Ngā tipu o Pukerua Bay

When it comes to the native flora of Pukerua Bay, there is much to tell, what was here historically, recently and presently, all will be the features of this section. Details of the flora will be further discussed in the next few paragraphs, highlighted with pictures and a comprehensive botanical list of the native plants found in Pukerua Bay. Suggestions of places to visit and enjoy will also be included, so hopefully you too can enjoy, imagine, and possibly better understand our local natural estate.

1. HISTORICALLY

A very early written record about Pukerua Bay was documented by John Wood in 1843, after leaving what is now known as Plimmerton and heading for Pukerua Bay, he wrote:

“Quitting the Whaling Station we followed the beach for a mile or more, and then diverging to the right hand ascended hills overlooking the shore, and again entered the primeval forest. For eight or nine miles we followed a native path through the wilderness, and then came in the sea coast at Bukarui (Pukeru abay). The country we had just passed through is hilly, heavily, timbered, and well watered. Descending the wooded hills above Bukarui, we again found ourselves on the sea-shore, with high barren mountains rising immediately from the beach on the right hand. Along the base of these mountains we proceeded in a northerly direction for some miles over heavy sand to Pari-pari .

The excerpt above describes a trip from the area roughly where the SH59 Plimmerton roundabout is, then heading towards Plimmerton village, up Motuhara Road and along the road called ‘The Track’, then descending along Taua Tapu walking track. From there (roughly) traversing through the area of Whenua Tapu, then through Pukerua Bay residential area, finally arriving at what we know as Pukerua Bay Beach. Figure 1 below shows the view looking South towards Porirua Harbour from the apex of ‘The Track’.

Figure 1 “Porirua Harbour and Parramatta Whaling Station in November 1843” By S. Brees 1843.

Compared to what is seen today it would have been literally unrecognisable from a vegetation point of view. No farmlands or pasture, no roads, rail or powerlines, no houses, no people and no pest plants or introduced animals. It would have been a vastly impenetrable wilderness loud in bird call with a few overgrown tracks used by the earlier residents, Ngāti Ira, and then later Ngāti Toa. This situation is not unique to Pukerua Bay of course, but a moment in time that would have been pre-European Aotearoa.

We can think about the habitats our local plants occupied in a few broad types:

  1. Wetlands
  2. Forested hillsides and ravines, including their streams
  3. Exposed bluffs-ridges and escarpments.

Figure 3. Waimapihi – Rawhiti Road fault-line ravine. Photo: Matt Ward 2020.

Mr Wood mentions all of these during his walk, and you can imagine from what is seen today some of each of them.

Like the wetland seen in Figure 2, the areas would have resembled Taupo swamp, with harakeke, kanuka, manuka, pukatea and swamp maire dominating.

The hillsides like Raroa Reserve, would have been rich in podocarps like miro, kahikatea, rimu and totara which would have stood over a canopy of kohekohe, titoki, nikau, the forest understorey would have been dense vines like supplejack, native jasmine and passionfruit, impenetrable for the most part. The ravines like Waimapihi (the one parallel to the western section of Rawhiti Road (see Figure 3), would have had lower height species closer to the coast such as koromiko, karamu, wharariki, and littered with rushes and sedges along its flowing floor.

The exposed escarpments like that above the Centennial Highway would have been covered in mingimingi, wharariki, ngaio, and sprawling plants adapted to hanging on to rock faces. The escarpments shown in Figure 4 are more like what Mr Wood described as “high barren mountains rising immediately from the beach”, therefore possibly resembling a more original look.

Figure 4. The coastal escarpments, looking South towards Wairaka Point. Photo: Matt Ward 2014.

2. RECENTLY

As Europeans like Mr Wood arrived, they often looked at the natural estate as an asset to be harvested, exported and exploited. This  point of view destroyed our forests country wide, in a more thorough and devastating way than ever before. First came the surveying and then the land “taming”. Most of the change would have occurred in the early 20th century. Once the trees of value were felled, shipped abroad, or utilised locally, the burning began. Felled trees, vines and shrubs were piled up to dry for a season or so then ignited to clear the lands completely for use as farming and settlement. Figure 5, an image from Levin shows the extent of change that would also have been seen in much of Pukerua Bay. Local Māori must have been in complete shock to see the neighbourhood and those countrywide change so quickly and permanently. If you know anyone born in the 1940’s or so, they will recall the paddocks and hillsides about the areas they lived still having the stumps of long-lost forest giants.

Figure 5. ‘The last bush fire on the South Block’ 20th February 1905 – L. Adkin, 1905.

As the settlement of Pukerua progressed through the 20th century, with more houses and more people few original floral habitats were left untouched. However, some patches were not completely ruined and there are a few native plant specimens in Pukerua Bay, which are more than 120 years old.

The forest and scrub originally seen in Pukerua Bay before its destruction and modification by Europeans has few vestiges left today. The areas seen today are mostly regenerated, with few actual remnants of the former splendid Aotearoa native vegetation. In general, country-wide the only truly intact remnants are found in the most difficult places to access of the axial ranges of both the main islands.

Podocarps like miro (Figure 8), kahikatea (Figures 6 & 7), rimu and totara would have stood over a canopy of kohekohe, titoki (Figure 9), nikau. When observing from a distance, the contours of the hills seen today would have been solid in forest and therefore smooth in appearance, apart from the odd slip created clearing, or dry exposed ridge.

Figure 6. Middle-aged regenerating kahikatea tree yet to reach mature form in Pukerua Bay. Photo: Matt Ward 2020.

Figure 7. Kahikatea fruit on a female tree. Photo: Matt Ward 2016.

Figure 8. Miro, ripe fruit on female tree. Photo: Matt Ward 2012.

Figure 9. The flower of a titoki tree, white pollen can be seen. Photo: Matt Ward 2021.

Figure 10. Kohia, native passionfruit vine in bloom growing through mahoe. Photo: Matt Ward 2008.

Observing the surroundings would have been nigh on impossible without a high vantage point like a treetop. The forest understorey would have been dense vines like supplejack, native jasmine and native passionfruit (Figures 10 & 11), impenetrable for the most part, with possible access along waterways or ridgelines.

However, all has not been completely lost. In Pukerua Bay, some remnants of what was, remain. These remnants are not what a purist would call pristine, but they are an example of a stage of our ever-transitioning forest/vegetation systems which may still be observed and enjoyed by locals. Some of the best remnants are privately owned so without permission they are off limits, but at least they are there. True original podocarp mixed broadleaf forest is a rarity as all those lovely species like rimu, totara, matai and even tawa (Figure 12), were used to build local houses which many people discover when repairing or renovating. Who doesn’t lust after a gorgeous matai floor in their house.

Figure 11. Kohia fruit. Photo: Matt Ward 2012.


Figure 12. A tawa seedling in Raroa Reserve showing that regeneration will occur when pest control is undertaken. Photo: Matt Ward 2020.

The remnants found in Pukerua Bay have been well documented (botanised) over the decades by various botanists and locals alike. Colin Ogle a notable botanist who used to live in ‘the Bay’ spent much of his spare time trawling the patches of bush recording everything he observed. His records, dating back to the 1970’s are an excellent document of what was around at the time. Much of what Colin found has changed or disappeared, but it indicates the original composition which of course would have been similar to Plimmerton, Kapiti and Porirua in general.

Plant Lists

Below is a link to a table of all the native plants recorded in Pukerua Bay. Each plant species is listed by Latin name, then common or Māori name. The author and date is recorded above the list with numbering which corresponds with the top row of each structural class in the table. At the end of this section there are links to the botanical lists featured in ‘references’. Just remember plant names in Aotearoa often change over time so an old list may not necessarily make sense.

  1. Gabites, I. 1981 – Wairaka Point
  2. Clelland, D. 1984 – Pukerua bay to Wairaka Point
  3. Wassilieff, M.C. & Clark, D.C. 1983 – Pukerua bay to Wairaka Point (cliffs)
  4. Ogle, C.C. 1980 – Pukerua Bay Cliffs, coastal
  5. Ogle, C.C. 1971 – Pukerua Bay Cliffs
  6. Ogle, C.C. 1974 – Pukerua Bay Reserves. Raroa and Wairaka
  7. Wellington Botanical Society 2013 – “Muri Bush” Gullies either side of the original farmhouse
  8. Mead, A 1974 – Pukerua Bay Reserve and Gorge
  9. Ogle, C.C. 1979 – 100 Acre Bush at “Kerehoma”
  10. Wassilieff, M.C. 1989 – Rangi’s Bush
  11. Gabites, I. 1994 – Meeking-Stewart South
  12. Ogle, C.C. 1980 – Raroa Reserve Forest block
  13. Ogle, C.C. 1973 – Donlin Road swamp
View our list of native plants recorded in Pukerua Bay

Figure 13. Signs of life – Pterostylis sp. and titoki seedlings on the forest floor at Rangi’s Bush. Photo: Matt Ward 2021.

Even back in the 1970’s Colin and others mentioned, in the footnotes of the plant lists they created, the harm that was happening from the invasion of non-native plant and animal species. This sort of damage includes out-competing for resources such as light and water; smothering, as seen with blackberry; and changing the chemistry of the soil, as is evident from pine plantations (acidification), and gorse improving the nitrogen content making niche native plants lose a competitive edge to invasive generalists such as adventive pastural grasses. Even when a remnant appears in relatively good condition, if un-fenced, the effects of stock are evident if allowed to wonder amongst the vegetation, Wassilieff noted from a 1989 study of Rangi’s Bush (a private remnant West of Whenua Tapu Cemetery, which was fenced in 1983);

“It would appear, therefore, that stock not only eliminated the understorey, but effectively prevented any regeneration for some considerable period prior to the study visit.” (Wassilieff, 1989, pgs. 86-89)

Rangi’s Bush has somewhat improved since the 1989 study. Figure 13, shows a greenhood orchid species and titoki seedling which have arrived since Wassillieff’s observations.

The Reserves

Figure 14. Regeneration – lancewood sapling appearing through kawakawa, Raroa Reserve. Photo: Matt Ward 2020.

The 1980’s saw the public reserves known today protected. The extensive botanical lists for each area provided good evidence of the value and worthiness as precious natural or regenerating remnants needing protection. These local reserves are either Porirua City Council or Department of Conservation owned blocks, they are free for the public to explore and enjoy. They are quite varied, and in some cases not at all user-friendly.

Takutai Reserve (The Secret Valley, Koawa Ngaro) – Porirua City Council – 0.81 hectares (P.C.C., 2024a)

A gentle 10 minute tracked walk through a peaceful regenerating streamside forest block. Carvings and murals are also present for the user’s enjoyment. An excellent educational area for the younger generation.

Raroa Reserve – Porirua City Council – 17.7 hectares (P.C.C., 2024b)

This Reserve is 3 parts: Raroa Reserve, a tracked area of excellent quality regenerating (see Figure 14) kohekohe forest remnant accessible from Raroa Place; Raroa Escarpment which is the section of escarpment from the houses at the beach south to the D.O.C. Reserve. It has the ‘Goat Track’ running through it from the end of Rawhiti Road to the beach; Waimapihi which is the fault-line valley running from State Highway 59 to the back of a private residence (which prevents access to and from the beach). A short informal track runs along the south-eastern upper edge from the library to an easement between 43 & 45 Rawhiti Road. Any excursions into the lower section of this part of the three sections must be very carefully thought out.

Figure 15. Vittadinia australis in bloom. Photo: Matt Ward 2023.

Pukerua Bay Scientific Reserve – Department of Conservation – 12.3 hectares

Adjacent to Raroa Reserve on the southern border is an example of coastal escarpment habitat which is not tracked, very steep and basically not suitable for exploring unless you are very careful and very keen. It is a good example of ahabitat where you might find some of the more specialised flora such as Vittadinia australis – white fuzzweed (Figure 15).

Te Araroa – KiwiRail

The southern section of this excellent track is within the borders of Pukerua Bay. Doing the entire 10km hike to Paekakariki will take about 4 hours. There is plenty to see and opportunities to take quite stunning landscape pictures (Figure 16) if the weather suits. At the right time of year you may see the sun orchid in flower and there is at least one Pimelea species to be seen. At one point the track even passes through an ancient ngaio tree.

Figure 16. View along the Te Araroa track, looking back at Pukerua Bay. Photo Matt Ward 2016.

Everywhere you look there is a chance to see some of the remaining native plants: they pop up on farmland (see Figures 17 and 18) and in roadside slips. Any little forgotten corner may be home for a recovering native doing its best to survive. Keep your eyes open and who knows what you might find.

There are also privately owned remnants, some of which have been botanised and included in the botanical list in section 2. These areas should only be explored with the permission of the landowner. They can easily be located if using an online satellite map.

3. PRESENTLY

Today it is fair to say that Pukerua Bay is quite a green suburb. Porirua City

Figure 18. Veronica parviflora, up close to a good lot of blooms. Photo Matt Ward 2012.

Council has planted street trees in places like Rawhiti Road, Wairaka Road and Teihana Road West (even though these are mostly a species of pohutukawa from the Kermadec’s). Most places you walk you will see gardens with plants thriving and looking pretty. However, if you are to consider  natural and native species, like most of Aotearoa, the area is lacking in volumes of special or remnant forest or scrub areas. Most of the nature seen today around the Bay is planted and non-native or not

Figure 17. Veronica parviflora – Tree hebe, specimens grow ing in a paddock on Carrad?s Farm. Photo Matt Ward 2020.

local native. In New Zealand there are roughly 2,500 native species of vascular plants, compared to about 25,000 non-native introduced plants, of which about 3,000 have naturalised into the wild. That is frightening. It is an excellent idea to consider landscaping with natives whenever possible.

When you think about the entirety of Pukerua Bay as shown in Figure 19, you clearly see that most of this suburb is modified farmland landscape. For some context, if you were to look at the “Wildlife of Pukerua Bay” page on InaturalistNZ you would see that Pukerua Bay has 329 species of plants recorded. Unfortunately without quite a bit of work it is not possible to suggest which ones are native and/or natural.

Figure 19. Satellite view of the whole of Pukerua Bay suburb. Image from Google Maps 2024.

The botanical list compiled below includes 294 species of native plants and was recorded from the early 1970’s until 2013. Using more contemporary finds by the author and others via the InaturalistNZ website the list can be increased by another 17 species, making a total of 311 native vascular plants in the Pukerua Bay rohe. The additions seen in the table below, are an example of keeping an eye out, and if you are not sure about what you are looking at take a picture post it on InaturalistNZ.com and its identity will likely be confirmed for you like magic.

Figure 20. At 25mm high, it is not surprising this species of orchid Corybas cheesemanii – helmet orchid had been missed in earlier surveys. Whenua Tapu Cemetery. Photo: Matt Ward 2018.

Some of species not included in the first table may have been missed, have arrived since, or have only been named relatively recently. For example the third member of the daphne family  Pimelea cryptica – pinātoro which, as its name suggests, is an elusive cliff, coastal rock or escarpment dweller. It features below in the photo section. Another, quite an obvious fern, Polystichum oculatum – blue shield fern, was only reaffirmed as a species name in 2003.  A diminutive orchid species seen here in Figure 20, Corybas cheesemanii – helmet orchid, is a case of the right place, right time.

Botanical List Pukerua Bay

1. PHOTOS

This section shows some pictures from each of the structural classes of native plants. All the pictures are of species featured in the botanical list above. Each species has been recorded historically in the neighbourhood so that as a local, or visitor, you might be inspired to go forth and discover them all and more… enjoy!!!

P1. Gymnosperm trees. A close-up of an almost ripe rimu fruit, the delicate needles can also be seen. Photo: Matt Ward 2015.

P2. Monocot trees and shrubs. A stunning example of a mature ti kouka in full bloom.

P3. Dicot trees and shrubs. A stunning example of pinātoro (Pimelea cryptica) one of the three species recorded in the area, note both fruit and flowers are present. Photo: Matt Ward 2012.

P4. Dicot trees and shrubs. The almost bubbled look of ramarama foliage with blooms to boot. Photo: Matt Ward 2014.

P5. Dicot trees and shrubs. The ripe fruit of pukatea, ready to sail away an attempt to find a new spot to grow. Photo: Matt Ward 2023.

P6. Dicot Trees and shrubs. Pale green and stunning wharangi, with fruit. If you crush the leaves a citrus smell exudes, distantly related to lemons. Photo: Matt Ward 2012.

P7. Monocot Climbers. The crazy-looking fruit of kiekie, a favourite food of all the naughty introduced climbing mammals. Photo: Matt Ward 2012.

P8. Monocot climbers. A not often seen, bunch of kareao – supplejack flowers. Photo: Matt Ward, 2010.

P9. Dicot climbers. The stunning bloom of akakura – scarlet rātā, mostly found in edge habitats. Photo: Matt Ward 2023.

P10. Dicot climbers. The understated bloom of rauparaha – shore bindweed, a common resident of sandy or pebbly beaches. Photo: Matt Ward 2010.

P11. Ferns and fern allies. Truly bizarre this is a fern most may not ever see, Adders tongue is very small and does not fit what most would call a typical fern look, the one here is about 3cm tall, easy to overlook. Photo: Matt Ward 2017.

P12. Ferns and fern allies. A common fern, this one from Raroa Reserve, mokimoki – hound’s tongue, can be found as an epiphyte or sprawling across the ground. Photo: Matt Ward 2020.

P13. Ferns and fern allies. An attractive filmy fern, delicate, and occasionally forming dense growths as seen here. Irirangi, piripiri, drooping filmy fern, is one of six filmy ferns recorded in Pukerua Bay. Photo: Matt Ward 2022.

P14. Orchids. Another very slight resident, this orchid is about 6cm tall, heart-leaved orchid (Acianthus sinclairii) may easily be un-noticed as it unusually flowers in the cooler months of winter. Photo: Matt Ward 2015.

P15. Orchids. An epiphytic species, often seen on tawa tree trunks, fleshy tree orchid (Drymoanthus adversus) is often seen when looking up to the treetop, the flowers seen here are about 4-5mm across. Photo: Matt Ward 2014.

P16. Orchids. This gorgeous specimen is the only member of the sun orchid family present locally, maīkuku (Thelymitra longifolia) can be seen on some residential verges, and other open spaces, only on sunny days, in early summer. Photo: Matt Ward 2014.

P17. Orchids. A relatively common forest orchid, tutukiwi (Pterostylis banksii), this plant was seen in the Waimapihi Stream bush parallel to Rawhiti Road (West). Photo: Matt Ward 2014.

P18. Orchids. Another epiphyte plant, simply beautiful when in flower, peka-a-waka (Earina mucronata), a species which can form huge growths over time. Photo: Matt Ward 2010.

P19. Grasses. A unique flowering head on this modest grass, forest hedgehog grass may be found in Kay’s covenant. Photo: Matt Ward 2017.

P20. Grasses. The tumble weed-like seed heads are part of the spinifex grasses very important ability to travel and colonise. Photo: Matt Ward 2011.

P21. Sedges. The seed head of Carex ‘raotest’ is an important feature to identify this plant. Colin Ogle has been influential in ensuring the name has been correctly used for this local sedge. Photo: Matt Ward 2023.

P22. Sedges. A metre long māpere (Gahnia pauciflora) panicle (flowering spike) drooping and covered in shiny ripe seeds. Photo: Matt Ward 2023.

P23. Rushes. When in flower the female oioi (Apodasmia similis) puts on this stunning display. A truly coastal species. Photo: Matt Ward 2010.

P24. Rushes. Another coastal species this coastal woodrush is one of three species recorded in the neighbourhood. Rocky outcrops and scree is where it will be found. Photo: Matt Ward 2013.

P25. Monocot Herbs. Sometimes found in a forest sometimes along an edge, mikoikoi, NZ iris, can easily be distinguished by its bright orange or yellow seed pods held below the fan forming leaves, the white flowers are similar on all the species found in New Zealand. Photo: Matt Ward 2021.

P26. Monocot Herbs. A very delicate plant, repehinapapa (Arthropodium candidum) is a close relative to the much larger renga lily, which is a commonly used garden native species. This little herb is usually found in forest habitats on open banks. Photo: Matt Ward 2021.

P27. Composite Herbs. A strictly coastal cliff dweller woolyhead (Craspedia uniflora var. maritima) can be a difficult plant to catch in flower, looking in mid-January and you might be lucky to see this very colourful little ball of goodness. Photo: Matt Ward 2023.

P28. Composite Herbs. Very much a generalist type of plant, papataniwhaniwha (Lagenophora pumila), is found in all sorts of habitats, but may be easily overlooked if the daisy-like flower is not present, the leaf rosette is only 2.5-3 cm across. Photo: Matt Ward 2012.

P29. Dicot Herbs. Remuremu is what is called a turf plant, renowned for low stature and ability to tolerate extreme salt exposure and even being slept on by seals. Photo: Matt Ward 2014.

P30. Dicot Herbs. Often referred to as true flax, rauhuia (Linum monogynum var. monogynum) is called this because it is closely related to Linum usitatissimum, which is the source of flaxseed and linseed – a very important crop plant originally from west-Asia. The above picture was taken `on the slopes down from Raroa Reserve. Photo: Matt Ward 2009.

P31. Dicot Herbs. The only carnivorous plant found in Pukerua Bay, forked sundew (Drosera binata), found in a wetland within the Kay’s covenant. Photo; Matt Ward 2020.

P32. Dicot Herbs. This is a local speargrass, taramea (Aciphylla squarrosa var. squarrosa), a spikey member of the carrot family and something very rare in Pukerua Bay, only one known plant to the knowledge of the author. The red tipped spikes are not covered in blood but, if you accidentally stumble upon this species, it could be yours. It is very, very sharp: treat with respect. Photo: Matt Ward 2020.

References

Adkin, L., 1905. The last bush fire on the South Block, 20 February 1905, Levin, by Leslie Adkin. Gift of G. L. Adkin family estate, 1964. Te Papa (A.005847)

Brees, S., 1843. Porirua Harbour and Paramatta whaling station in Nov 1843. Plate 12. From the book: Illustrations to Adventure in New Zealand, 1843, by Samuel Brees, Day & Haghe, Smith, Elder, and Co. Te Papa (RB001053/012a) https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/1876742

Clelland, D., 1984. Plant Checklist for Pukerua Bay to Wairaka Point. Unprotected Natural areas of the Wellington Region: A survey of eleven areas of biological significance. Prepared by D. Clelland. Gridref.: N160 422 530 – 436 533. Downloaded from NZPCN website 21/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/13/087/pukerua_bay_to_wairaka_point.pdf

Gabites, I., 1994. Plant Checklist for Meeking-Stewart South (near Pukerua Bay). Generalised site descriptions – Mana island revegetation using mainland sites as points of reference. Prepared by I. Gabites. Gridref.: NZMS 260 R26 698175. Downloaded from NZPCN website 21/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/13/226/meeking_stewart_south.pdf

Gabites, I., 1981. Plant Checklist for West Wairaka Point (west of Pukerua Bay). Prepared by I. Gabites. Gridref.: NZMS 260 R26 675177. Downloaded from NZPCN website 15/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/12/979/west_wairaka_point_west_of_pukerua_bay.pdf

Mead, A., 1974. Plant Checklist for Native Plants in Bush Blocks around Wellington (incl. Wilton Bush, Khandallah Domain, Porirua Scenic Reserve, Honey Bay, Eastbourne-Wainui, Five-Miles Track, Pakuratahi Forest, Whahatikei Flat, Pukerua Bay Reserve/Gorge and Keith George Park). Downloaded from NZPCN website 15/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/12/943/native_plants_in_bush_blocks_around_wellington.pdf

Ogle, C.C., 1980. Plant Checklist for Pukerua Bay Reserves – Forest (Raroa). Downloaded from NZPCN website 21/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/publications/plant-lists/plant-lists-by-region/pukerua-bay-reserves-forest-raroa-1980-puk0/

Ogle, C.C., 1980. Plant Checklist for Pukerua Bay Reserves – Cliffs. Downloaded from NZPCN website 21/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/publications/plant-lists/plant-lists-by-region/pukerua-bay-reserves-forest-raroa-1980-puk0/

Ogle, C.C., 1979. Plant Checklist for 100 Acre Bush at “Kerehoma” – Pukerua Bay (site also known as Kay’s Covenant). Downloaded from NZPCN website 5/6/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/13/298/100_acre_bush_at_kerehoma.pdf

Ogle, C.C., 1974. Plant Checklist for Pukerua Bay Recreation Reserve (including “Fault Gorge”) and other hills and coast immediately west of Pukerua Bay residential area. Downloaded from NZPCN website 21/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/13/066/pukerua_bay_receation_reserve.pdf

Ogle, C.C., 1973. Plant Checklist for “Donlin Road Swamp” – boggy stream course running westwards from 7 Donlin Road about 500m. Prepared by C.C. Ogle. Date: 1973. Downloaded from NZPCN website 5/6/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/publications/documents/plant-checklist-for-donlin-road-swamp/

Ogle, C.C., 1971. Pukerua Bay cliffs etc in addition to defined reserves. Viewed on NZPCN website 5/6/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/publications/plant-lists/plant-lists-by-region/pukerua-bay-cliffs-etc-in-addition-to-defined-reserves-puk4/

P.C.C., 2024a. Reserve finder – Takutai Reserve. Porirua City Council website, accessed 30/10/24 https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/city-planning-and-reporting/reserves-management/reserve-finder/takutai-reserve-2/

P.C.C., 2024b. Reserve finder – Raroa Reserve. Porirua City Council website, accessed 14/10/24 https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/city-planning-and-reporting/reserves-management/reserve-finder/raroa-reserve-2/

Wassilieff, M.C., 1989. Rangi’s Bush, Pukerua Bay. Bulletin (Wellington Botanical Society), Nov 1989; Issue 45: pages 85-91. https://bts.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/22178/well_1989_45__85-91.pdf

Wassilieff, M.C. & Clark, D.C., 1983. Pukerua Bay -Wairaka Pt, cliffs. PCN1022 Downloaded from NZPCN website 15/10/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/publications/plant-lists/plant-lists-by-region/pukerua-bay-wairaka-pt-cliffs-puk2/

Wellington Botanical Society, 2013. Combined list compiled from the following sources: 1. C Ogle. 1970-80s era. 2. Hanford, P., Ravine, D., Hulme-Moir, A. May 2012; Restoration Plan for Muri Bush, Pukerua Bay. P A Hanford & Associates Ltd, Paekakariki. 3. Ted Coats and Cath Pearson. 4. J C Horne, 28.8.2013, 2-hour reconnaissance. 5. P Enright, 7.9.2013, 5.5 hours, listing round the tracks and in the wetland; 26.10.2013, 3 hours. 6. Wellington Botanical Society and M Heine, 2.11.2013, 4 hours. Downloaded from NZPCN website 5/6/24. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/publications/documents/species-list-for-muri-bush-pukerua-bay-porirua/

Wood, J., 1843 Twelve Months in Wellington, Port Nicholson, or, Notes for the Public and the New Zealand Company. Pelham Richardson.

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