The land itself is 344 hectares, protected by a covenant since 1987 and covered in regenerating native bush with the two dominant species being rewarewa and kamahi, with nearly 200 species of plants having been recorded. There are still original remnants of the magnificent Podocarps which once reigned in the area: rimu, totara and kahikatea and three large groves of re-growing kauri. The land form is a volcanic caldera, and the views from the ridgeline of the caldera are breath-taking. Three healthy streams are dominant features of the landscape.
The sacredness of the land speaks. Visitors and guests are consistently touched by the special qualities it evokes. A sustainable future includes integrating our spiritual and conservation values by adopting an environmental restoration and protection plan to ensure the health of this precious environment. With the support of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, an ecological survey was conducted at Te Moata (Footprint Enterprises, April 2008). The surveyor reported “a remarkable diversity of small habitats, micro niches and micro-climates contributing to the rich tapestry of flora”. Two distinct wetlands areas were identified, along with several threatened species that require urgent management to protect their futures.
Te Moata is a significant ecological site, home to several unique and vulnerable species. Among them are the prehistoric Hochstetter frogs (genus Leiopelma), recognised as one of the most ancient frogs globally and listed as a “vulnerable” species. During an eco-survey, several of these frogs were discovered at Te Moata. Additionally, the area supports fernbirds (Bowdleria punctata), classified as “sparse,” which nest in dense thickets near wetland regions. Wetlands, known for their high biological productivity and diversity, are increasingly rare, with 85-90% of New Zealand's wetlands already lost. Te Moata features two distinct and previously unrecognised wetlands, one of which contains the rare swamp maire (Eugenia maire). The site also hosts endangered and threatened plant species, including Tree Daisy (Brachyglottis myrianthos), Kawaka (Libocedrus plumosa), Gumland Orchid (Corunastylis pumila), and Kauri Orchid (Diplodium brunalis), highlighting its ecological importance.
Two regional KiwiCare groups, Whenuakite and Kapowai, have enjoyed real success in protecting kiwi in the areas around Te Moata. The kiwi population in the land under their care more than trebled between surveys in 2001 and 2012. This is the biggest annual increase in kiwi population anywhere in New Zealand. Te Moata’s predator control also plays a key role in supporting protection for kiwi throughout the region and as evidenced by our own surveys, Te Moata is becoming a natural haven for an expanding kiwi population.
Despite the diverse habitats and flourishing regenerating bush at Te Moata, animal pests threaten our native flora and fauna. Mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels), rats and possums contribute to a low level of bird-life in many areas of the bush. Ground nests, eggs, and chicks are all ravaged by these non-native predators. Rats and mice also eat the seeds of native plant species. Damage from wild pigs was evident on much of the land during the ecological survey in 2008. Pigs rooting among native tree seedlings and rare plants threaten their survival. Pigs also disturb the quality of the streams upon which the Hochstetter frogs depend.
The land of Te Moata has been under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant since 1987. The land of Te Moata being under this covenant gives the Charitable Trust a responsibility to protect native species within the covenant. The Trust embraced this responsibility more fully in 2009 with our vision to become “A Sanctuary for People, A Sanctuary for Nature”.
Our ongoing predator control and biodiversity work is made possible through the generous support of the Waikato Regional Council’s Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) and the many individuals and organisations who have contributed to conservation at Te Moata over the years. This collective support helps us expand pest control, protect vulnerable native species, and strengthen our role as a kiwi corridor in the southern Coromandel. We are deeply grateful for these partnerships, which build on decades of community-led care for the land and its precious wildlife, and help ensure a thriving sanctuary for generations to come.
Te Moata has had some pest control in place since the mid 1990s. After the 2008 ecological survey, Environment Waikato supplied 100 more bait stations. Half of these were installed and filled in August 2008, with the help of Wayne Todd who did the ecological survey and several Te Moata volunteers. These were regularly re-filled in the spring and autumn of the following years by managers and volunteers.
There have been several successful funding applications in the ensuing years, two to the Biodiversity Condition Fund (A Dept of Conservation body), which funded the clearing of two new tracks in 2009: one through a central area of the covenant (this being quite remote from the retreat centre and buildings) and another new track which runs through the Manui Basin, an area of significant wetlands and uncommon species. Also the installation of mustelid traps along these tracks. These mustelid traps have been serviced monthly since this time by our dedicated managers.
A second application to the BCF in 2011 was made for the latest humane re-setting possum, mustelid and rodent traps (known as “Henry traps”, designed and produced by a small NZ company). Eight of the possum “Henrys” have already been installed, and several more are soon to be installed.
The Waikato Regional Council “Small Scale Community Initiative Fund”(SSCIF) provided $5000 worth of environmentally safe toxins for possum and rodent control which was used throughout 2012/13. Te Moata is extremely grateful for these much-needed boosts to our available funds for conservation land management. Another application to the SSCIF fund has been made in 2014 for up to 21 more Henry traps for the three main predators: possums, mustelids and rats.
There has been a noticeable increase in birdlife with all this extra pest control in place. Native pied tits are now frequently seen in various parts of the bush, including areas quite close to the main centre. There have also been increased sightings and more pairs of fern birds heard. We are delighted to now be graced by the increased presence of kereru (native pigeons), and have been excited to hear kiwi with increasing regularity since 2010, some even in the home valley!!
A more regular pig-hunting regime has been in place in recent years, and pig damage is gradually reducing in severity.
Much valuable work has also been carried out in recent years by managers and volunteers reducing the noxious weed presence at Te Moata, with literally ute loads of noxious weed waste leaving the property.
Te Moata has been exceedingly fortunate to have such commitment and sheer hard work from its managers in carrying out so much of this conservation work, and in coordinating our flow of keen international WWOOFERS (Willing Workers on Organic Farms).
From Te Moata’s inception, taking the life of any creature has been (and continues to be) an ethical quandary for many of the “guardians” of Te Moata. However, without control of non-native species, the precious biodiversity of this land would indeed be under severe threat, and Te Moata wouldn’t be a sanctuary for our native species.
If you would like to be involved as a volunteer in Te Moata’s land restoration project please contact us.
