Look at nature through new eyes. Take time to explore your relationship with nature and enjoy its benefits – connecting with nature is good for us. Papatūānuku’s wellbeing is our wellbeing.
The Ruakaka estuary is an ecologically significant habitat, one that needs protection from industrial development and mainland predators. It is an important feeding ground for numerous seabird species and native grasses sensitive to pollution are also found here. The native katipō spider (Latrodectus katipo), our only native venomous spider, is found in the dunes. The dunes themselves are a significant aspect of the coastal ecosystem, providing valuable habitat to numerous species of birds, lizards, plants and invertebrates. It is essential that people stick to the main walking tracks through the dunes, and remain behind the roped off areas. Coastal grasses such as kōwhangatara/spinifex and pingaō can stabilise a coast from erosion and provide the habitat needed for coastal species to survive, so long as we don't go climbing/rolling/walking/sliding through it. 