images. The protection that has been afforded to the giant Rimu and Rata has resulted in a huge reflowering of these trees to a degree not seen for many years.

The fencing and creation of these reserves has not only allowed the regrowth, protection and discovery of many rare native plants but has also helped create a safe habitat for many of our rare and threatened native birds and bats.

Some of the native bush contained and protected within the bounds of the newly created Nga Whenua Rahui.

Whatarangi Murphy-Peehi and Rodney O'Neill reflect on their handiwork.

Some of the benefits of the Nga Whenua Rahui program are evidenced by the massive reflowering of the Rata and Rimu.

Harakeke Reserves

The Taonui stream which flows through the Tohunga Station has given Atihau Whanganui the opportunity to investigate and trial the riparian planting of Harakeke.

Several varieties of Harakeke have been planted on both sides of the stream, the root system once established acts as a filter to the effluents and runoff that normally enter and in some cases contaminate the waterways. This system strains the effluent thus helping to keep our streams clean and in pristine condition.

Apart from the cleaner waterways, the Harakeke itself thrives in these conditions, thus also adding to a renewable source of material for our weavers and crafts people.

The benefits are two fold, upholding the tikanga of maintaining our waterways in pristine conditions while creating a lasting and renewable resource in Harakeke.

Another conservation initiative Atihau Whanganui is proud to be a part of.