NZ mistletoe returns to maunga

• Published date: 25 May 2023
• Publication title: Te Awamutu Courier

The 10-year plan to re-establish tāpia/mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus and Tupeia antarctica) in Pirongia Forest Park has been launched by the Department of Conservation with the support of local iwi, hapū and the community

On Saturday, May 13, members of the Pirongia Te Aroaro ō Kahu Restoration Society, Te Pahu Landcare, Waipā District Council, Pirongia Forest Park Lodge, Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Apakura gathered alongside DoC to mark the latest piece of work in a 22-year effort to bring native taonga species, including mistletoe, back to the maunga.

Long-term pest control efforts on the maunga have made it possible.

“Mistletoe is a highly desirable food for possums, and when combined with vegetation clearance, that has caused the dramatic decline of these plants,” says biodiversity ranger Cara Hansen.

“Successful pest control by the Pirongia Te Aroaro ō Kahu Restoration Society, DoC and Waikato Regional Council has made for a safe environment to bring this plant, and other species, back to the maunga.”

The intensive management of rats and possums on Pirongia has seen kōkako and the North Island robin/toutouwai reintroduced by the restoration society. Other native birds such as the rifleman/titipounamu are thriving. Other rare plant species, such as pua ō te reinga/wood rose (Dactylanthus taylorii), are clawing their way back from the brink.

Opening with karakia, while a fantail/pīwakawaka weaved its way between speakers, Saturday’s event...