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In November 2023, Council resolved to remove the stand of exotic trees (pines, macrocarpas, and gums) from the registered archaeological site - Hikanui Pā, following severe damage to the site during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Between March and April, approximately 150 trees were removed from the site, 48 of which were removed by helicopter (42 from standing). The use of the helicopter enabled these 42 trees to be felled with no impact to the ground, protecting the archaeological features across the site.
Removed trees have been exported, where they met the appropriate grade. The remaining trees have been sold to a firewood supplier with some mulch left on site to assist with revegetation. The return of funds to Council from the trees will be confirmed in due course.
Following the tree removals, erosion control measures on and around Hikanui Pā commenced with the installation of geotextile matting on the site. An archaeological authority was provided by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for this work, which is part of the remediation of damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. This work was supervised by the project archaeologist and a geotechnical engineer. At the same time, pest control measures were also undertaken.
In preparation for the first stage of revegetation, eco-sourced seeds and seedlings were ordered for the first stage of planting and mulch was spread in the gullies. In addition, an established totara and kahikatea at the base of the south-western flank were protected during the tree removals and cuttings of an indigenous fern taken to a nursery for propagation to be returned to the site.
On Saturday 6 July a community planting day was held with the goal of planting 1,000 trees and shrubs to help restore the indigenous flora of Hikanui Pā. The day began with the ceremonial planting of a Tainui tree, gifted by Rob McGowan, a renowned expert in indigenous revegetation and rongoā. While Archaeology Hawke's Bay archaeologist Gaylynne Carter was on-site to answer questions about the project.
About 40 people took part in the re-planting the area with the first of 4,000 eco-sourced indigenous trees and shrubs that will be planted this winter.
Eco-sourced plants are propagated from naturally occurring wild populations in the same area, making them more resilient as they are adapted to the local conditions.
Tainui Reserve is now open for the public to visit but the interior of the pā site remains closed over winter.
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Hikanui Pā is one of two registered archaeological sites within Tainui Reserve. It sits on the middle ridgeline within the reserve and contains visible remnants of occupation, including pits and terraces.
The site has extensive exotic tree coverage, particularly macrocarpa, gum and pine.
During Cyclone Gabrielle a large number of trees failed, particularly macrocarpas and gums on the south-western flank of the ridgeline. The size of root balls pulled from the ground as trees fell caused extensive damage around the site.
In mid-2023 the site was made safe for public access with debris cleared and fallen trees removed where possible without further damaging the ground.
Arboricultural and archaeological assessments were carried out following Cyclone Gabrielle. While the site was made safe for public access, the stand of trees had become exposed leaving the site at risk of further tree failure, which could potentially irreversibly damage the archaeological features.
For the first one to two years the focus will be on indigenous replanting, which started shortly after the tree removals. This, together with the geotextile matting, will help stabilise the site following the removal of the trees. While the site will initially look bare the replanting will progress rapidly, providing improved biodiversity and a more appropriate vegetation cover for this unique site.
An archaeological authority was required to undertake this work, which was issued by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in January 2024. The works were overseen by Archaeology Hawke’s Bay, as a requirement of the authority.
Mana whenua have been involved in the extensive planning for this site, including working with Council on the revegetation plan.
About 40 people took part in a planting day at Hikanui Pā in Tainui Reserve last weekend, continuing ongoing work ...
11 July 2024
The removal of a stand of exotic trees at Hikanui Pā within Tainui Reserve is scheduled to begin on Monday, March ...
7 March 2024
Trees threatening Hikanui Pā after being left vulnerable by Cyclone Gabrielle will be removed from the top of Tain...
16 November 2023
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