Wairarapa Key Native Ecosystem Management Areas - Greater ...

Tauherenikau Bush
69. Executive summary
Tauherenikau Bush consists of several small remnants of native bush on river
flat terraces to the east of Featherston.
Dominant trees in these sites are kahikatea, titoki, totara, kowhai, karaka and
matai. The lower canopy species consist of rangiora, mahoe, lemonwood,
kawakawa and many other smaller species.
The total control area is approximately 1,350 hectares, made up of flat open
pasture land and river terraces, with several native remnants and numerous
shelterbelt plantings.
70. Recommendations
• To maintain the permanent bait stations within the native remnants and
continue to carry out the trapping of mustelids, feral cats and other
predator species, along the river boundaries, water races, racecourse bush
and other scattered blocks of native bush.
• Keep racecourse staff supplied with rat blocks for self help rodent control
within the complex and stable areas.
71. Objectives
• To reduce all predator species to allow for regeneration of native bush vital
to produce seed for dispersal by native birds.
• To reduce possum populations to 5% RTC or below, to allow a large
variety of bird life with the increased availability of seeds and fruit.
72. Operational area
The total operational area was downsized in 2006 from 1,350 hectares to target
just the racecourse bush, river boundaries and other scattered remnants. The
area treated takes in a large block from the Tin Hutt Hotel along the river
boundary to the Martinborough-Featherston Highway, east to Phillips Line and
north to Moroa Road (just short of the main highway).
There are seven KNE sites within the operational area. Most of these native
remnants are fenced, stock proof and are regenerating well. Some good
examples of kahikatea, totara and matai can be found along with kowhai, titoki,
cabbage tree and many other small species making up the lower canopy.
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