Little remains of the original forests of Hawkes Bay, with its naturally fertile soils being cleared for agriculture and settlement from pre European times.
Forest remnants are scattered throughout the region, predominantly on private land, and are small and fragmented. Augmenting these fragments with restoration projects is important for the future resilience and biodiversity of the province. There is definitely increased interest in riparian fencing and native species planting in the region from landowners and managers of a range of large and small properties.
Choosing the right trees
Commonly used coloniser and re- vegetation tree species for the region:
Tī Kōuka (Cordyline australis)
Kānuka (Kunzea ericoides)
Mānuka (Leptospemum scoparium)
Karamū (Coprosma robusta)
Kōhūhū (Pittosporum tenuifolium)
Tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides)
Koromiko (Hebe stricta)
Mānatu (Plagianthus regius)
Houhere (Hoheria sextylosa)
Ngaio (Myoporum laetum)
Coastal Tree Daisy (Olearia solandri)
Tōtara (Podocarpus totara)
Kōwhai (Sophora tetraptera)
Every site will have its own requirements. It can take a few seasons to learn what works well, and every season will be different so be prepared for experiential learning too!
Sourcing your trees
Here’s a list of local nurseries who can help with eco-sourced plants:
Plant Hawke’s Bay, Napier
Midland Horticulture, Napier
Re: Generation Native Trees, Wairoa
Tree Guys Nursery, Hawke’s Bay
Waimarama Native Plant Nursery, Waimarama
Dragonfly Native Plant Nursery, Elsthorpe
Te Wai Mauri, Napier
Kākano Nurseries, Central Hawke's Bay
Preparing your site for planting
Planning ahead and preparing your site before planting is important. Each site is different and may have different challenges. You should be aware of what they are and prepare accordingly.
Some resources to assist you in your planning:
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