We are working closely with the Mt Eden and Epsom communities to develop a Maungawhau Ecological Halo, a buffer zone around the maunga to protect and enhance the diversity of native bird and plant life.
Maungawhau and it’s surrounding forest patches act as stepping stone habitats between the offshore islands of the Hauraki Gulf and the Waitakere ranges, so our vision is to create a healthy ecosystem in the area which is bursting with native wildlife.
We are supporting residents, business owners and schools to control predators, suppress invasive weeds and encourage native shrubs and trees to grow on their private properties. Our most exciting recent devlopment is that a pair of kāka (native parrots) have taken up residence on the Eastern flank of the maunga. If you keep your eyes peeled you might see them at dawn and dusk around Mountain Road.
If you live within the halo area and would like to join our collective effort you can collect a free rat trap and safety box, borrow a possum trap, or pick up an invasive weed ID brochure from our trap library at the Mt Eden Village Centre between 9 - 12am on week days.
Check out the rest of our website to find out how to trap rats and which weeds to control. For more info and free advice about what native species are suitable to plant in this unique area contact Phil on [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] or 021 509 292.
The halo builds on the legacy of the Friends of Maungawhau who, since the 1980s, have made great strides in improving native biodiversity on and around the maunga. They continue to work restoring the old Batger Quarry on the mountain’s western flank. The project also prevents reinvasion of pest animals and invasive weeds to the maunga itself where, since 2014, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority have reduced predators, built a boardwalk to protect culturally significant archaeological sites, and pedestrianised the tihi (summit).
The Maungawhau Ecological Halo encompasses patches of critically endangered lava rock forest centred on Withiel Thomas Reserve. This puriri-dominant forest is one of the last few remnants of a unique ecosystem that was once common across Tāmaki Makaurau’s lava field. Much of what remains is on private land northwest of the maunga, around Almorah Road, Gilgit Road, Withiel Drive and Mountain Road. If you live in this area, please get in touch and we’ll provide you with resources and support to preserve the ecology of this unique landscape.
