Exploring Te Toki Reserve and Okahuiti Wetland on Waiheke Island

Nestled between the bustling communities of Ostend and Surfdale on Waiheke Island lies a hidden ecological treasure: the Ostend Wetlands, encompassing the Te Toki Reserve and Okahuiti Wetland. Covering approximately 8 hectares, this area offers a unique blend of regenerating native bush, diverse wetland ecosystems, and open parkland. Recognized for its ecological significance, the reserve holds both Scientific and Scenic Reserve status, making it a vital component of Waiheke's natural heritage.

Ecological Significance

Diverse Ecosystems

The Ostend Wetlands showcase a remarkable sequence of ecosystems, transitioning from broadleaf-podocarp forests through freshwater wetlands to salt marshes and mangroves. This gradient of habitats supports a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, contributing to the area's high biodiversity.

Flora

The reserve boasts a variety of native plant species, including mamangi, kānuka, mānuka, kohekohe, taraire, karaka, nīkau, pūriri, and porokaiwhiri. Scattered podocarp trees such as tōtara, miro, mataī, and kahikatea add to the botanical diversity. The absence of possums on Waiheke Island allows palatable trees like kohekohe to thrive, enhancing the forest's health and resilience.

Fauna

The wetland areas provide crucial habitats for various bird species, including waders and other wetland-dependent birds. The saline wetland is considered suitable habitat for wader bird species, although numbers are currently low due to reduced habitat caused by partial impounding of waters from infrastructure like the Causeway Road culvert.

Conservation Efforts

Community Involvement

In 2007, the Friends of Te Toki Reserve and Okahuiti Wetland group was established following a public meeting organized by the Waiheke Island Wetlands Initiative (WIWI) and Auckland City Council. This community group plays a pivotal role in the ongoing restoration and management of the reserve, focusing on weed control, planting eco-sourced native species, and maintaining public spaces.

Restoration Initiatives

The group's short-term objectives include controlling invasive species, continuing the planting of native flora, and maintaining previous plantings. Long-term goals aim to protect this fragile coastal ecosystem, enhance its biodiversity, and provide ongoing opportunities for recreation and education, encouraging community involvement.

Support and Funding

The Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust oversees the use of ongoing annual funding for the Friends of Te Toki group through Foundation North. Additional assistance is provided by Auckland Council, including support in planning, mulch deliveries, and grants for purchasing native trees.

Recreation and Access

Te Toki Reserve Loop

The Te Toki Reserve Loop is a 3.5 km trail offering a uniquely beautiful walk through wetlands, regenerating bush, giant pōhutukawa trees, and open fields in the urban center of the island. The track starts and finishes near the Wharf Rd/Belgium St corner, just 200 meters from the central shopping area of Ostend. It's a gentle walk—mostly flat by Waiheke standards—and is part of the Te Ara Hura trail network. Dogs are allowed, and Te Toki Reserve is a dedicated off-lead area for dogs all year round.

Trail Features

The walk includes single dirt tracks alongside wetlands and through bush, with about 850 meters along a shady sealed road. Visitors can observe small pūriri trees, māhoe (whitey wood), kawakawa, and mamaku (giant tree ferns), along with native birds like fantails and tūī. The wetlands feature oioi grass, raupō (bullrush), and toi toi. Mataī trees can be seen along Wilma Rd and in the reserve, identifiable by the 'hammered' look of their trunks.

Historical Context

The reserve was previously leased and farmed by longtime Waiheke farmer John McGregor, who used it to run cattle and sheep before it was purchased by the former Auckland Council in 1992. In 1998, 8 hectares were designated as a scenic reserve, becoming part of the greenbelt between built-up residential areas of Waiheke.

Challenges and Future Directions

Environmental Threats

The reserve faces several environmental challenges, including sedimentation from adjacent roads and land development, which contributes to sediment accumulation in the wetlands, impacting water quality and habitat health. Invasive species also pose a threat to native biodiversity, necessitating ongoing management efforts.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, conservation efforts will focus on enhanced monitoring to assess the effectiveness of restoration activities and inform adaptive management strategies. Expanding educational outreach and volunteer opportunities will foster a deeper connection between the community and the reserve. Collaborations with academic institutions are also planned to conduct research on wetland ecology, climate resilience, and conservation best practices.

The Ostend Wetlands, encompassing the Te Toki Reserve and Okahuiti Wetland, are a testament to the harmonious coexistence of ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and community stewardship. As a vital component of Waiheke Island's natural landscape, the reserve not only safeguards biodiversity but also serves as a living classroom for sustainable living and environmental education. Continued support and collaborative efforts will ensure that this ecological treasure thrives for generations to come.

For more information on the Ostend Wetlands and opportunities to get involved, please refer to the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust's Te Toki Reserve/Okahuiti Wetland Restoration page.