2. Mangatawa catchment consents for earthworks, storm water ...

NZ Transport Agency and Tauranga City Council
Mangatawa Drain Flood Bypass and TEM Stormwater AEE
The mown grass areas were generally dominated by tall fescue. On the seaward side of the cabbage tree scrub
there was a large damp open area of this grass that contained a few cabbage trees and large clumps of
pampas grass. The limited diversity of this scrub vegetation, and also the near absence of weeds such as
Chinese privet and honeysuckle, indicate that (except for some of the larger cabbage trees) the vegetation that
surrounds the pond is mostly a planted one. [The only historical information located was the topographical
sheet NZMS 1 “Tauranga”, 3rd edn, 1965. This (Figure 2.1) shows the site (and beyond) as a rectangular block
of scrub. Possibly however there was some subsequent clearance of all but the cabbage trees, before the pond
was formed].
b) Avifauna
The avifauna was assessed in a walkover of these areas and at various locations their avifaunal characteristics
noted. Recorded calls were played of spotless crake, fernbird and banded rail using a Johnny Stewart MS512
Wildlife Caller with an S2500 15 watt speaker and amplifier. Calls for spotless crake were played at several
points beside the aquatic habitat of the Stormwater Treatment Wetland and the SES while; fernbird and banded
rail calls were played within the rushmarsh and mangrove habitat of the SES.
Species of birds observed utilising the site and their principal habitats are shown in Table 6. A total of 15
species was recorded with the higher diversity applying to the stormwater treatment area as a result of its
abundant and flowering flax together with cabbage trees and native shrubs. Of the fifteen species, six were
native, one endemic and eight introduced. One species that is considered to be of conservation concern was
recorded. North Island fernbird was present in the SES – it is rated as “sparse” (at risk) on a national basis.
A total of 13 species was recorded in these areas, a diversity that may have been enhanced as a result of
abundant flax flowers that were being utilised as a food source by several species. All the birds recorded in
this area were common or abundant species as follows:
Status: Final Page 53 April 2009
Project Number: 3932036
NZ1-1552092-Mangatawa Drain Flood Bypass and TEM Stormwater AEE