PEHITAWA KAHIKATEA FOREST
Pehitawa Kahikatea forest is almost in virgin condition.
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Location
The Pehitawa Kahikatea Forest Reserve is an 18.5ha block which forms
part of a series of small remnants of lowland kahikatea forest along the
Mangapu River, 5km north-west of Te Kuiti in the northern King Country.
It is surrounded by farmland.
History
The reserve was purchased in 2001 from the farming owners who were keen
to see this important remnant protected rather than felled. The kahikatea
forest in the area has been gradually eroded, only 50ha remain in the Mangapu
River valley, with over 70ha felled since 1975. As a result of negotiations,
a neighbouring 20ha block on Maori lease land has also been fenced and
protected, making the total protected area a significant proportion of the
remaining forest.
Vegetation
No flora survey has been done yet.
The forest is in close-to-virgin condition with mature pole stand kahikatea,
some aged around 120 years. There are fine specimens of mature swamp
maire, matai, titoki and pukatea. The ground cover is in excellent
condition.
Wildlife
No fauna survey has been done yet.
Bird numbers are significant, including tui, kereru and shining cuckoo
and there is also a black shag rookery. Previous surveys have recorded
the presence of freshwater clams/mussels, land snails, skinks and numerous
native beetles. Long tailed bats are likely to be present.
Special Values
This remnant, although small, is described as self-sustaining and in
near virgin condition. It also represents a forest type that once
covered 41,000ha in the Waipa Ecological District now sadly reduced through
clearance to only 158ha. For these reasons it is the most important
remnant in the North Island.
Facilities
None as yet.
Management
Plant pests include willow and gorse on the margins. Kahikatea
are particularly susceptible to poison so weed control needs to be handled
very carefully. Fencing has been completed to exclude stock and goats.
Possum, rodent and mustelid control needs to be ongoing.
How to Get There
Access is through the Brandon farm property on the west side of SH3 6 km south
of Waitomo Caves Rd, 1 km north of Te Kuiti airfield. Please contact
the Trust if you wish to visit, so the farmers can be notified. The
block is visible from Opurere Rd and Waitomo Caves Rd.
