Restoration Plan PDF

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Prepared by Te Ngahere on behalf of and with the input of Forest & Bird North Shore Branch by: Samantha Happy Te Ngahere Te Ngahere PO Box 68 407 Newton 686 Rosebank Road, Avondale Auckland Ph 09 828 4035 www.te-ngahere.co.nz Forest and Bird North Shore Branch Restoration Plan for Tuff Crater and Heath Reserve July 2009

Transcript of Restoration Plan PDF

Prepared by Te Ngahere on behalf of and with the input of Forest & Bird North Shore Branch

by: Samantha Happy

Te Ngahere

Te NgaherePO Box 68 407 Newton686 Rosebank Road, AvondaleAucklandPh 09 828 4035www.te-ngahere.co.nz

Forest and Bird North Shore Branch Restoration Plan for

Tuff Crater and Heath Reserve

July 2009

Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Aim and Objectives for Tuff Crater........................................................................................2 1.1.1 Aim................................................................................................................................2 1.1.2 Objectives.....................................................................................................................2

1.2 Stakeholders.........................................................................................................................4 1.3 Incorporation of Relevant Statutory and Policy Documents..................................................4 1.4 Relevant Council Legislation.................................................................................................5

2.0 Site Description and Location....................................................................................................7 2.1 Site Description.....................................................................................................................7 2.2 Site Location.........................................................................................................................9 2.3 Flora.....................................................................................................................................9 2.4 Fauna.................................................................................................................................11 2.5 Geology..............................................................................................................................11 2.6 Issues.................................................................................................................................13

3.0 Weed Control Programme.......................................................................................................14 3.1 Weed Abundance...............................................................................................................14 3.2 Management Units..............................................................................................................14 3.3 Weed Control Recommendations by Management Unit......................................................16

3.3.1 Management Unit 1 – Heath Reserve.........................................................................16 3.3.2 Management Unit 2 – Headland..................................................................................18 3.3.3 Management Unit 3 - McBreens..................................................................................21 3.3.4 Management Unit 4 – Willow Flat................................................................................23 3.3.5 Management Unit 5 – St Peters..................................................................................26 3.3.6 Management Unit 6 – Northbridge and Tanks 7-9.......................................................28 3.3.7 Management Unit 7 – Tank sites 1-6...........................................................................30 3.3.8 Management Unit 8 – Millennium Forest.....................................................................32

3.4 Specific Control Methods....................................................................................................33 3.4.1 Initial Control...............................................................................................................33 3.4.2 Follow Up Maintenance Control..................................................................................33 3.4.3 Seedbank Control........................................................................................................33 3.4.4 Tradescantia Control...................................................................................................33 3.4.5 Long-Term Control......................................................................................................34 3.4.6 Disposal of Vegetation................................................................................................35

4.0 Revegetation...........................................................................................................................36 4.1 Revegetation Objectives and Areas....................................................................................36 4.2 Revegetation Zones............................................................................................................38 4.3 Monitoring...........................................................................................................................38 4.4 Maintenance.......................................................................................................................38 4.5 Recommendations for Revegetation by Management Unit.................................................41

4.5.1 Management Unit 1 – Heath Reserve.........................................................................41 4.5.2 Management Unit 2 - Headland...................................................................................42 4.5.3 Management Unit 3 - McBreens..................................................................................43 4.5.4 Management Unit 4 – Willow Flat................................................................................44 4.5.5 Management Unit 5 – St Peters..................................................................................45 4.5.6 Management Unit 6 – Northbridge incl Tanks 7-9.......................................................46 4.5.7 Management Unit 7 – Tanks 1-6.................................................................................48 4.5.8 Management Unit 8 – Millennium Forest.....................................................................49

5.0 Animal Pest Control Recommendations..................................................................................50 6.0 Volunteer Involvement.............................................................................................................51

6.1 Weed Control .....................................................................................................................51 6.2 Planting...............................................................................................................................52 6.3 Animal Pest Monitoring & Control.......................................................................................52

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6.4 The Use Of Contractors......................................................................................................52 7.0 Timeline...................................................................................................................................53 8.0 References..............................................................................................................................61 9.0 APPENDICES.........................................................................................................................62

9.1 APPENDIX A: NATIVE SPECIES LIST FOR TUFF CRATER.............................................62 9.2 APPENDIX B: EXOTIC SPECIES OBSERVED AT TUFF CRATER NOVEMBER 2008 AND CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE RPMS 2007-2012 BY ABUNDANCE.....................................66 9.3 APPENDIX C: EXOTIC SPECIES OBSERVED AT TUFF CRATER NOVEMBER 2008 AND CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE RPMS 2007-2012 ALPHABETICAL.......................................70 9.4 APPENDIX D: WEED SPECIES SPECIFIC CONTROL METHODOLOGY........................74 9.5 APPENDIX E: NORTH SHORE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT PLAN EXTRACTS.................77 9.6 APPENDIX F: TUFF CRATER BIRD SPECIES LIST..........................................................80 9.7 APPENDIX G: TUFF CRATER MOTH SPECIES LIST.......................................................81 9.8 APPENDIX H: TUFF CRATER GENERAL INSECT LIST...................................................83

List of TablesTable 3.1: Prioritisation of Management Units................................................................................14Table 4.1: Species Suitable for Planting in Each Revegetation Zone.............................................39Table 4.2: Revegetation Requirements in MU1..............................................................................41Table 4.3: Revegetation Requirements in MU2..............................................................................42Table 4.4: Revegetation Requirements in MU3..............................................................................43Table 4.5: Revegetation Requirements in MU4..............................................................................44Table 4.6: Revegetation Requirements in MU5..............................................................................45Table 4.7: Revegetation Requirements in MU6..............................................................................47Table 4.8: Revegetation Requirements in MU7..............................................................................48

List of FiguresFigure 1: Location Map of Tuff Crater (Source: Wises Maps)...........................................................9Figure 2: Geological and Landform Significance of Tuff Crater (Source: Appendix 8B, North Shore City District Plan, 2002) .............................................................................................................12Figure 3: Map of Tuff Crater Showing Management Units..............................................................15Figure 4: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 1.............................................................17Figure 5: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 2.............................................................19Figure 6: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 3.............................................................21Figure 7: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 4.............................................................24Figure 8: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 5.............................................................27Figure 9: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 6.............................................................29Figure 10: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 7...........................................................30Figure 11: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 8...........................................................32Figure 12: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Tuff Crater..................................................37Figure 13: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 1....................................41Figure 14: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 2....................................42Figure 15: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 3....................................43Figure 16: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 4....................................44Figure 17: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 5....................................45Figure 18: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 6....................................46Figure 19: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 7....................................48Figure 20: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 8....................................49

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Executive SummaryTuff Crater Reserve is a narrow coastal reserve bordering the volcanic tuff crater in Northcote, Auckland. The reserve encompasses open grassed areas, weed-infested native bush areas and recent and established plantings.

The reserve is utilised as a recreational area and designated under the District Plan to provide for the conservation and protection of areas of particular scenic, natural or habitat value, while allowing for informal recreation.

One of the most serious threats to Auckland's natural environment is the establishment and spread of weeds within remaining bush remnants and corridors such as Tuff Crater, where the surrounding urban environment has been highly modified. In order to sustain and enhance the health of the native ecosystem, weed control programmes and revegetation are an important part of reserve management.

The principal aim of this plan is to guide the restoration of the area to as close as possible to a natural, functioning and self-sustaining indigenous ecosystem representative of similar ecosystems in the Auckland region. This aim will be achieved by the implementation of an ongoing weed management programme, in which infested areas are systematically prioritised and controlled to achieve specific control objectives, coupled with the establishment of a native revegetation programme. Animal pest control will complement efforts.

Weed control operations are complicated in areas by the steepness of slopes and hence the potential for slumping and erosion. In addition to weed management and revegetation, this plan also covers issues such as maintaining slope stability, monitoring, boundary issues, volunteer involvement and health and safety.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Te Ngahere has been contracted by Forest & Bird North Shore to prepare the following restoration plan for Tuff Crater – Te Kopua o Matakamokamo, on Auckland's North Shore.

A schedule of recommendations for this area is necessary to provide coordinated, long-term management with a common vision in mind. This plan provides the following deliverables, which can be used by Forest & Bird to guide the restoration of Tuff Crater:

• Provision of a ten-year programme for weed control.

• Provision of a programme of revegetation for the site (to operate in conjunction with weed removal) using appropriate native species.

Additional issues to be discussed in this document include:

• Volunteer involvement

• Animal pest control

• Boundary issues

1.1 Aim and Objectives for Tuff Crater

1.1.1 AimThe long-term aim proposed for Tuff Crater is to restore the area to as close as possible to a natural, functioning and self-sustaining indigenous ecosystem representative of similar ecosystems in the Auckland region as possible.

Forest & Birds' vision for Tuff Crater is “Tuff Crater reserve is a fine example of a carefully restored natural area. The restoration is led by North Shore Forest and Bird, who are involving the wider community. Invasive weeds are reduced to manageable levels, and effective predator control is helping wildlife to thrive. Expert input is helping to raise awareness of the local ecology. An all weather circuit track allows year round walking, vehicle access for weed control and planting. A pedestrian bridge across the estuary enhances the walking experience “.

1.1.2 ObjectivesThe fulfillment of this overall aim will see the completion of the following objectives:

1) Reduce and maintain all environmental weed species at low density throughout the project site, in order to ensure:

• The indigenous vegetation community remains intact.

• Ecological processes of regeneration and succession within this community are unaffected.

• The resource requirements for weed control work are minimised in future years.

2) Revegetate the area with native species that will:

• Help restore the biodiversity and populations of appropriate riparian native plant and animal species.

• Promote active riparian margin functioning such as flood and water quality control.

• Ensure a complete ground cover over time to inhibit the reinvasion of weed species and prevent erosion.

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3) Reduce the number of animal pests impacting on the reserve to make the habitat safer for native fauna

• this will include a program to manage possums, cats and rats

• wasps impact on insect life and the plan includes a strategy to deal with wasps

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1.2 StakeholdersForest & Bird and the North Shore City Council (NSCC) are in partnership on this project. Meetings have taken place with the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and the Department of Conservation (DoC).

Forest & Bird are very involved with the area, having successfully sought funding from ARC and NSCC for the restoration plan. Forest and Bird have coordinated members and volunteers to undertake weed control and revegetation plantings in the “Millennium Forest” area since 1999. Forest & Bird now seek funding for the restoration of the rest of Tuff Crater.

It has been suggested that local residents be empowered to undertake weed control, revegetation plantings, and to eco-source indigenous seeds, propagate and on-grow plants for revegetation plantings. Residents including retired individuals and the numerous local schools have been suggested for such commitments.

The 2001 Census found 933 families to live in the area of Tuff Cater, with a total population of 3,984 people (Statistics New Zealand, 2001). See section 6.0 Volunteer Involvement for details on how volunteers can be involved.

1.3 Incorporation of Relevant Statutory and Policy DocumentsA number of documents provide specific guidance relevant to managing the biodiversity of Tuff Crater. These are briefly outlined below.

The Biosecurity Act 1993The Biosecurity Act 1993 provides for the eradication and effective management of harmful organisms. The Act empowers regional and local councils to have a significant statutory role in implementing the Act. This is through proposing and implementing regional pest management strategies.

The Reserves Act 1977The Reserves Act 1977 requires Council to prepare management plans for parks under its control to ensure that the use, maintenance, development and protection of the parks have been properly considered and management intentions are presented through a series of objectives and policies, together indicating some development options.

The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 1994The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 1994 (NZCPS) is mandatory and sets out policies regarding the management of natural and physical resources in the coastal environment. It recognises that the Tangata Whenua are the kaitiaki of the coastal environment, and that coastal, historical, spiritual, amenity and intrinsic values are the heritage of future generations and damage to these values is often irreversible. The proposed NZCPS 2008 is currently subject to public consultation.

The Resource Management Act 1991The Resource Management Act 1991 generally binds the Crown, therefore landowners have the responsibility to manage activities in a way which is generally consistent with sustainable management, as defined in the Resource Management Act 1991. Sustainable management places

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an emphasis on safeguarding the functioning of natural ecosystems and protecting outstanding natural features, landscapes and areas of significant indigenous vegetation and habitat.

Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy (2007-2012)Tuff Crater is subject to the Auckland Regional Council's Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) 2007-2012 (ARC, 2007). A number of the weed species found in this reserve are classified under the strategy (Appendix B).

A pest plant is: A plant that can significantly and adversely affect the long-term survival of native species, the integrity or sustainability of natural communities, or genetic variation within indigenous species (Department of Conservation, 1998).

The RPMS identifies total control, containment, community initiative and surveillance weeds in the Auckland Region. Research organisms are also identified within the RPMS and discussed in section 2.3 Flora. Note there were no total control species observed in Tuff Crater in November 2008.

Containment weeds are exotic weed species abundant in certain habitats or areas within Auckland. Landowners are required to control these species whenever they appear on their land. Some weeds such as woolly nightshade are required to have maintained clearance and containment (boundary control) to a specified distance (20m for woolly nightshade) from all property boundaries only.

Surveillance weeds identified in the RPMS are of potential high risk to the Auckland Region and its environment. Landowners are not required, but are encouraged, to protect the environment by removing them from their property.

Community initiative plant species is applicable to any plant species identified as a pest in the RPMS, which may be considered under the Community Initiatives Programme. Only plant species listed in table 9.2a of the RPMS may be subject to enforcement provisions. These species and total control, containment, surveillance pest plants and research organisms are indicated in Appendix B of this plan.

The RPMS also highlights animal pests such as possums, rats, cats and wasps.

1.4 Relevant Council Legislation

North Shore City Proposed District Plan (2002)The North Shore City District Plan 2002 has important information about the management of natural and built resources and the way land can be used or developed. See sections 2.1 Site Description, 2.3 Flora and 2.5 Geology for rules relating to the restoration of Tuff Crater.

Map 25 of the District Plan displays information relevant to Tuff Crater. Section 8 Natural Environment is particularly relevant to Tuff Crater.

Auckland Regional Policy Statement (1999)The Auckland Regional Policy Statement 1999 (ARPS) is a statement about managing the use, development and protection of the natural and physical resources of the Auckland Region. It is currently under review. Appendix B2 of the ARPS describes Tuff Crater's mangrove and salt marsh habitat as important fish and bird habitat.

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Auckland Regional Plan: Air Land & Water (2004)The Auckland Regional Plan: Air, Land & Water 2004 (ARPS: ALW) is designed to assist the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) to carry out its functions in order to achieve the purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991. It applies to the Management of air, land and water resources in the region including air, soil, rivers and streams, lakes, groundwater, wetlands and geothermal water. The Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal (2004) was also consulted.

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2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

2.1 Site DescriptionTuff Crater is located on Auckland's North Shore, and is a total area of 30.7ha ranging from 0 – 20m elevation above sea level. It is often referred to as Tank Farm due to the historical fuel oil storage tanks semi-constructed by the United States Navy (c.1942-43) as part of the war in the Pacific (Birkenhead Historical Society, 2006). The tanks are now decommissioned and have become overgrown habitats with various exotic species and natives including raupo. The tank sites have been numbered 1-9 from the Millennium Forest end.

A former freshwater crater lake formed by explosive eruptions and surrounded by steep tuff rings, Tuff Crater has been breached by the sea with rising sea levels, becoming an area of sheltered intertidal mangrove and salt marsh communities, fringed by pockets of freshwater wetland and sparse exotic and indigenous forest and plantings.

The crater is largely round, with reserve situated on the fringes of the crater, except where the Auckland-Waiwera Motorway runs to the southeast of the crater. This is where all the tidal exchange takes place via the tidal creek into Shoal Bay of the Waitemata Harbour. There is minimal freshwater input into the crater.

Largely an urban residential area to the north, west and south, the Warehouse Way and its associated business park is situated to the north and east of the crater.

Native plantings have established well in the Millennium Forest where some trees stand around 2-3m tall.

Regenerating natives are commonly successful, and native ground covers are not abundant, due to infestations and competition from invasive exotic species such as tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis).

The canopy, consisting largely of privet, is patchy and has done little to prevent the establishment of a suite of invasive exotic ground cover, vine and tree species that have come to dominate much of the reserve. In certain situations these pest plants are the only vegetation conferring stability to slopes.

In relation to restoration efforts, Tuff Crater is zoned as:

● Recreation 1 (Conservation) Zone – To conserve those areas and features of open space which are of a high natural environmental value. This applies to the entire reserve area excluding Heath Reserve (refer to section 19 Recreation of the District Plan for further information). Maintenance of open space including pest plant control and revegetation is a Permitted Activity (Table 19.1 Permitted, Control and Discretionary Activities in Different Recreation Zones of the District Plan).

● Recreation 2 (Neighbourhood Activities) Zone – To provide for open spaces throughout the residential areas of the city which serve local resident needs for recreation and community activities, and visual amenity. Heath Reserve is the only area within the reserve zoned as Recreation 2 (refer to section 19 Recreation of the District Plan for further information).

● Coastal Conservation Area – To protect the natural character, public access, cultural heritage values, ecology and landforms of the coastal environment (above and below Mean High Water Springs). This applies to the entire reserve area, excluding the two 'tips' of the reserve adjacent to the motorway (eastern and southeastern boundaries). Restoration is Permitted as long as there is to be no excavation or deposition of spoil, soil within 5 metres of a cliff face or any land with a slope of 60° or more having a vertical height in excess of 2

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metres. Refer to Section 8.3.1 Coastal Conservation and 8.4.1 of the District Plan.

● Foreshore Yard - There is a 20m wide Foreshore Yard (measured from Mean High Water Springs), which is additional to the Coastal Conservation Area. This defines the coastal edge which is most sensitive to development. Section 8.3.1 Coastal Conservation and Appendix 21E of the District Plan contains this information.

● The estuarine area contained by the reserve is within the site Shoal Bay/Ngataringa Bay SSWI14 (Sites of Special Wildlife Interest) as identified by the Department of Conservation in 1995, which the North Shore City District Plan reinforces in Section 8.3.2 Ecosystems and in Appendix 8A. This applies to below Mean High Water Springs which is outside the designated area so is Permitted.

● Geological and Landform Site - The Tuff Crater area is also classed as a 'Priority Vegetation Site' (PVS) by ecological significance level determined by the Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP), considered to be of regional natural heritage significance for geological and ecological values. Restoration is Permitted, but with caution, so that only “benign” disturbance of soil is intended (e.g. use of a spade during revegetaion), and that no “alteration to the natural landform” and that no adverse effects are likely to “excavate, damage or alter” any of the geological significance removal of rock, soil, or structures which is likely to endanger, damage, destroy or detract from site in particular (a) modification of the natural landform and (b) any building or structure of any kind, including fence, boundary wall, or retaining wall. Refer to Sections 8.3.3, 8.4.5 and Appendix 8B of the District Plan.

Archaeological research is currently underway by the Department of Conservation.

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2.2 Site Location

2.3 FloraTuff Crater is a reserve used largely for recreation, featuring grassed areas and predominantly exotic vegetation, with some regenerating and remnant indigenous forest.

Native plantings have established well in several sections of the reserve, particularly in the areas where recent (since 1999) revegetation efforts have been undertaken.

Coastal broadleaf forest dominated by kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) is well established in an area along the southern boundary, with species such as kowhai (Sophora sp.), manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), karamu (Coprosma robusta), mapou (Myrsine australis), flax (Phormium tenax), puriri (Vitex lucens), mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) and pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa).

Other areas within the Tuff Crater Reserve are largely dominated by exotic flora. Willow (Salix sp.) and other specimen trees exist throughout the reserve, and there are several areas with a privet (Ligustrum spp.) dominated canopy.

Native groundcovers are generally sparse, due to competition from invasive exotic species such as tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis).

The canopy consisting primarily of privets is patchy and has done little to prevent the establishment of a suite of invasive exotic ground cover, vine and tree species that have come to dominate much of the reserve. In certain situations these weeds are the only vegetation maintaining stability to steep slopes, such as the northeastern slopes where elaeagnus (Elaeagnus x reflexa) is abundant.

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Whau River

Figure 1: Location Map of Tuff Crater (Source: Wises Maps).

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Exotic species are outlined in Appendix B of this plan, and a list of native species present within the reserve are given in Appendix A.

The North Shore City Ecological Survey (2005) describes Tuff Crater's vegetation type as one of four remnants of once more extensive broadleaved forest on volcanic tuff crater soils. A regionally uncommon vegetation type, it is important to protect, manage and enhance the area and its flora and fauna. Unique and rare remnants of coastal broadleaved forest are present on the surrounding tuff ring on the southern edges of the crater.

Modifications to the area include significant weed impacts to the coastal forest, including the privet canopy.

Regionally and nationally ecologically significant intertidal mangrove (Avicennia australis var. resinifera) and saltmarsh ribbonwood (Plagianthus divaricatus) communities are contained within the crater. There are also pockets of raupo (Typha orientalis) swamp and salt meadows with species such as glasswort (Sarcocornia quinqueflora subsp. quinqueflora), sea primrose (Samolus repens), remuremu (Selliera radicans) and bachelors button (Cotula coronopifolia).

The broadleaved forest is an area of 3.1ha, and the mangrove intertidal area 27.6ha.

There are three entries in Appendix 8C Schedule of Notable Trees of the District Plan and under Section 8 Natural Environment that are within the boundaries of Tuff crater:

● 491 Notable Trees = The Warehouse Way (Northcote). Group of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), North tip of outlet to Tuff Crater, Allotment 601 Takapuna Parish. Category D. Map 25.

● 310 Notable Grove of Trees = McBreen Avenue (Northcote). All Trees native and exotic, Headland that is south tip of outlet Tuff Crater. Category D. Map 25.

● 198 Notable Grove of Trees = Exmouth Road (Northcote). 13 Weeping Willows (Salix babylonica). Heath Reserve, Lot 25 DP 38915. Category D. Map 25.

Category D = Trees of Local Significance.

The Coastal Conservation Area and Foreshore Yard status also protects pohutukawa over 3 metres in height.

Rule 8.4.6.3 Protection of Trees on Roads and Reserves outlines Limited Discretionary Activities and Discretionary Activities which require a resource consent (refer to Appendix D of this plan).

Species other than that listed in Appendix 8E of the District Plan are protected under the District Plan, requiring consent for works to be undertaken on the tree. Appendix 8D Exotic Tree Species Protected at 15 metres in Height or 1500mm in Girth (measured at 1.4 metres above the ground) lists the following species: Casuarina (Sheoke, Casuarina spp), Gum except Red Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus spp except Eucalyptus ficifolia), Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa), Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla), Pine (Pinus spp), Poplar (Populus spp), Wattle (Acacia spp), Willow (Salix spp).

Tree protection rules specify that any cutting, alteration or destruction of any pest plant (e.g. privet) listed in the ARC Plant Pest Management Strategy or the National Surveillance Plant Pest (Biosecurity Act) is Permitted.

Plant species to be researched by Auckland Regional Council are listed in 22.2 Plant Species to be Researched within the RPMS (2007). Plant species with this status have not legally been declared pest plants, and are therefore protected under the District Plan rule 8.4.6.3 and Appendix 8E. As protected species under the District Plan, they require a resource consent in order to be removed . These species have been indicated in Appendix B of this plan.

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2.4 Fauna

The sheltered mangrove and salt marsh communities are important for a variety of fish and bird species, including nesting for the threatened New Zealand dotterel (ARPS). Five species of coastal birds listed within the description of the SSWI (mainly Shoal Bay) and recognised as 'at risk' are:

● New Zealand dotterel

● Reef heron

● Banded dotterel

● Caspian tern

● Wrybill

A bird list has been compiled over multiple site visits by Alan Emmerson, North Shore Forest and Bird. See Appendix F.

Forest and Bird has also compiled moth and insect records for Tuff Crater, see Appendix G & H.

Opportunities exist for monitoring of further invertebrates, reptiles, and estuarine fauna.

Rats have been observed in the pampas grass.

2.5 GeologyThe distinctive volcanic feature's soil is comprised of ash, lapilli and tuff deposits and is included in the Schedule of Sites of Geological and Landform Significance. Section 8.3.3 Landscape, Landforms, Geological Features and Views contains this information and within Appendix 8B of the District Plan, it is classified as (figure 2):

● being of regional importance.

● being vulnerable to partial destruction or modification by human activities, for which some sort of legal protection is thought necessary.

● urgency with which conservation of the site or feature is required – Medium (M) requiring action within the medium term (2-5 years).

● unique opportunities for study, interpretation, education and scientific study – Medium (M) access to the site is moderately easy, the feature may require some degree of interpretation. Education value is moderate, though scientific value may still be high.

The District Plan section 8.4.5.1 Limited Discretionary Activities imposes the requirement for a resource consent to be sought for the “excavation/disturbance of soil”. Slopes that are of an angle greater than 60° are protected due to the nature of disturbing the protected soils. However, North Shore City Council have specified that the ongoing revegetation and pest plant control of Tuff Crater is excluded from this rule, provided that only simple hand tools are used (e.g. spades) and that only a few people undertake such works on each occasion. Therefore a Permitted Activity.

Resource consent is required for any works other than specified above as a Discretionary Activity. Information on the requirements and the application forms are available on the North Shore City Council website. Please note that section 8.4.2.1 also requires consent for such works.

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Figure 2: Geological and Landform Significance of Tuff Crater (Source: Appendix 8B, North Shore City District Plan, 2002)

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2.6 Issues

ShapeThe shape of Tuff Crater and particularly the high level of “edge-effect” within an urban environment causes issues including:

● Environmental weeds – the edge-effect increases the rate of environmental weed re invasion. For this reason, the Management unit approach has been favoured. The boundary of a management unit should be controlled and maintained free of environmental weeds as each unit is approached. In addition the issue of weed dumping in the reserve should be addressed by raising awareness with neighbours.

● Access – this is an issue for contractors and volunteers requiring access to various areas within the vicinity of Tuff Crater. Improvement of access will increase the efficiency of labour and time required for works.

● Domestic animals – this will impede on any animal pest control efforts.

Health and SafetyThe crater is composed of “tuff rings” which feature a steady angle of slope. Work in these steep areas should be undertaken by contractors/appropriately trained volunteers (refer to section 6.0 Volunteer Involvement), and always with great care. Ropes work must be undertaken by skilled, qualified persons only. Volunteers and contractors must be made aware of all dangers.

Slope StabilityWeed control and revegetation operations need to be strictly managed to maintain slope stability over the length of the weed control programme. This can be achieved by the staged removal of environmental weeds in conjunction with a revegetation programme as discussed in sections 3 to 5. Refer to section 2.5 Geology.

Budget ConstraintsIdeally, weed control should be undertaken throughout the entire reserve from year one of the restoration programme. Due to possible budget constraints, this may not be possible and hence the reserve has been divided into more manageable sections in this plan (section 3.2 Management Units).

If the budget is limited it is important to prioritise follow-up control in areas previously controlled above initial control in new areas. In a similar manner, the maintenance of existing plantings should be prioritised above planting new areas. In making these priorities it is ensured that restored areas do not relapse while new areas are being controlled or planted.

View ShaftsDistrict Plan Appendix 8F Significant View from Public View Points lists:

● 9. Tank Farm explosion crater to North Head and Mount Victoria from College Road, Northcote.

It is unlikely that trees planted within the boundaries of this plan will compromise this view shaft.

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3.0 WEED CONTROL PROGRAMME

3.1 Weed AbundanceAs part of this restoration plan, Te Ngahere carried out a vegetation survey throughout the reserve. Exotic species present within the project area, their abundance and status under the RPMS 2007-2012 is presented in Appendix B of this plan. While every effort has been made to ensure that all species present are recorded, it is still possible that isolated occurrences of weed species were missed. Any new species found in subsequent weed control operations should be recorded.

3.2 Management UnitsThe purpose of creating management units (MU) is to break the site down into more manageable areas, enabling clear identification of particular areas and accommodating the varying requirements and objectives in each area. The units have been numbered in order of location from Heath Reserve to the Millennium Forest (i.e. in a clockwise direction). Ideally areas are prioritised by weed density (i.e. lesser density gets higher priority as it is quickly controlled and easily maintained) However it is recognised that Forest and Bird are working mainly in the eastern end of the reserve and wish to work away from this into MU7 initially.

Note: Once initial control has been undertaken in a management unit, it is important to remember to follow-up on that area prior to starting on a new area/unit. This will ensure that the works are effective and prevent areas becoming too large and unmanageable for volunteers or when funding is uncertain. Moving onto lower priority areas should be avoided until higher priority areas have been controlled and ongoing maintenance is established by volunteer commitment or by contractors. See table 3.1 for prioritisation of the management units from 1 (highest priority) to 8 (lowest priority).

Work should proceed according to priority and financial limitations (i.e.more funding would allow the plan to be advanced). Volunteer resource and motivation may determine which areas are prioritised (refer to 6.0 Volunteer Involvement). For example it is possible that MU5 could receive a higher priority if a group of local residents wanted to work in the area.

A brief description and location map for each management unit is given in section 3.3. This will enable volunteers, Council staff and contractors to identify work areas and to record activities undertaken within each management unit. There are eight management units for Tuff Crater.

Table 3.1: Prioritisation of Management Units

Priority Management Unit Name

1 8 Millennium Forest

2 2 Headland

3 7 Tank Strip 1-6

4 6 Northbridge Retirement Village, tanks 7-9

5 3 McBreens

6 5 St Peters

7 1 Heath Reserve

8 4 Bailey's Reserve & Willow Flat

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Figure 3: Map of Tuff Crater Showing Management Units

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3.3 Weed Control Recommendations by Management UnitRefer to Appendix D Species Specific Control Methodology, and section 6.0 Volunteer Involvement for guidelines on volunteer weed control.

Refer section 3.4 Specific Control Methods for details of methodologies.

3.3.1 Management Unit 1 – Heath ReservePriority: 7Site SummaryUnit 1 incorporates Heath Reserve, a largely grassed area surrounded by residential housing and with the motorway running along the eastern boundary. There are three access ways to the reserve from: Heath Avenue, Exmouth Road and via the Tuff Crater walkway. The Tuff Crater walking track commences at the northern boundary of this unit. The Exmouth Wastewater Pumping Station and a playground are present in the southwestern area of the reserve. There is little native vegetation other than two drain plantings that are establishing reasonably well and could be further planted, and occasional pohutukawa.

An ephemeral stream leads to a small bridge before flowing to the salt marsh. This is recommended for planting

Specimen trees act as shade trees and are sporadic throughout the reserve, including protected weeping willows (Salix babylonica). These willows are in very poor condition and should be considered for removal. (see 2.3 Flora).

There are various invasive weed species in this unit including tradescantia, privets and buddleia. Infestations are concentrated around the boundaries of the unit, obviously impacted by neighbouring properties.

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Long Term Control Tree species: As the budget allows, control all tree species less than 3m tall in the first year of control, provided they are not important for slope stability. Willows are low priority, however some are unsafe and should be maintained. Fallen branches should be removed. Flame trees tend to drop branches and these propagate to new trees. Fallen branches should be removed.

Privets: If budget constraints allow, control all privets less than 3m tall in the first year of the restoration programme, provided they are not important for slope stability. Control larger privets as the budget allows, Those privets that are important for slope stability should be underplanted in the first year of the weed control programme, and removed after 4-5 years once the root systems of the plantings are well-developed.

Hawthorn: Is recommended to be controlled along with the privets.

Non-invasive plantings: Specimen trees not already mentioned do not require control.

Riparian edge: Control groundcovers and vines. Tree species are at low density and should be controlled. There are mature wattle and tree privet which should be removed or poisoned to prevent spread. Control of weeds within the drain plantings (particularly the juvenile willows) should be undertaken (the watercress should remain as it functions to cleanse the water and absorb heavy metals before entering the salt marsh).

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Figure 4: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 1

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3.3.2 Management Unit 2 – HeadlandPriority: 2Site SummaryUnit 2 is a narrow MU incorporating the walkway. Weedy native bush and patches of raupo are present occasionally. The boundary is visually undefined and neighbouring properties contain some environmental weeds such as agapanthus that are spreading into the reserve. This is an area that would benefit greatly from community awareness and involvement and coordinated efforts in weed control. The boundary between MU2 and MU3 is located approximately 10m northeast of the wooden boardwalk. The section above the boundary is number 28 McBreen Avenue.

The southeastern boundary in particular contains an area of invasive weeds that are acting as a seed source. Species include Japanese honeysuckle, agapanthus, arum lily, elephants ear, ginger, nasturtium, convolvulus, rice paper plant and pampas.

This unit includes a notable Grove of Trees (refer section 2.3 Flora). All trees both native and exotic are protected. This area requires resource consent before any woody weed species are controlled. Groundcovers are able to be controlled. The Coastal broadleaved forest is regenerating, providing an important seed source for the Tuff Crater Reserve.

Privet and hawthorn are common throughout this unit and it is proposed that in the future that consent is sought for staggered control efforts on these species to assist in the success of the control program within the Tuff Crater Reserve.

The main invasive weed species in the grove south of the headland are tradescantia, privet, arum lily, convolvulus, pampas, montbretia, woolly nightshade, boneseed and blackberry.

From the headland and west toward MU3 the main invasive weed species are hawthorn, privet, elaeagnus, tradescantia, jasmine, climbing asparagus, Japanese honeysuckle, woolly nightshade, kikuyu, blackberry, moth plant and montbretia.

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Site SpecificsTradescantia: Control is required throughout MU2. This requires contractors to undertake works as explained in section 3.2.1 Tradescantia Control.

Walkway: Weed species should be controlled along the walkway, including the riparian edge. Species include kikuyu, montbretia, moth plant, climbing asparagus, plectranthus, pampas, convolvulus, arum lily, blackberry, woolly nightshade, cleavers, forget-me-not, and bone seed.

East of Headland: Volunteers could control species such as elaeagnus, jasmine, Japanese honeysuckle, woolly nightshade, blackberry and moth plant in this area. Montbretia, climbing asparagus and kikuyu will require contractors (or appropriately trained volunteers) to undertake weed control.

Long Term ControlTree species: Privet and Hawthorne should be controlled the same as MU1. Control all other tree species less than 3m tall in the first year of control, provided they are not important for slope stability. Control larger trees as the budget allows, starting at the boundary with MU1. It is very important that no tree species be controlled within the area protected under the District Plan without resource consent. Trackside weed species can be removed regardless of the the timeline where finance permits.

Southeastern boundary: Control of this area is required to reduce the source of infestation. It

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Figure 5: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 2

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would be advantageous for the volunteers to periodically release the natives from the vines. Community awareness and involvement is highly important in this particular area. Control of ginger, arum and the rice paper plant is also recommended. Underplanting and gradual control of the area is highly recommended.

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3.3.3 Management Unit 3 - McBreensPriority: 5Site SummaryUnit 3 is a narrow MU incorporating the walkway, and is known as McBreens. It is weedy native bush with occasional patches of raupo present. The canopy is largely dominated by privet and hawthorn. Some large mature natives are present including kowhai, karamu, mapou, ti kouka, karo, puriri, kawakawa, mahoe, manuka, totara and titoki. Native coastal morning glory (Ipomea carica) is present and contractors and volunteers must be made aware of its presence and similarity to the exotic convolvulus, and extra care taken in this area.

The main invasive weed species other than privet and hawthorn in this unit are convolvulus, pampas, montbretia, kikuyu, woolly nightshade and Japanese honeysuckle.

Some neighbouring properties were noted to have undertaken control on the boundaries. This was observed to mainly be privet, and has created light wells that will be over run by weeds if left as is.

Site SpecificsVine species: Should be controlled. Volunteers could be responsible for controlling convolvulus

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Figure 6: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 3

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and Japanese honeysuckle. Elaeagnus and climbing asparagus should also be controlled in this area.

Woolly nightshade: Woolly nightshade also requires control, and could be undertaken by volunteers. Some mature specimens are present.

Grasses: Grasses (including pampas) should be controlled in the areas of this unit where they are invading the raupo and the salt marsh communities, and also where there are grass clearings in preparation for planting. This will require contractors (or appropriately trained volunteers), who must be very cautious in this fragile environment and only use glyphosate for chemical application within 5m of the water.

Long Term Control Tree species: As the budget allows, control all tree species less than 3m tall in the first year of control, provided they are not important for slope stability. Trackside weed trees can be removed regardless of the the timeline where finance permits.

Privets: If budget constraints allow, control all privets less than 3m tall in the first year of the restoration programme, provided they are not important for slope stability. Control larger privets as the budget allows, starting at the start of the walkway. Those privets that are important for slope stability should be underplanted in the first year of the weed control programme, and removed after 4-5 years once the root systems of the plantings are well-developed. Work from the boundary of MU2 and MU3 towards the boundary of MU3 and MU4.

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3.3.4 Management Unit 4 – Willow FlatPriority: 8Site SummaryThis unit has two reserve access ways from Exmouth Road and Arahia Street, and includes Baileys Reserve and Willow Flat. The boundary with MU5 is south of the St Peters Street access way. This MU in particular has an obvious problem with neighbouring properties contributing numerous weed species to the Tuff Crater Reserve.

Baileys Reserve – The access way from Exmouth Road is mown grass with specimen trees including kowhai, bottle brush, tarata, pohutukawa and ti kouka. There are some weeds present including montbretia, a mature woolly nightshade, smilax, tree and Chinese privet, moth plant, nandina and nasturtium.

At the entrance to the Tuff Crater reserve itself there are a few islands of mainly weeds including mature grey willows, jasmine, convolvulus, privet and ginger.

The southwestern boundary has an abundance of environmental weeds including Queen of the night, woolly nightshade, umbrella sedge, three-cornered garlic, tradescantia, moth plant, montbretia, pampas, nasturtium, convolvulus, water celery, elephants ear and Japanese honeysuckle.

North on this boundary are large willows followed by a large area comprised largely of arundo, leading to Willow Flat. The arundo covers approximately 50m x 100m. There is also gorse and pampas present.

Willow Flat – This area is comprised of largely wet grass, mown grass and willows. There are islands of willows often with wet grass (which could be underplanted), and an area which has been planted with species including kahikatea, karamu, ti kouka, kawakawa, pohuehue and mapou. There is an abundance of weeds including water celery, Japanese honeysuckle, ginger, arum lily, tree and Chinese privet, Queen of the night and kikuyu. The boundary that borders this area is visually undefined and merges with private property with weeds throughout including tuber ladderfern, tradescantia, gorse, Japanese honeysuckle, nasturtium, pampas, montbretia, ginger, convolvulus and woolly nightshade. An ephemeral stream seems to contribute to the wet grass area.

North of Arahia Street – the boundary north from the Arahia Street access way is largely comprised of weeds including shrub balsam, nasturtium, elephants ear, agapanthus, willows and privets. The Arahia Wastewater Pumping Station is situated on the boundary and has numerous weeds present including tuber ladderfern, canna lily, convolvulus, tradescantia, Rumex species, agapanthus and black-eyed susan. A patch of bamboo is north of here running along the boundary. Willows are common and either side of the walkway is high density in weeds from here to the grassed area nearing the boundary with MU5, including convolvulus, ginger, tradescantia, privet, montbretia, ivy, arum lily, woolly nightshade, gorse, canna lily, nasturtium, plectranthus, blackberry and pampas. Some species of weeds are invading the raupo and salt marsh communities such as blackberry. This is a high density weed area.

North from the high density weed area (and from the bollards) it is a grassed area towards residential housing with natives including flax, karamu, pohuehue and ti kouka. Weeds such as pampas, woolly nightshade, privet, a small infestation of arundo, convolvulus and arum lily are throughout this area nearer the raupo and saltmarsh communities.

The walkway adjacent to the saltmarsh throughout this MU has sporadic weeds including montbretia, kikuyu, pampas, convolvulus and arum lily.

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Site SpecificsExmouth access way: The access way requires some weed control particularly the smilax, moth plant, woolly nightshade and privets.

Riparian edge: It is recommended that control of montbretia, kikuyu, pampas, convolvulus, smaller willow and arum lily be undertaken. Control of the small infestation of Arundo in the far northeastern corner of the boundary is a higher priority as it is currently low density.

Long Term ControlSouthwestern boundary: As with all areas, it is recommended that this area, with its high abundance of weeds, is only controlled when funding allows control and follow-up to ensure successful eradication.

Arundo: The large infestation of arundo is recommended to be controlled only when funding allows control and follow-ups to ensure successful eradication.

Islands: Weeds should be controlled in coincidence with control of the boundary. Underplanting is recommended once some control has been undertaken.

Willow flat: Control could be undertaken to enable underplanting and infill planting of the kahikatea-wet grass area. Volunteers could release the natives of vines.

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Figure 7: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 4

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North of Arahia Street: This area is generally high density and should also be controlled only once funding is available.

Tree species: It is recommended that some willow be identified for removal. Surveillance on the willows is required to ensure no further spread of willows. As the budget allows, control all tree species less than 3m tall in the first year of control, provided they are not important for slope stability. Unsafe trees adjacent to tracks should be made safe.

Privets: If budget constraints allow, control all privets less than 3m tall in the first year of the restoration programme, provided they are not important for slope stability. Control larger privets as the budget allows, starting at the start of the walkway. Those privets that are important for slope stability should be underplanted in the first year of the weed control programme, and removed after 4-5 years once the root systems of the plantings are well-developed. Work from the boundary of MU3 and MU4 towards the boundary of MU4 and MU5.

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3.3.5 Management Unit 5 – St PetersPriority: 6Site SummaryThis unit is comprised of the walkway with small mown grass areas and has a high abundance of weeds in concentrated areas. Neighbouring properties obviously contribute to this abundance. The unit starts at the cul-de-sac of St Peters Street and the Tuff Crater lookout, and runs to a mown grass area below the Northbridge Retirement Village.

Northeast of the cul-de-sac is an area of natives with exotic species common. Natives present include black matipo, flax, lacebark, karamu, mapou, pohutukawa, ti kouka and kanuka. Exotics include Cape ivy, agapanthus, shrub balsam, Japanese honeysuckle, ginger, arum lily, pampas, woolly nightshade, eucalypts, and willows. There is a stormwater drain that is leaking and has produced a boggy area with surface water.

The MU continues and narrows to the northeast, dominated by weed species in high density including montbretia, gorse, convolvulus, blackberry, busy lizzy, kikuyu, tradescantia, Queen of the night, privets, English and Cape ivy, tuber ladder fern, jasmine, monkey apple, plectranthus, agapanthus, shrub balsam, Japanese honeysuckle, ginger, bamboo, arum lily, pampas, woolly nightshade, Mentha species and willows (which become concentrated in areas). Species such as convolvulus, Cape ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, rose, blackberry, ginger and nasturtium are spreading into the raupo and saltmarsh communities.

The boundary with MU6 is at the mown grass area below the Northbridge Retirement Village. The top area of MU5 nearest the boundary has some weed control evident and some regeneration occurring. Native species include ferns, karo, Carex species and totara.

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General RecommendationsWeed control efforts, once commenced, should work in from either boundary i.e. from the cul-de-sac inwards towards the main infestations, and from the mown grass of the retirement village. Underplanting should also be undertaken when and where deemed appropriate as progression allows. The species invading the raupo and saltmarsh communities should be a high priority as is ivy and ginger.

St Peters Street cul-de-sac: This area should be controlled. Volunteers could release the natives from the vines and control the woolly nightshade.

Long Term ControlTree species: Remove monkey apple as soon as possible after clarification of the boundary. Other large tree species should remain until the groundcovers and understorey have been controlled to a satisfactory level. Tree control should then be a staged process.

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Figure 8: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 5

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3.3.6 Management Unit 6 – Northbridge and Tanks 7-9Priority: 4Site SummaryThis unit is below the Northbridge Retirement Village and is comprised of mown grass with two phoenix palms and a ti kouka. It includes tank sites 7-9 and ends at the path uphill towards the commercial buildings.

A thin strip of kanuka is present along the waters edge, with natives such as karo, ti kouka, Carex species, totara, lacebark and kawakawa also present. Here raupo is at its greatest density within the reserve. Other native species present inland of the raupo include kowhai, ti kouka and ponga.

An ephemeral stream runs from the Northbridge Retirement Village near the phoenix palms.

Exotic species present include pampas, smilax, woolly nightshade, gorse, convolvulus, privet, arum lily, kikuyu, cleavers, nasturtium and blackberry. Weeds growing on the palm trunks include climbing asparagus and tuber ladderfern. There are Phoenix palms off track near tanks 7-9.

Southeast from here the vegetation type changes to largely exotic vegetation, including pampas and elaeagnus. The canopy is often dominated by exotics, mainly privet. Tree ferns and other species of natives are sporadic throughout this area. A large pine tree between tank sites 7 and 8 was ring barked by council many years ago and is slowly disintegrating.

Three tanks are within this unit (numbers 7-9 as designated by Forest & Bird North Shore). The slopes of the tank site areas are very steep in places. The gradients need to be considered before undertaking any works (including planting) in regards to health and safety as well as the rules within the District Plan (refer to section 2.5 Geology). It is recommended that weed control be undertaken on the flats, with the 10% weed control approach applied on steep slopes (i.e. only control 10% of the original infestation per year).

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Site SpecificsKanuka strip: Weeds should be controlled in preparation for planting. The phoenix palm trunk weeds should also be controlled at the same time to prevent spread.

Long Term ControlRiparian edge: It is important to maintain the ephemeral stream and the area of raupo. Keeping weeds from the raupo area is highly advised. The pampas should be controlled.

Tree species: Some privets have recently been controlled due to complaints of asthma-causing pollens. It is recommended that the procedure given in MU1 be applied to this unit also. The phoenix palms are recommended for control to prevent spread. The Northbridge palms should be removed by contractors for aesthetic reasons, and the palms off track should be drilled and injected. Other tree species (willow, privet, wattle, cotoneaster) are also recommended to be removed or injected.

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Figure 9: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 6

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3.3.7 Management Unit 7 – Tank sites 1-6Priority: 3Site SummaryHealth and safety and rules within the District Plan should be considered before undertaking restoration work on the steep slopes within MU7 (refer to section 2.5 Geology). Archaeological issues as described in 2.1 Site Description should also be considered. The remainder of the tanks are within this unit (numbers 1-6 as designated by Forest & Bird North Shore).

The vegetation type in this MU is largely exotic, mainly pampas and elaeagnus. The canopy is often dominated by exotics (privet). There are phoenix palms off track near tank 4. Silverfern, mamaku, mahoe, hangehange and other species of natives are sporadic throughout this area.

The track in this area is very muddy in winter, creating a hazard for walkers and difficulty in access. An upgrade of this track is necessary to allow all year walking and access for weed control and planting. Informal tracks uphill from the main walkway should be upgraded to allow safe walking and access.

The top edge of this MU is highly visible. Weed control and planting in this area will enhance the aesthetics of the area, in turn encouraging further community participation.

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Figure 10: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 7

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Site SpecificsPampas grass and climbing asparagus should be controlled.

Long Term ControlTree species: The phoenix palms off track should be drilled and injected. Control all tree species less than 3m tall in the first year of control, provided they are not important for slope stability. Ficus species should be controlled, but will require resource consent.

Privets: Control all privets less than 3m tall in the first year of the restoration programme, provided they are not important for slope stability. Control larger privets as the budget allows, starting at the start of the walkway. Those privets that are important for slope stability should be underplanted in the first year of the weed control programme, and removed after 4-5 years once the root systems of the plantings are well-developed. Work from the boundary of MU7 and MU8 towards the boundary of MU6 and MU7.

Elaeagnus: Elaeagnus should be controlled on steep slopes at approximately 10% per annum and underplanted following control.

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3.3.8 Management Unit 8 – Millennium ForestPriority: 1Site SummaryManagement unit 8 is comprised of mown grass and the Millennium Forest. A variety of planted natives, largely manuka, have been established and are being maintained by contractors and volunteers.

Very few weeds are present, mainly pampas, moth plant, gorse and wattle. The weeds should be controlled within this MU to ensure their suppression and to prevent further spread. Maintenance of existing plantings is very important.

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Figure 11: High Density Weeds Within Management Unit 8

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3.4 Specific Control MethodsThe forest restoration framework has been developed by Te Ngahere to set a process in place to address site led restoration. A framework is necessary to achieve a targeted approach that focuses effort in an effective and efficient manner. The framework also allows a robust programme to be set that is quantitatively measurable providing a means to monitor and improve performance.

In this manner sites evolve from initial plant pest control, to being followed up, having the seedbank monitored, and then onto site protection to limit further damage from neighbouring seed sources. These are the primary restoration framework phases. In an ideal situation this evolution takes four years to reach protection status.

In addition to the primary framework, there are two supplementary phases (Tradescantia control and long-term control) , which account for scenarios where the primary framework is not suitable. Some sites may not be suitable for total removal of plant pests due to the risk of erosion, or their contribution to an otherwise absent habitat structure. In these circumstances planned slow removal is needed. The long-term control phase covers this situation.

3.4.1 Initial ControlInitial control is performed on the first visit to the site, and will consist of hand-releasing climbers, cut and stump control of small (<3m) weed tree species and foliar spraying ground covers and released climbers. Species or areas that are not targeted initially for a particular reason are considered to be in the long-term control phase and are noted in section 3.4.5.

3.4.2 Follow Up Maintenance ControlFollow up control occurs twice following initial control. This will consist of repeating work done during initial control, and should result in the successful removal of all mature weed species (excluding long-term species/areas).

3.4.3 Seedbank ControlThe site will enter the seedbank control phase when no individuals are reaching maturity i.e. fruiting (excluding long-term species/areas), and should therefore consist only of handpulling, foliar spraying or cut-stumping individuals which have emerged from seed since the last visit. It is expected that this phase will continue for around 4 years, however seeds of species such as moth plant can persist in the soil for much longer periods and may extend this phase.

3.4.4 Tradescantia ControlThe particular mode of reproduction and transport of tradescantia requires a method of control separate to that of other weed species. Tradescantia control is performed three times a year until the abundance, distribution and height of the tradescantia communities are much reduced. Once the height of the infestations are reduced to approximately 0.1m (ankle height), the frequency of control can be reduced to twice a year, in the spring and again in autumn. When only a few fragments of the weed are present, it becomes necessary to revisit the site only once a year. It is estimated that this phase will run in parallel with the primary restoration phases at this site, i.e. two visits required per year from year three and reduced to one visit from year five (refer to section 7 Timeline for details of operations). Foliar spraying must be undertaken by qualified contractors. Volunteers with appropriate Growsafe training are able to undertake spraying with Glyphosate only (NSCC, 2006) (refer to section 6.0 Volunteer Involvement).

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3.4.5 Long-Term ControlA planned, gradual approach to the removal of some species/areas of weeds is required at this site due to possible negative implications for slope stability and light levels. This term applies to large weed trees and weeds on steep slopes. It also applies to weeds that are more persistent and will require control beyond the initial and follow up stages for example elaeagnus, ivy, bamboo and arundo. It is also applies to ongoing control of weeds which will reinvade from neighbouring properties.

Large Weed TreesFelling large weed trees is costly, and is undesirable where these trees are providing benefits such as slope stability. The canopy in Tuff Crater is often sparse and the removal of large weed trees at this stage is likely to increase the rate of weed invasions unless planting and follow up weed control is performed. Tree removal is therefore a low priority and is recommended only where the budget allows and where significant native or non-invasive vegetation exists to provide shade and slope stability

Privets, hawthorn and monkey apple are however recommended to be gradually removed in staged works.

Some trees are also protected under the District Plan by Rule 8.4.6.3 and Appendix 8E (refer to section 2.3 Flora and Appendix D).

Drilling and injecting tree species is permitted by the Parks Department of North Shore City Council if undertaken by appropriately trained contractors. Currently North Shore City Council Parks volunteers are not permitted to use this methodology due to health and safety risks to volunteers and park users. NSCC guidelines currently allow the drilling and injecting of trees where these are not within 1.5x height of tree from a publicly accessable space. This tree work should be approved by the council arborist before work commences. Trees falling outside this guideline (within 1.5x height of tree from track or public area) should be removed by contractors.

Weed Species on Steep SlopesWeed control should be carefully staged on steep slopes where it is the only (or predominant) vegetation. Large scale control would decrease slope stability and increase the chance of slipping and erosion.

Control on these slopes should only be undertaken when revegetation is possible during the following winter, or where underplanting has already occurred prior to control (recommended).

Species to which this may apply include elaeagnus, pampas, woolly nightshade and privets. Chemical control on these species is recommended to ensure successful control. Any such infestation should be controlled at a rate of 10% of the original infestation per year.

ElaeagnusThe main infestation of elaeagnus is situated around tanks 1-3. The slopes are of varied angle in this area, and the infestation must be carefully controlled on steep slopes where it is the predominant vegetation. Any such infestation should be controlled at a rate of 10% of the original infestation per year. Volunteers are able to cut stump paint the elaeagnus, however it is advised that great care should be taken due to the sharp spines. Elaeagnus must be kept elevated off the ground to ensure no regrowth occurs. It is not practical to remove this off site. The tangled branches tend to keep the cut stem elevated, generally making it possible to leave in situ.

Planting will be required post-control (refer sections 4.2 Revegetation Zones, 4.3.6 Management Unit 6 and 4.3.7 Management Unit 7).

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Bamboo and ArundoBamboo and arundo can be time consuming and therefore costly to remove. Although considered to be invasive weeds, they do not set seed but spread slowly through vegetative methods only. It is therefore recommended that large clumps are not controlled until funding becomes available specifically for long term control.

An exeption is the small infestation of Arundo in MU4 (far noreastern corner of boundary) which should be controlled early.

IvyThe primary ivy infestation is in the St Peters area along the walkway. This area is covered in ivy (amongst various other weed species) and will continue to act as a seed source in this area. Consultation with the owners of the neighbouring property is suggested to negotiate the control of ivy (and other species) on these properties.

Invasive & Non-Invasive Ornamental Species on BoundariesInvasive species such as ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, agapanthus and impatience occur on and within close proximity of the boundaries of the Reserve in a number of locations. This poses a threat to the ongoing long-term control of weeds within the reserve and must be recognised as an issue. Awareness and community involvement may encourage weed control to be undertaken by neighbouring residents. However, due to the nature of the tuff ring and its associated volcanic erosion-prone soils, any control efforts are advised to be undertaken with gradual, staged works that must be checked against the District Plan to ensure it is a permitted activity. Some sections were noted as having had weed control such as privet removal undertaken, which has resulted in an influx in weed abundance due to the light wells created. Revegetation of these sites will help to mitigate these issues.

Non-invasive ornamental plants such as agaves present in neighbouring gardens around the reserve do not require control as they pose no threat to the bush and natural areas at this stage.

3.4.6 Disposal of VegetationIt is ideal to keep all cut vegetation that will not become an ongoing weed management issue on site, so that it can function as naturally fallen debris would in a native ecosystem. Stacks of vegetation create habitat for invertebrates and reptiles, which in turn creates a larger food source for native birds and reptiles that feed on invertebrates. As well as encouraging an increase in the abundance of native animals, rotting vegetation also provides excellent sites for fungi, mosses and lichens which all contribute to increasing the biodiversity of the site.

In a riparian situation however, it is important to keep cut vegetation a good distance from the waterway to ensure that the material is not washed away in a flood. Cut material should therefore be placed in small piles in areas where it will not pose a fire risk i.e. away from pathways, or chipped on site.

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4.0 REVEGETATION

4.1 Revegetation Objectives and AreasRevegetation will form a significant component of this restoration project in conjunction with weed control. The primary objective is to plant appropriate pioneer riparian/coastal plant species that have the ability to establish and grow quickly to provide a continuous healthy vegetation cover that will inhibit the re-establishment of weeds and increase habitat diversity.

A secondary revegetation objective for this site is to stabilise slopes by underplanting weed infestations on steep slopes. This practice allows native plantings to establish root systems over several years which will assist in stabilising the slope once the weeds are eventually controlled.

Native vegetation will also provide nesting sites, food and shelter for wildlife and add to the natural character of the area.

To maximise the survival of restoration plantings it is recommended that pb3 or 1-litre pot sizes are sourced for all species. In order for plantings to compete successfully with weed species, all plants should have healthy foliage with well-established root systems. Seeds should be sourced locally (eco-sourced).

All species should be planted in groups of 3-7 to mimic 'grove' effects occurring in natural situations.

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Tuff Crater Restoration PlanJuly 2009

Figure 12: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Tuff Crater

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4.2 Revegetation ZonesThe 'zone' of individual areas will change over time as weeds are controlled and/or removed. The following list gives attributes associated with each zone to help guide the revegetation of the reserve at various stages.

See table 4.1 for species recommended for planting in each zone.

An open area has no canopy and is therefore likely to be drenched in sunlight for much of the day. Species used in this area will need to be able to handle full sunlight and must compete well with weed species that may persist (i.e. colonising species)

Shady areas have some form of canopy, exotic or native, that offers some shade to the soil and plants below. Species used in these areas will need to be shade-tolerant and are often slow-growing (i.e. secondary and climax species). Faster-growing species are required when underplanting and these are indicated with a hash (#) in table 4.1.

Saltmarsh: plants for the saltmarsh zone where weed control is required. Wetgrass areas require species that tolerate surface water for much of the year

Areas adjacent to the walkway, entrances to the reserve and private properties should be revegetated with predominantly low-growing species with a few tree species.

Stabilising species to help prevent erosion on steep slopes are indicated by an asterisk (*)

4.3 MonitoringPermanent photo points are an excellent way of monitoring changes in the abundance and composition of vegetation over time. Photographs are taken at the same point annually, at several angles, to allow for a qualitative assessment of the effects of weed control on weed infestations and natural regeneration, as well as the growth and survival rates of restoration plantings. Several photo points should be set up throughout the reserve prior to any work commencing to capture the full effects of the project.

4.4 MaintenanceTo ensure the successful establishment of plantings and the long-term sustainability of the site, it is important to ensure that plantings are maintained on a regular basis, for at least 2 years following planting.

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Table 4.1: Species Suitable for Planting in Each Revegetation Zone

* = stabilising species for steep slopes

# = faster growing species for underplantingSpecies Common Name Open Shady Salt

marshWet

grassLow-

growing

Apodasmia similis jointed wire rush, oioi x

Baumea juncea baumea x

Carex dissita forest sedge x x x

Carex lessoniana rautahi, cutty grass x x x x

Coprosma repens taupata x x

Coprosma robusta karamu * # x x

Cordyline australis cabbage tree, ti kouka * x x

Cortaderia fulvida toetoe x x x

Corynocarpus laevigatus karaka x

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides kahikatea x x x

Dysoxylum spectabile kohekohe x

Hebe stricta koromiko x x

Hedycarya arborea pigeonwood x

Kunzea ericoides kanuka x

Laurelia novae-zelandiae pukatea x x x

Leptospermum scoparium manuka * x x

Macropiper excelsum kawakawa x

Melicytus ramiflorus mahoe * # x x

Metrosideros excelsa pohutukawa * x

Myoporum laetum ngaio x

Myrsine australis mapou * # x x

Olearia solandri coastal shrub daisy x x

Phormium tenax harakeke, flax * x x x

Pittosporum crassifolium karo * # x x

Plagianthus divaricatus salt marsh ribbonwood x

Pseudopanax lessonii houpara, five-finger * # x x

Rhopalostylis sapida nikau x x

Sophora chathamica kowhai x x x

Vitex lucens puriri x

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Forest and Bird has identified, after discussion with experienced botanists, the following additional plants suitable for planting at Tuff Crater. Items marked with a hash (#) are not considered colonising species and should be planted after pioneering species are established in approximately 5 years.

Botanical Name Common NameAgathis australis # kauriAlectryon excelsus # titokiAstelia banksii # coastal asteliaBeilschmiedia taraire # taraireCarex virgataCoprosma propinqua # mingimingiCoprosma macrocarpa coastal karamuCortaderia splendens toetoeCyperus ustulatus giant umbrella sedgeDacrydium cupressinum # rimuEntelea arborescens whauHoheria populnea lacebark, houhereMelicope ternata wharangiOlearia rani # heketaraPhyllocladus trichomanoides # tanekahaPittosporum tenuifolium kohuhuPlanchonella costata # tawapouPodocarpus totara # totaraPomaderris kumaraho kumarahuPomaderris amoena # tauhinuPrumnopitys ferrugineus # miroPrumnopitys taxifolia # mataīPseudopanax arboreus five-fingerPseudopanax crassifolius # lancewoodSolanum aviculare poroporoSyzygium maire # swamp maire

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4.5 Recommendations for Revegetation by Management Unit

4.5.1 Management Unit 1 – Heath Reserve

Table 4.2: Revegetation Requirements in MU1

Area Description Zone PlantsA Planting and underplanting drain A (excl. flax) Wet 100

B Planting and underplanting drain B (excl. flax) Wet 50

C Ephemeral stream (excl. flax) Wet 150

ALL Fill gaps created by control along walkway Low-growing 50

TOTAL 350

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Figure 13: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 1

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4.5.2 Management Unit 2 - Headland

Table 4.3: Revegetation Requirements in MU2

Area Description Zone PlantsA Patch – post control Open/Saltmarsh 150

B Underplant southeastern boundary Open/Shady 300

ALL Underplant privets Shady 100

ALL Walkway – post control Open/Shady 150

ALL Fill any gaps created by weed control Open/Shady/Saltmarsh

250

TOTAL 950

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Figure 14: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 2

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4.5.3 Management Unit 3 - McBreens

Table 4.4: Revegetation Requirements in MU3

Area Description Zone PlantsA Plant grass area Open 70

B Plant grass area Open 150

ALL Fill any gaps created by weed control along walkway edges & areas where privet control has been undertaken

Open/Shady

350

TOTAL 570

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Figure 15: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 3

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4.5.4 Management Unit 4 – Willow Flat

Table 4.5: Revegetation Requirements in MU4

Area Description Zone PlantsA Underplant & infill plant kahikatea-

wetgrass area and ephemeral streamOpen/Shady/

Wetgrass

50

B Underplant willow Islands Open/Wetgrass

30

C Arundo site post-control Open 100

ALL Fill any gaps created by weed control along riparian edge

Open/Saltmarsh

50

TOTAL 230

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Figure 16: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 4

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4.5.5 Management Unit 5 – St Peters

Table 4.6: Revegetation Requirements in MU5

Area Description Zone PlantsA Underplant and plant near MU6 boundary Open 200

ALL Fill any gaps created by weed control Open/Shady/

Saltmarsh

300

TOTAL 500

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Figure 17: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 5

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4.5.6 Management Unit 6 – Northbridge incl Tanks 7-9

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Figure 18: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 6

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Table 4.7: Revegetation Requirements in MU6

Area Description Zone PlantsA Plant kanuka strip Open/

Shady100

B Plant ephemeral stream Open/Low-

growing

80

C Plant where weed control is undertaken around raupo

Open/Wet grass

250

D Plant where pampas is controlled Open 1m spacing

ALL Fill any gaps created by weed control along riparian edge

Open/Saltmarsh

100

ALL Planting post-Elaeagnus control Open/Shady

500

TOTAL 1280

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4.5.7 Management Unit 7 – Tanks 1-6

The area requires high density weeds to be controlled in a staged approach. This area will require underplanting in places (e.g. under elaeagnus) and planting post weed control (e.g. pampas ). Species utilised in this MU should be suited for open areas.

Table 4.8: Revegetation Requirements in MU7

Area Description Zone PlantsALL Under privets Open/Shady 200

ALL Fill any gaps created by weed control Open At 1m spacing

ALL Planting post-Elaeagnus control Open/Shady At 1m spacing

TOTAL

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Figure 19: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 7

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4.5.8 Management Unit 8 – Millennium Forest

No areas within MU8 are recommended for planting at this time as it has now been fully planted. The area has been the focus of volunteers efforts in past years, and will mature into the Millennium Forest that was envisaged. If further planting efforts are required, species should come from open zones.

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Figure 20: Areas Currently Requiring Revegetation in Management Unit 8

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5.0 ANIMAL PEST CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS

As part of the management plan for Tuff Crater, it is important to recognise the neccessity for animal pest control to ensure the success of revegetation efforts. Terrestrial and aquatic fauna will also benefit from the control of animal pests, contributing to the development of a healthy ecosystem within Tuff Crater Reserve.

It is recommended that the animal pest control methods be decided on once the availability of funding and the volunteer base is known. This stage of the decision process should also involve elaborate public consultation. Best practice animal pest control is year-round monitoring.

Visit www.nopests.co.nz/pdf/Rodent%20Fact%20Pack.web.pdf for information on the types of equipment available for pest animal control.

It is recommended that initial trapping be undertaken using Timms traps every 100m for the control of possums. These traps are designed to avoid harming domestic pets and to lure possums in by the yellow colour. Apple is recommended to be used as bait for possums and cinnamon or apple oil to attract possums and to deter domestic pets.

Rat traps have also been designed to deter non-target animals and should be placed every 50m. The track is approximately 2.3kms in length from Heath Reserve to the Millennium Forest. Therefore, around 23 Timms traps and 46 rat traps will be required. Additional traps should be used in the Millennium forest and sections where the reserve is greater in width.

Traps should be hidden to avoid vandalism and it is recommended that traps be labelled to facilitate identification of 'hot-spots'.

Animal Welfare Regulations require that traps be checked every 72hrs. If volunteers are carrying out the pest control the volunteer base needs to be committed or large enough to ensure that this occurs. A roster system should enable concise and organised 'shifts' in animal pest control.

Trapping is recommended to be undertaken for 3 months minimum and it is very important that this occurs every year, preferably at the same time of year.

'Pulse' control can be undertaken; where one month of intensive trapping/baiting is followed by a few months break. This is then repeated.

After the initial trapping efforts it is recommended to change to Cholecalciferol gel baits. These baits are able to be placed up trees and do not require checking as often as the traps. These have been designed to maximise effectiveness and to deter domestic pets. Care must be taken when using poison baits in densely populated urban areas due to health and safety and domestic animal concerns.

Monitoring of the frequency and abundance of animal pests is important in understanding the situation within the Tuff Crater Reserve. This is a role highly suitable for volunteers (e.g. the placement, monitoring and reporting of animal pest tracking tunnels). Tracking tunnels for rodents and mustelids and wax tags for possums are methods suitable to volunteer animal pest control. The wax tags require to be left out for the duration of one fine night. Another option is the catch-trap/destructive monitoring method utilising Timms traps, which requires three consecutive fine nights and to be reset every day. For monitoring, volunteers must be able to identify animal bite marks and tracks. It is best to undertake monitoring in February and the period of September-November, at least once but twice is preferred.

A program to deal with wasps should be implemented. Wasps are detrimental to other fauna as well as a hazard to walkers and volunteers. If volunteers find a wasp nest they should contact Actionline 486 8600 and a council contractor will deal with the nest.

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6.0 VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT

North Shore City Council Volunteer Guidelines (2006) set clear guidelines within which volunteers can work. Assistance with volunteers is also available, maximising the benefit to both the community and North Shore City Council's volunteer network.

As there is an already established volunteer source that has been operating under the guidance of Forest & Bird North Shore Branch, it is recommended that volunteers be engaged in suitable activities in the project site wherever possible. Volunteer involvement helps instil a sense of ownership in the local community and to keep project costs down. This section highlights activities that would be suitable for volunteer involvement. As previously mentioned, volunteer resource and motivation may determine which management units are prioritised (e.g. a group may prefer to restore a certain area due to locality).

6.1 Weed Control Volunteers are permitted to control pest plants within parks and reserves using Glyphosate and Vigilant gel. These are the only chemicals that volunteers are permitted to apply. Vigilant gel is available for the treatment of woody weeds and currently no training is required to use this. Spraying of pest plants with Glyphosate can only be undertaken by Growsafe trained volunteers. All spray applicators (contractors and volunteers) need to follow the appropriate council guidelines for herbicide application. This includes completing a Growsafe Certificate prior to any spraying taking place, wearing protective clothing and public notification of the spraying in the local newspaper.

The location and the pest plants to be controlled need to be authorised by the parks officer for the ward prior to any work being carried out.

For health and safety reasons volunteers are not permitted to use mechanical machinery to prune any park or street tree. This includes chainsaws.

Weed trees can be cut using a handsaw, provided the diameter of the tree near the base is less than 150mm. Weed trees larger than this should be removed by a contractor.

The seeds of many weed species can remain viable in the soil for long periods, meaning that weed seedlings will continue to sprout at the site for many years after the seed source has been removed. Most weed seedlings can be effectively controlled by hand pulling, a simple activity that benefits the local environment by reducing the amount of herbicide required. Vine and woody weed seedlings can be effectively controlled in this way, however any mature plants and ground cover species such as tradescantia are best controlled using herbicides. Care should be taken to remove the roots of seedlings, as some species have the capacity to grow from untreated stumps. See Appendix D for recommended control methods.

Vines such as moth plant could be a high priority for volunteers to control in all units and an exception to the principle of controlling weeds per unit as suggested in this plan.

Department of CorrectionsWorkers for the Department of Corrections can be incorporated into the restoration programme to reduce initial control and maintenance costs, with management by Forest & Bird North Shore Branch.

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6.2 PlantingWith the guidance of the planting plan included in this document, volunteers can undertake revegetation of the site. Supervision by a suitably experienced volunteer or contractor may be required to ensure that correct planting techniques are employed, resulting in a quality planting.

6.3 Animal Pest Monitoring & ControlAs mentioned in section 5 Animal Pest Control Recommendations, volunteers are highly valuable in gaining the information required to develop an animal pest control plan. The placement, monitoring and reporting of tracking tunnels by volunteers would provide valuable information in the decision-making process.

6.4 The Use Of ContractorsWorks that should be carried out by a contractor include, but are not limited to:

• the use of any herbicide not permitted to be used by volunteers.

• large scale weed control outside the scope of the volunteer resource.

• weed control on steep slopes.

• the removal of large exotic trees.

• the use of any machinery.

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7.0 TIMELINE

One of the requirements for successful weed control is having a long-term approach to the programme. The characteristics of a number of weed species means the site needs to be constantly re-visited after the initial control period to ensure re-growth and the germinating seed bank present in the soil is controlled. The long-term goal should be to gradually reduce the weed infestations within the reserve and therefore reduce the amount of herbicide and other resources required for weed control. This ongoing, constant approach substantially increases the potential of successfully restoring the area.

Weed control and revegetation programmes spread over several years (5+) have a significantly higher likelihood of success, due to the following reasons:

• The majority of weed species require numerous treatments to achieve effective control.

• Any seedlings missed or recently germinated can be identified and controlled.

• Restoration staff will develop a good working knowledge of the area, increasing their efficiency and effectiveness.

Below is an outline of suggested time frames for weed control and planting maintenance of the different management units, with planting in winter. The tank sites will take approximately 10 years to restore.

After the first five years of regular weed operations in an area, it is expected that two visits per year would be required to maintain the site and to monitor the site for new weed arrivals.

This plan should be revised approximately every three years by Te Ngahere or Forest & Bird to ensure relevant and effective restoration.

The timeline clearly depends on the volunteer and funding resource. Sufficient volunteer time must be available to manage contractors, carry out planting and most importantly maintain the areas under restoration. Work on new areas should begin when follow up maintenance is assured. The corollary is that if finance and workforce permits, the timeline can be accelerated.

Work may be carried out on lower priority areas as “window dressing”. This means deliberately working on high visibility areas to improve their appearance and hence gain community support. The timeline is therefore flexible to allow this to occur.

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YEAR ONE - 2009

Summary:• All units: Initial control moth plant.• MU8: Control pampas, moth plant, gorse and wattles. Maintain plantings.• MU2: Initial control and follow up of groundcovers, vines and tradescantia. • MU7: Drill and inject or remove phoenix palms. Begin initial control tank sites 1-3.

Tradescantia control. Remove or drill tree species. Start staged elaeagnus control.• MU6: Drill and inject or remove phoenix palms, control pampas in raupo area • MU3: Control outlying pampas.• MU4: Control small arundo infestation and pampas.• MU5: Remove monkey apple trees, control pampas.

Priority Unit Phase1 All units Control moth plant

2 MU8 Control of weeds and maintenance

3 MU2 Commence initial control

4 MU2 Control ground covers and vines

5 MU2 Commence tradescantia control

6 MU6&7 Remove and drill phoenix palms

7 MU2 Follow up control

8 MU2 Underplant southeastern patch

9 MU7 Begin initial control on vines, pampas, elaeagnus, privet, and willow.

10 MU3-6 Initial control outlying pampas

11 MU4 Control small arundo plot below St Peters

12 MU6-8 Upgrade access tracks

13 MU4 Control monkey apples

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YEAR TWO - 2010

Summary:• All units: Follow up control of moth plant.• MU8: Maintain plantings and follow up control.• MU2: Plant gaps created by weed control and underplant where required. Follow up weed

control including tradescantia and begin long term control.• MU7: Undertake follow up control (in area of previous year) including tradescantia control

and continue initial control. Continue staged elaeagnus control. Plant any areas where weed control has created gaps.

• MU3-6: Follow up control of outlying pampas Plant any areas where weed control has created gaps and in specified areas.

Priority Unit Phase1 All All areas control moth plant

2 MU8 & 2 Maintain plantings and follow up control

3 MU2,6,&7 Follow up control, commence tradescantia control

4 MU3&4 Follow up pampas control

5 MU2 Begin long term control

6 MU7 Follow up control and continue initial control

7 MU2&7 Plant elaeagnus areas and where weed control has created gaps

8 MU6 Plant where weed control has created gaps

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YEAR THREE - 2011

Summary:• All units: Follow up control moth plant.• MU8: Maintain plantings and undertake seedbank control.• MU2: Maintain plantings, follow up control including tradescantia and continue long term

control. Revegetate where required (post weed control). Undertake seedbank control.• MU7: Maintain plantings, follow up including tradescantia and continue initial control.

Undertake seedbank control. Revegetate where required (post weed control). Continue staged elaeagnus control.

• MU6: Follow up control (in area of previous year) including tradescantia. Continue initial control. Begin Long term control. Revegetate where required (post weed control).

• MU3: Begin initial control including vine species and woolly nightshade. Prepare and plant grass areas. Planting where required (post weed control).

Priority Unit Phase1 All units Follow up control mothplant

2 MU2,6,7&8

Maintain plantings

3 MU2 Follow up control

4 MU2,6,7 Tradescantia control

5 MU7 Continue follow up control

6 MU2,7&8 Seedbank control

7 MU2 Continue long term control

8 MU7 Continue initial control

9 MU6 Continue follow up control

10 MU6 Begin long term control

11 MU2,6&7 Plant where weed control has created gaps

12 MU3 Commence Initial control

13 MU3 Plant where weed control has created gaps

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YEAR FOUR - 2012

Summary:• All units: Seedbank control moth plant.• MU8: Maintain plantings and undertake seedbank control.• MU2: Maintain plantings and undertake seedbank, tradescantia, and long term weed

control.• MU7: Maintain plantings and undertake seedbank, tradescantia, and long term weed

control. Plant gaps. Extend initial control to tanks 4-6. • MU6: Maintain plantings and continue follow up, tradescantia and seedbank weed control.

Continue initial and long term control. • MU3: Maintain plantings, and undertake follow up and begin long term weed control.

Revegetate where required post weed control.• MU5: Commence initial control and follow up of ground weeds. Plant gaps created by

weed control including Area A.• MU4: Plant wet areas A-C• MU1: Commence initial and follow up control. Plant gaps, drains and ephemeral stream.

Priority Unit Phase1 All units Seedbank control of mothplant

2 MU2,3,6,7&8 Maintain plantings

3 MU2,6,&7 Continue tradescantia control

4 MU6&7 Follow up control

5 MU2,7&8 Long term control

6 MU2,6,7&8 Seedbank control

7 MU6 Long term control

8 MU7 Extend initial control to tanks 4-6

9 MU6 Continue initial control

10 MU3 Follow up control & extend initial control

11 MU3 Long term control

12 MU5 Commence initial control

13 MU5 Follow up control

14 MU2,3,6,7&8 Plant where weed control has created gaps

15 MU5 Plant gaps and area A

16 MU4 Prepare planting areas A, B (and C if arundo controlled)

17 MU4 Plant areas A, B (and C if arundo controlled)

18 MU1 Commence initial control

19 MU1 Plant ephemeral stream and 2 drains

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YEAR FIVE - 2013

Summary:• All units: Seedbank control moth plant.• MU8: Maintain plantings, continue tradescantia and seedbank control.• MU2: Maintain plantings, continue tradescantia, seedbank and long term control. Plant

gaps. • MU7: Maintain plantings, continue follow up, tradescantia and long term weed control. Plant

gaps. • MU6: Maintain plantings and continue tradescantia, seedbank and long term control. Plant

gaps.• MU3: Maintain plantings, and continue tradescantia, seedbank and long term control weed

control. Plant gaps.• MU5: Maintain plantings, and continue initial control of ground weeds. Undertake

tradescantia, follow up and long term control. Plant gaps created by weed control.• MU4: Maintain planted areas. Commence initial, follow up, tradescantia and long term

control.• MU1: Maintain planted areas. Continue follow up and tradescantia and long term control.

Plant gaps.

Priority Unit Phase1 All units Seedbank control of mothplant

2 All Units Maintain plantings

3 All units Tradescantia control

4 MU2,3,6,7&8

Seedbank control

5 MU5 Follow up control and continue initial control

6 MU1 Follow up control

7 MU4 Follow up control and continue initial control

8 All units Long term control

9 All units Plant where weed control has created gaps

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YEAR SIX - 2014

Summary:• All Units: Maintain plantings.• All Units: Tradescantia control • All units: Seedbank control• All Units: Revegetate areas created by weed control.• All units: Continue long term control as required. • MU1,4&5: Follow up control • MU6: Extend initial control to tanks 7-9.

Priority Unit Phase1 All Units Maintain plantings

2 All units Tradescantia control

3 All units Seedbank control

4 MU1,4&5 Follow up control

5 All units Long term control as required

6 All Units Plant gaps

7 MU6 Extend initial control to tanks 7-9

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YEAR SEVEN - TEN

Summary:• All Units: Maintain plantings. • All Units: Tradescantia control, seedbank control & continue long term control as required.• All Units: Revegetate areas created by weed control.

Priority Unit Phase1 All Units Maintain plantings

2 All units Tradescantia control

3 All units Seedbank control

4 All units Long term control as required

5 MU6 Continue initial and follow up control tanks 7-9

6 All Units Plant gaps

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8.0 REFERENCES

Auckland Regional council (2007). Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-2012.Auckland: Author.

Auckland Regional Council. (1999). Auckland Regional Policy Statement. Auckland: Author.

Auckland Regional Council. Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal. Auckland: Author.

Auckland Regional Council. (2001). Auckland Regional Plan: Sediment. Auckland: Author.

Auckland Regional Council. (2004). Auckland Regional Plan: Air, Land & Water. Auckland: Author.

Auckland Regional Council and North Shore City Council. (2005). North Shore City EcologicalSurvey: A Survey of Sites of Ecological Significance in Tamaki and Rodney EcologicalDistricts. Auckland: Author.

Birkenhead Historical Society. (2006). Members Stories: The Northcote Fuel Tank Farm to 1989.Speech given to the Birkenhead Historical Society 13 May 2006. Retrieved 18 November2008, from http://www.historicbirkenhead.com/membersstories45.htm.

Department of Conservation. (1995). Conservation Management Strategy Volume III. For Auckland1995-2005. Auckland Conservancy Conservation Management Planning Series No 2.Volume III of three volumes. Wellington: Author.

Department of Conservation. (1998). Department of Conservation Strategic Plan for Managing InvasiveWeeds (ed. SJ Owen). Wellington: Author.

Department of Conservation & Ministry for the Environment. (2000). The New Zealand BiodiversityStrategy. Our Chance to Turn the Tide. Whakakohukihukititia Te Tai Rorok Ki Te TaiOranga. Wellington: Author.

North Shore City Council. (2002). North Shore City District Plan. North Shore: Author.

North Shore City Council. (2006). Your Park in Your Hands. A Guide to volunteering in our parks.North Shore: Author.

Woodroffe, C. D. (1985). Studies of a mangrove basin, Tuff Crater, New Zealand: 1. MangroveBiomass and production of detritus. Estuar. coast. mar. Sci. 20: 265–280.

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9.0 APPENDICES

9.1 APPENDIX A: NATIVE SPECIES LIST FOR TUFF CRATER(P) = planted. Note that Millennium Forest species are not recorded.

Plant list compiled by Richard Hursthouse, Deputy Chair, Forest and Bird North Shore, with the assistance of Auckland Botanical Society, particularly Leslie Haines.

*Ak Bot Soc additions Nov 08

Gymnosperms

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides kahikatea*Phyllocladus trichomanoides tanekahaPodocarpus totara totaraDacrydium cupressinum (P) rimu

Monocots

Apodasmia similis jointed wire rush, oioi*Astrostipa stipoides

Astelia banksii coastal astelia, shore kowharawhara*Baumea juncea sedge, tussock swamp twig rush*Bolboschoenus caldwellii

Bolboshoenus fluviatilis kakaraho, purua, marsh clubrush*Bolboschoenus medianus

Carex dissita forest sedge*Carex flagellifera

*Carex lessoniana rautahi, cutty grass*Carex secta purei*Carex lambertiana

*Carex virgata

Cordyline australis cabbage tree, ti koukaCortaderia fulvida toetoe*Cortaderia splendens coastal toetoe Cyperus ustulatus toetoe opoko-tangata, giant umbrella sedge *Eleocharis acuta sharp spike sedge*Ficinia nodosa knobby clubrush *Isolepis cernua slender clubrush *Isolepis prolifera

*Juncus edgariae wiwi

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*Juncus kraussii sea rush *Juncus pallidus

Juncus sarophorus

*Oplismenus hirtellis

Phormium tenax flaxPhormium cookianum coastal flax*Rhopalostylis sapida nikau*Schoenus apogon

*Scheonoplectus tabernaemontae

*Triglochin striata arrow grassTypha orientalis raupoUncinia uncinata hook grass

Dicots

Alectryon excelsus titokiAvicennia marina mangroveAristotelia serrata wineberry*Beilschmiedia tarairi

Coprosma areolata thin-leaved coprosma*Coprosma cunninghamii

Coprosma macrocarpa coastal karamuCoprosma propinqua mingimingiCoprosma repens taupataCoprosma robusta karamuCorynocarpus laevigatus karaka*Cotula coronopifolia Batchelors button, yellow buttons, waterbuttonsDysoxylum spectabile kohekoheGeniostoma ligustrifolium hangehangeGriselinia lucida pukaHaloragis erecta toatoaHebe stricta koromikoHoheria populnea lacebarkIpomoea cairica Powhiwhi, railway creeper, coastal morning glory*Knightea excelsa rewarewaKunzea ericoides kanuka

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*Lactonagrostis filiformus

Leptospermum scoparium manuka*Leucopogon fasciculatus

*Lobelia anceps

Lophomyrtus bullata ramarama, NZ myrtleMacropiper excelsum kawakawa*Melicope ternata wharangiMelicytus ramiflorus mahoe*Meryta sinclairii pukaMetrosideros excelsa pohutukawaMeuhlenbeckia complexa pohuehueMyrsine australis mapouMyoporum laetum ngaioOlearia rani (P) heketaraOlearia solandri coastal tree daisy*Parsonsia heterophylla NZ jasminePittosporum crassifolium karoPittosporum eugenioides tarata, lemonwoodPittosporum tenuifolium kohuhu, black matipoPlagianthus divaricatus salt marsh ribbonwoodPomaderris apetala tainuiPomaderris kumeraho kumarahoPseudopanax arboreus five finger, whauwhaupakuPseudopanax lessonii houpara*Samolus repens sea primrose, shore pimpernel, maakoako*Selliera radicans remuremu*Senecio glomeratus

*Senecio hispidulus

Solanum laciniatum poroporo, bullibulliSarcocornia quinqueflora syn. Salicornia australis

Glasswort, ureure

Sophora chathamica Common kowhaiSophora tetraptera Large leaf kowhaiVitex lucens puriri

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Ground ferns

*Adiantum cunninghamii

*Adiantum hispidulum

*Asplenium oblongifolium shining spleenwort *Blechnum novae-zelandiae kiokio, horokio, palm leaf fernDoodia australis pukupuku Paesia scaberula scented fern *Pteris tremula

Pteridium esculentum bracken

Tree ferns

Cyathea medullaris mamaku, black tree fernCyathea dealbata silver fern, pongaDicksonia squarrosa wheki

Climbing ferns, epiphytic ferns, fern allies

Pyrrosia eleagnifolia leather leaf fern*Microsorum pustulatum

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9.2 APPENDIX B: EXOTIC SPECIES OBSERVED AT TUFF CRATER NOVEMBER 2008 AND CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE RPMS 2007-2012 BY ABUNDANCE

# = Research organism under the RPMS (2007) and protected under the District Plan.

**= Notable trees protected under the District Plan.

Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

Cortaderia sp. pampas Abundant Surveillance

Crataegus monogyna hawthorn Abundant Surveillance

Elaeagnus x reflexa elaeagnus Abundant Surveillance, Community Initiative

Ligustrum lucidum tree privet Abundant Surveillance, Community Initiative

Ligustrum sinense Chinese privet Abundant Surveillance, Community Initiative

Pennisetum clandestinum

kikuyu Abundant

Tradescantia fluminensis

tradescantia, wandering Jew Abundant Surveillance

Agapanthus praecox agapanthus Common Surveillance

Araujia hortorum moth plant, kapok vine, cruel plant

Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Convolvulus sp. convolvulus Common

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora

montbretia Common Surveillance

Euphorbia sp. milkweeds Common

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

cotoneaster Common Surveillance

Cyperus eragostis umbrella sedge Common

Daucus carota wild carrot Common

Geranium sp. geranium Common

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Oxalis sp. wood sorrel, oxalis Common

Paraserianthes lophantha

brush wattle Common Surveillance

Plantago spp. plantain Common

Ranunculus sp. buttercup Common

Rumex obtusifolius broad-leaved dock Common

Salix cinerea grey willow, pussy willow Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Salix fragilis crack willow Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Solanum mauritianum woolly nightshade Common Containment, Community Initiative

Syzygium smithii (Acmena smithii)

monkey apple, acmena, lilly pilly

Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Tropaeolum majus nasturtium Common

Zantedeschia aethiopica arum lily, green goddess Common Surveillance

Acacia longifolia # sydney golden wattle Rare

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Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

Allium triquetrum three cornered garlic, onion weed

Rare

Alnus glutinosa # alder Rare

Alocasia brisbanensis elephant's ear Rare Surveillance

Asimina sp. paw paw Rare

Asparagus asparagoides

smilax, bridal creeper Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Asparagus scandens climbing asparagus Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Banksia integrifolia coastal banksia Rare Surveillance

Betula sp. birch Rare

Buddleja davidii buddleia, butterfly bush Rare Surveillance

Callistemon sp. bottle brush Rare

Cestrum nocturnum # Queen of the night Rare

Chrysanthemoides monilifera

boneseed Rare Surveillance

Cirsium vulgare scotch/spear thistle Rare

Cupressus macrocarpa macrocarpa Rare

Cyperus involucratus umbrella sedge Rare

Erythrina xsykesii flame tree, coral tree Rare

Fatsia japonica fatsi, Japanese aralia Rare

Ficus macrophylla # Morton Bay fig Rare

Ficus sp. fig tree Rare

Hedychium flavescens yellow ginger Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Helminthotheca echioides

ox-tongue Rare

Homalanthus populifolius

Queensland poplar Rare Surveillance

Kniphofia uvaria red-hot poker, torch lily Rare

Macadamia sp. macadamia Rare

Malus domestica apple Rare

Monstera deliciosa fruit salad plant, swiss cheese plant

Rare

Nandina domestica nandina, sacred bamboo Rare

Phoenix sp. phoenix palm Rare Surveillance

Passiflora mollisima banana passionfruit Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Polygala myrtfolia sweet pea shrub Rare Surveillance

Prunus campanulata # Taiwanese cherry Rare

Rhododendron sp. rhododendron Rare

Rumex sp. dock species Rare

Salix babylonica ** weeping willows Rare

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Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'

tortured willow, curly willow Rare

Setaria palmifolia palm grass Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Solanum nigrum black nightshade Rare

Tetrapanax papyriferus rice-paper plant/palm Rare

Trachycarpus fortunei # Chinese windmill palm Rare

Verbena bonariensis status, purple top Rare

Vinca major periwinkle Rare Surveillance

Ageratina adenophora Mexican devil Localised

Apium nodiflorum water celery Localised

Arundaria sp. bamboo Localised

Arundo donax giant reed Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Bambusa sp. bamboo Localised

Calystegia silvatica convolvulus, giant bindweed Localised

Canna sp. canna lily Localised

Chlorophytum sp. spider plant Localised

Crassula multicava fairy crassula, pitted crassula Localised Surveillance

Escallonia sp. escallonia Localised

Eucalyptus sp.** eucalyptus Localised

Fallopia convolvulus cornbind Localised

Gallium aparine cleavers Localised

Hedera helix common ivy, English ivy Localised Surveillance

Hedychium gardnerianum

Kahili ginger Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Impatiens sp. impatience, dizzy lizzie, busy lizzie

Localised

Impatiens sodenii shrub balsam Localised

Jasminum polyanthum jasmine Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Lotus pedunculatus lotus Localised

Mentha sp. mint Localised

Myosotis sp. forget-me-not Localised

Nasturtium officinale watercress Localised

Nephrolepis cordifolia tuber ladder fern Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Osteospermum fruticosum

dimorphotheca Localised

Paspalum distichum water couch, knot grass, paspalum

Localised

Persicaria sp. polygonum Localised

Plectranthus ciliatus blue spur flower, plectranthus Localised Surveillance

Poplulus sp. poplar Localised

Pseudosasa japonica bamboo Localised

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Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

Rosa sp. rose Localised

Rubus fruticosus agg. blackberry Localised Surveillance

Rubus sp. berry Localised

Senecio angulatus Cape ivy, climbing groundsel Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Senecio mikanioides German ivy Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Soliva sessilis Onehunga weed Localised

Thunbergia elata black-eyed susan Localised

Ulex europaeus gorse Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Vicia sativa vetch Localised

Watsonia bulbillifera watsonia Localised

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9.3 APPENDIX C: EXOTIC SPECIES OBSERVED AT TUFF CRATER NOVEMBER 2008 AND CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE RPMS 2007-2012 ALPHABETICAL

# = Research organism under the RPMS (2007) and protected under the District Plan.

**= Notable trees protected under the District Plan.

Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

Acacia longifolia # sydney golden wattle Rare

Agapanthus praecox agapanthus Common Surveillance

Ageratina adenophora Mexican devil Localised

Allium triquetrum three cornered garlic, onion weed

Rare

Alnus glutinosa # alder Rare

Alocasia brisbanensis elephant's ear Rare Surveillance

Apium nodiflorum water celery Localised

Araujia hortorum moth plant, kapok vine, cruel plant

Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Arundaria sp. bamboo Localised

Arundo donax giant reed Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Asimina sp. paw paw Rare

Asparagus asparagoides

smilax, bridal creeper Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Asparagus scandens climbing asparagus Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Bambusa sp. bamboo Localised

Banksia integrifolia coastal banksia Rare Surveillance

Banksia integrifolia coastal banksia Rare Surveillance

Betula sp. birch Rare

Buddleja davidii buddleia, butterfly bush Rare Surveillance

Callistemon sp. bottle brush Rare

Calystegia silvatica convolvulus, giant bindweed Localised

Canna sp. canna lily Localised

Cestrum nocturnum # Queen of the night Rare

Chlorophytum sp. spider plant Localised

Chrysanthemoides monilifera

boneseed Rare Surveillance

Cirsium vulgare scotch/spear thistle Rare

Convolvulus sp. convolvulus Common

Cortaderia sp. pampas Abundant Surveillance

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

cotoneaster Common Surveillance

Crassula multicava fairy crassula, pitted crassula Localised Surveillance

Crataegus monogyna hawthorn Abundant Surveillance

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora

montbretia Common Surveillance

Cupressus macrocarpa macrocarpa Rare

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Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

Cyperus eragostis umbrella sedge Common

Cyperus involucratus umbrella sedge Rare

Daucus carota wild carrot Common

Elaeagnus x reflexa elaeagnus Abundant Surveillance, Community Initiative

Erythrina xsykesii flame tree, coral tree Rare

Escallonia sp. escallonia Localised

Eucalyptus sp.** eucalyptus Localised

Euphorbia sp. milkweeds Common

Fallopia convolvulus cornbind Localised

Fatsia japonica fatsi, Japanese aralia Rare

Ficus macrophylla # Morton Bay fig Rare

Ficus sp. fig tree Rare

Gallium aparine cleavers Localised

Geranium sp. geranium Common

Hedera helix common ivy, English ivy Localised Surveillance

Hedychium flavescens yellow ginger Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Hedychium gardnerianum

Kahili ginger Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Helminthotheca echioides

ox-tongue Rare

Homalanthus populifolius

Queensland poplar Rare Surveillance

Homalanthus populifolius

Queensland poplar Rare Surveillance

Impatiens sodenii shrub balsam Localised

Impatiens sp. impatience, dizzy lizzie, busy lizzie

Localised

Jasminum polyanthum jasmine Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Kniphofia uvaria red-hot poker, torch lily Rare

Ligustrum lucidum tree privet Abundant Surveillance, Community Initiative

Ligustrum sinense Chinese privet Abundant Surveillance, Community Initiative

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Lotus pedunculatus lotus Localised

Macadamia sp. macadamia Rare

Malus domestica apple Rare

Mentha sp. mint Localised

Monstera deliciosa fruit salad plant, swiss cheese plant

Rare

Myosotis sp. forget-me-not Localised

Nandina domestica nandina, sacred bamboo Rare

Nasturtium officinale watercress Localised

Nephrolepis cordifolia tuber ladder fern Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Osteospermum dimorphotheca Localised

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Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

fruticosum

Oxalis sp. wood sorrel, oxalis Common

Paraserianthes lophantha

brush wattle Common Surveillance

Paspalum distichum water couch, knot grass, paspalum

Localised

Passiflora mollisima banana passionfruit Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Pennisetum clandestinum

kikuyu Abundant

Persicaria sp. polygonum Localised

Phoenix sp. phoenix palm Rare Surveillance

Plantago spp. plantain Common

Plectranthus ciliatus blue spur flower, plectranthus Localised Surveillance

Polygala myrtfolia sweet pea shrub Rare Surveillance

Poplarulus sp. poplar Localised

Prunus campanulata # Taiwanese cherry Rare

Pseudosasa japonica bamboo Localised

Ranunculus sp. buttercup Common

Rhododendron sp. rhododendron Rare

Rosa sp. rose Localised

Rubus fruticosus agg. blackberry Localised Surveillance

Rubus sp. berry Localised

Rumex obtusifolius broad-leaved dock Common

Rumex sp. dock species Rare

Salix babylonica ** weeping willows Rare

Salix cinerea grey willow, pussy willow Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Salix fragilis crack willow Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'

tortured willow, curly willow Rare

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'

tortured willow, curly willow Rare

Senecio angulatus Cape ivy, climbing groundsel Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Senecio mikanioides German ivy Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Setaria palmifolia palm grass Rare Surveillance, Community Initiative

Solanum mauritianum woolly nightshade Common Containment, Community Initiative

Solanum nigrum black nightshade Rare

Soliva sessilis Onehunga weed Localised

Syzygium smithii (Acmena smithii)

monkey apple, acmena, lilly pilly

Common Surveillance, Community Initiative

Tetrapanax papyriferus rice-paper plant/palm Rare

Thunbergias elata black-eyed susan Localised

Trachycarpus fortunei # Chinese windmill palm Rare

Tradescantia tradescantia, wandering Jew Abundant Surveillance

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Species Common Name Abundance RPMS Designation (ARC, 2007)

fluminensis

Tropaeolum majus nasturtium Common

Ulex europaeus gorse Localised Surveillance, Community Initiative

Verbena bonariensis status, purple top Rare

Vicia sativa vetch Localised

Vinca major periwinkle Rare Surveillance

Watsonia bulbillifera watsonia Localised

Zantedeschia aethiopica arum lily, green goddess Common Surveillance

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9.4 APPENDIX D: WEED SPECIES SPECIFIC CONTROL METHODOLOGY

Key: Tri = Triclopyr, Gly = Glyphosate, Met = Metsulphron, Vig = Vigilant, D = drill inject, R = ringbark, CS = cut stump & paint, F = foliar spray, RT = re-treat, HP = handpull, H = hang/elevate or remove from site, G = grub out

Species Common Name Tri Gly Met Vig Manual

Acacia longifolia sydney golden wattle CS CS HP

Agapanthus praecox agapanthus F G

Ageratina adenophora Mexican devil F F HP

Allium triquetrum three cornered garlic, onion weed

F G

Alnus glutinosa alder CS/F CS HP

Alocasia brisbanensis elephant's ear CS/F

Apium nodiflorum water celery F G

Araujia hortorum moth plant, kapok vine, cruel plant

F CS/F HP-H

Arundaria sp. bamboo CS-RT

Arundo donax giant reed CS-RT

Asimina sp. paw paw CS HP

Asparagus asparagoides smilax, bridal creeper F G

Asparagus scandens climbing asparagus F G

Bambusa sp. bamboo CS-RT

Banksia integrifolia Coastal banksia CS CS HP

Betula sp. birch CS CS CS HP

Buddleja davidii buddleia, butterfly bush CS CS

Callistemon sp. bottle brush CS CS

Calystegia silvatica convolvulus, giant bindweed CS/F HP

Canna sp. canna lily CS/F CS/F

Cestrum nocturnum Queen of the night CS CS HP-H

Chlorophytum sp. spider plant F F G

Chrysanthemoides monilifera boneseed CS CS HP-H

Cirsium vulgare scotch/spear thistle F

Convolvulus sp. convolvulus F HP

Cortaderia sp. pampas F HP

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus cotoneaster CS CS H

Crassula multicava fairy crassula, pitted crassula F G

Crataegus monogyna hawthorn CS CS

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora montbretia F-RT F-RT G

Cupressus macrocarpa macrocarpa CS CS CS

Cyperus eragrostis umbrella sedge F G

Cyperus involucratus umbrella sedge F G

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Species Common Name Tri Gly Met Vig Manual

Daucus carota wild carrot F G

Elaeagnus x reflexa elaeagnus CS CS H

Erythrina xsykesii flame tree, coral tree D CS H

Escallonia sp. escallonia CS/F CS/F CS HP

Eucalyptus sp.** eucalyptus F CS CS HP

Euphorbia sp. milkweeds F HP

Fallopia convolvulus cornbind CS/F HP

Fatsia japonica fatsi, Japanese aralia CS CS CS HP-H

Ficus macrophylla Morton Bay fig D CS CS

Ficus sp. fig tree D CS CS

Galium aparine cleavers F HP

Geranium sp. geranium F F

Hedera helix common ivy, English ivy F-RT

Hedychium flavescens yellow ginger CS/F

Hedychium gardnerianum Kahili ginger CS/F

Helminthotheca echioides ox-tongue F HP

Homalanthus populifolius Queensland poplar CS CS HP-H

Impatiens sodenii shrub balsam F F HP-H

Impatiens sp. impatience, dizzy lizzie, busy lizzie

F F HP-H

Jasminum polyanthum jasmine CS

Kniphofia uvaria red-hot poker, torch lily F

Ligustrum lucidum tree privet CS/F CS HP

Ligustrum sinense Chinese privet CS/F HP

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle CS/F H

Lotus pedunculatus lotus F

Macadamia sp. macadamia CS CS

Malus domestica apple CS CS

Mentha sp. mint F G

Monstera deliciosa fruit salad plant, swiss chees plant

CS

Myosotis sp. forget-me-not F G

Nandina domestica nandina, sacred bamboo CS/F HP-H

Nasturtium officinale watercress F

Nephrolepis cordifolia tuber ladder fern F G

Osteospermum fruticosum dimorphotheca F F G

Oxalis sp. wood sorrel, oxalis F G

Paraserianthes lophantha brush wattle CS/F CS HP

Paspalum distchum water couch, knot grass, paspalum

G

Passiflora mollisima banana passionfruit CS CS CS/F HP

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Species Common Name Tri Gly Met Vig Manual

Pennisetum clandestinum kikuyu F

Persicaria sp. polygonum F

Phoenix sp. phoenix palm CS CS H

Plantago spp. plantain F G

Plectranthus ciliatus blue spur flower, plectranthus F G

Polygala myrtfolia sweet pea shrub CS CS HP

Poplar sp. poplar CS/R CS HP-H

Prunus campanulata Taiwanese cherry CS/F CS HP-H

Pseudosasa japonica bamboo CS

Ranunculus sp. buttercup F G

Rhododendron sp. rhododendron CS CS HP

Rosa sp. rose CS CS

Rubus fruticosus agg. blackberry F CS/F G

Rumex obtusifolius broad-leaved dock F G

Rumex sp. berry CS/F CS/F G

Rumex sp. dock species F G

Salix cinerea grey willow, pussy willow F F/R CS HP-H

Salix babylonica weeping willow F F/R HP-H

Salix fragilis crack willow F F/R CS HP-H

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' **

tortured willow, curly willow F F/R HP-H

Senecio angulatus Cape ivy, climbing groundsel F-RT

Senecio mikanioides German ivy F-RT

Setaria palmifolia palm grass F G

Solanum mauritianum woolly nightshade CS CS/F CS HP

Solanum nigrum black nightshade CS/F HP

Soliva sessilis Onehunga weed F G

Syzygium smithii (Acmena smithii)

monkey apple, acmena, lilly pilly

CS CS HP

Tetrapanax papyriferus rice-paper plant/palm CS CS/F F HP

Thunbergis elata black-eyed susan F G

Trachycarpus fortunei windmill palm CS/D CS H

Tradescantia fluminensis tradescantia, wandering Jew F-RT F-RT G

Tropaeolum majus nasturtium F-R HP

Ulex europaeus gorse CS/F CS/F HP

Verbena bonariensis status, purple top F HP

Vicia sativa vetch F G

Vinca major periwinkle F-RT F-RT G

Watsonia bulbillifera watsonia F G

Zantedeschia aethiopica arum lily, green goddess F CS/F

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9.5 APPENDIX E: NORTH SHORE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT PLAN EXTRACTS

"8.4.6.3 Protection of Trees on Roads and ReservesThe following rules apply to all trees located on any road, public reserve or recreation

land, notwithstanding that the tree(s) may not qualify for protection under the provisions

of either Rule 8.4.6.1.2, Rule 8.4.6.1.3 or Rule 8.4.6.2.

a) The following shall be Limited Discretionary Activities and require a resource

consent, with no application fee in the first instance, unless protected by Rule

8.4.6.1.3: Discretionary Activities or Rule 8.4.6.2: Notable Trees:

i) Any cut or alteration to any tree (not including the destruction or removal of any

tree).

ii) Any cut or alteration to any identified group of trees (but not including

destruction or removal) by a network utility operator which may be undertaken

over a specified period of time, for the maintenance of a network utility as

required by network utility regulations and/or legislation.

iii) Within the root zone of any trees on roads and reserves,

• Alteration of ground level or water table by deposition or excavation

• Storage of materials, vehicles or machinery, except within designated street

parking areas covered by impermeable surfaces

• Undertaking of any deposition, excavation, construction, or other activity.

b) The following shall be Discretionary Activities and require a resource consent, with

no application fee in the first instance:

i) The destruction or removal of any tree located on any road, public reserve or

recreation land.

ii) Works to trees located on any road, public reserve or recreation land which are

protected by Rule 8.4.6.1.3: Discretionary Activities or Rule 8.4.6.2: Notable

Trees.

ExceptionsThis rule shall not apply to:

• The normal trimming, maintenance and treatment or the removal by the Council or

its agent of dead trees and branches or trees and branches damaged or

irrecoverably diseased on roads and reserves in accordance with the Council’s

Parks and Street Trees policy and accepted arboricultural practice by the Council or

its agent

• The cutting, alteration or removal of any tree by a network utility operator when this

is required as an emergency to restore or maintain power and communication links

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or to safeguard life or property. In such circumstances the operator concerned shall

notify the Council in writing within seven days of the work commencing as to the

reason for the works

• Removal or destruction (partial or total) of any tree in accordance with a forest

disease eradication or control programme within an infected area declared pursuant

to the Forest Act 1949 and the Forest Disease Control Regulations 1967

• Removal or destruction (partial or total) by the Council or its agent of any plant or

tree that is listed in the Schedule contained in Appendix 8E.

Explanation and ReasonsThroughout the city there are plantings of trees on the roads and on the parks, reserves

and open spaces. The Council undertakes planting of new trees in these areas on a

regular basis. Because of the amenity that these trees provide, the Plan provides for their

protection. The removal or destruction of these trees are accorded a higher level of

protection than any cutting or alteration works, due to the significant contribution they

make to the amenity, ecology and landscape of the city. However, in some

circumstances, it is necessary to ensure that: trees remain healthy; undesirable trees are

eradicated; and, that trees and their root systems are able to co-exist with network utility

services. This can be achieved by maintenance of trees (and their root systems),

replanting trees and planting appropriate species in appropriate locations." "

(…)

The exceptions to this rule is listed in Appendix 8E 'Schedule of Species of Trees located on Roads and Reserves excluded from Rule 8.4.6.3':

(…)

"Appendix 8E: Schedule of Species of Trees located on Roads andReserves excluded from Rule 8.4.6.31. Any plant or tree listed as a pest in the Auckland Regional Plant Pest Management

Strategy or listed as a National Surveillance Plant Pest under the Biosecurity Act

1993 or any subsequent amendments.

2. ‘Wilding’ or self-seeded specimens on the following list:

• Bamboo

• Brush Wattle Paraserianthes Iophantha

• Casuarina (sheoke) Casuarina spp

• Chinese Windmill Palm Trachycarpus fortunei

• Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp

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• Hakea Hakea spp

• Loquat Eriobotrya japonica

• Macrocarpa Cupressus macrocarpa

• Phoenix Palm Phoenix canariensis

• Pine Pinus radiata

• Queensland Poplar Homalanthus populifolius

• Red Monkey Apple Syzygium australe

• Tamarix Tamarix tetrandra

• Wattle Acacia spp

• Willow (grey) Salix cinerea

• Willow (crack) Salix fragilis

3. Any tree species grown primarily for its edible fruit except the following:

• Walnut Juglans spp

• Chestnut Castanea sativa

• Pecan Nut Carya illinoinensis

• Carob Ceratonia siliqua"

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9.6 APPENDIX F: TUFF CRATER BIRD SPECIES LIST

The following Tuff Crater bird species list was sourced from Alan Emmerson, Chairman of Forest and Bird North Shore.

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Common Name Genus Species NotesAustralasian Harrier Circus Native

NativeBlack Shag NativeBlack-backed Gull NativeBlackbird ExoticCalifornia Quail ExoticCaspian Tern NativeChaffinch Exotic

ExoticEastern Rosella ExoticFantail NativeGoldfinch Exotic

ExoticGrey Warbler EndemicHouse Sparrow Passer ExoticKingfisher Halcyon NativeLittle Shag NativeMallard ExoticMyna Exotic

Endemic

NZ Wood Pigeon

Pheasant ExoticNative

Red-billed Gull NativeShining Cuckoo Native

NativeSong Thrush ExoticSpotted Dove ExoticSpur-winged Plover miles NativeStarling Exotic

NativeEndemic

Welcome Swallow NativeWhite-faced Heron Native

approximansBanded Dotterel Charadrius bicinctus

Phalacrocorax carboLarus dominicanusTurdus merulaCallipepla californicaSterna caspiaFringilla coelebs

Dunnock Prunella modularisPlatycercus eximiusRhipidura fuliginosaCarduelis carduelis

Greenfinch Carduelis chlorisGerygone igata

domesticussancta

Phalacrocorax melanoleucosAnas platyrhyncosAcridotheres tristis

NZ Dotterel Charadrius obscurus

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiaeEndemic. Threat Status: Gradual

DeclinePhasianus colchicus

Pukeko Porphyrio porphyrioLarus novaehollandiaeChrysococcyx lucidus

Silvereye Zosterops lateralisTurdus philomelosStreptopelia chinensisVanellusSturnus vulgaris

Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae Endemic. Feeding on flax flowers

Turnstone Arenaria interpresVariable Oystercatcher Haematopus unicolor

Hirundo tahiticaArdea novaehollandiae

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9.7 APPENDIX G: TUFF CRATER MOTH SPECIES LISTThe following Tuff Crater moth species list was provided by Alan Emmerson, Chairman of Forest and Bird North Shore.

Family Latin NameTineidae Erechthias exospila

Monopis ethelella

Opogona omoscopa

Psychidae Lepidoscia protorna

Yponomeutidae Leuroperna sera

Gelechiidae Aristotelia paradesma

Oecophoridae Izatha peroneanella

Tachystola acroxantha

Elachistidae Elachista archaeonoma

Tortricidae Bactra noteraula

Cydia succedana

Strepsicrates ejectana

Epiphyas postvittana

Holocola parthenia

Catamacta lotinana

Cnephasia jactatana

Planotortrix notophaea

Capua intractana

Lycaenidae Lampides boeticus

Lycaena salustius

Nymphalidae Danaus plexippus

Pieridae Pieris rapae

Pyralidae Gauna aegusalis

Crambidae Orocrambus flexuosellus

Uresiphita polygonalis

Eudonia bisinualis

Eudonia leptalaea

Eudonia philerga

Eudonia submarginalis

Eudonia trivirgata

Glyphodes onychinalis

Scoparia chalicodes

Scoparia diphtheralis

Scoparia halopis

Geometridae Cleora scriptaria

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Family Latin NameGeometridae Declana leptomera

Pseudocoremia suavis

Austrocidaria similata

Chloroclystis inductata

Chloroclystis lunifera

Chloroclystsis filata

Epiphryne verriculata

Epyaxa lucidata

Epyaxa rosearia

Homodotis megaspilata

Microdes epicryptis

Pasiphila lunata

Pasiphila plinthina

Phrissogonus laticostatus

Poecilasthena pulchraria

Scopula rubraria

Noctuidae Spodoptera litura

Dipaustica epiastra

Feredayia graminosa

Graphania mutans

Leucania stenographa

Meterana decorata

Meterana vitiosa

Mythimna separata

Helicoverpa armigera

Rhapsa scotosialis

Schrankia costaestrigalis

Agrotis ipsilon

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Thysanoplusia orichalcea

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9.8 APPENDIX H: TUFF CRATER GENERAL INSECT LISTCompiled by Dr Peter Maddison 2008

GROUP/HOSTCoprosma robusta 16/2/08

Leptospermum scoparium 16/2/08

Melicytus ramiflorus 16/2/08

Ulex europaeus 16/2/08

At light 16/2/08 RTUs

COLEOPTERAExapion ulicis 9 1Xylotoles 1 1Cerambycidae 1 1Eucolaspis 3 1 1Halmus chalybeus 1 1 1Coccinellidae 5(2) 2Coccinellidae (larvae) 1 [1]Corticariidae 1 1 1Cryptophagidae 9 1 1Curculionidae 1 1Helodidae 1 2 2COLLEMBOLAEntomobryidae 1 1Hypogastruridae 1 1DIPTERAChironomus 1m 1Hydrellia 5 1Phoridae 1 1 1HETEROPTERAAnthocoridae 1 1Miridae 4(3) 2 1 4HOMOPTERAAnzora unicolor 1 1 1Cicadellidae (adults) 1 1Cicadellidae (nymphs) 1 1Scolypopa australis 1 1 1 1HYMENOPTERAFormicidae 1 2 1Hymenoptera parasitica 1 1LEPIDOPTERAGeometridae (larvae) 1 1indet. (adults) 1 1PSOCOPTERACaecilus flavistigma 2 1 2 1Echmepteryx hamiltonii 2 1Ectopsocus californicus 2 3 1Pseudocaecilius brunnellus 1 1n, 5a 1indet. (nymphs) 1 [1]indet. (adults) 2 1 2THYSANOPTERA

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GROUP/HOSTCoprosma robusta 16/2/08

Leptospermum scoparium 16/2/08

Melicytus ramiflorus 16/2/08

Ulex europaeus 16/2/08

At light 16/2/08 RTUs

Thripidae 1 1TRICHOPTERAindet. (adults) 2(2) 2ACARIAnystis baccarum 2 1Oribatoidea 3 1ARANEAEAchaearanea veruculata 1 1 2 2 1Araneidae 1 3(3) 3Badumna 1 1Diaea 1 1 1Dolomedes minor 4 1 1Eriophora pustulosa 1 1Sidymella 1 1 1Tetragnathidae 1 1Theridiidae 2 1TOTAL 13 45 31 23 13Number of RTUs 12 26 16 11 9 52

Tuff Crater Restoration PlanJuly 2009