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While some parts of Queen Elizabeth Park have been altered, the
basic system of coastal and inland dunes backed by wetlands remains
intact.
Spinifex, pingao and shore bindweed feature amongst the coastal
plants, catching the ever-moving sand and slowly building the
seaward dunes. Further back the dunes are less vulnerable to sand
drift, and support muehlenbeckia, taupata, harakeke (flax) and
bracken. Small bush remnants lie between and behind these dunes,
with mahoe, kawakawa and kaikomako providing insect habitat and
food for birds.
These bush remnants would have once stretched over much of the
inland dunes, which are now grassed. The low rolling hills create
natural barriers between the streams draining the Akatarawa
foothills and the sea. Greater Wellington is working with the
community to restore the wetlands and kahikatea forest remnant near
MacKays Crossing, enhancing these now rare coastal habitats.
Bird life is varied and plentiful with the wide range of
habitats and food sources. Karoro (gulls), kawau (shags) and torea
(oystercatchers) find food along the tide line and nest in the
adjacent dunes. Tui feed on the flax in the dunes, while the
wetlands are home to putangitangi (paradise shelducks), spur-winged
plovers and pukeko. You may see piwakawaka (fantail), tauhou
(silvereye) and kereru in the bush areas.
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