Creating new habitat for native species

With the removal of historic timber waste, new places will be created for native species to inhabit.

The hard surfaces that are commonplace in a boat harbour like Te Rāhui can, with some forward planning, provide a very good habitat for a range of marine species.

Once constructed and flooded, the bed and walls of the harbour will gradually be colonised by creatures. We expect to see increasing numbers of fish species who will live in and visit the boat harbour, whether for breeding, feeding, or just a visit. Our local advisors suggest that Finfish species commonly seen in marinas and boat harbours include pakirikiri (spotties), tuna (freshwater eels), whai (stingrays), aua (yellow-eyed mullet), kahawai, and patiki (flounder). Construction of the access channel is also likely to have a positive effect on marine ecology through provision of new habitat.

Adjoining the Boat Harbour site to the north, the re-establishment of an area of saltmarsh wetland habitat is also identified as a significant positive environmental effect of the project, creating habitat for a range of wetland species including plants, fish and bird life.  This is made possible by the project removing waste timber from this location as part of the project.

Have you checked our FAQ page?

From dredging to navigating the bar, the stages of the project build, and the meaning of the name, Te Rāhui. Our FAQ page includes responses to many of the questions that we have been asked in the recent months. Visit www.terahui.nz/faqs