Regeneration of taraire (Beilschmiedia tarairi) and kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) in a forest remnant on Tiritiri Matangi Island, Northern New Zealand

Quantitative and qualitative studies of understorey regeneration in a mature kohekohe-taraire dominated forest remnant were undertaken before and after the extensive replanting and species reintroduction programme on Tiritiri Matangi, a northern New Zealand island. The changes in regeneration patterns of taraire and kohekohe within this remnant before the restoration programme, and twenty years later, are described. After twenty years, the regeneration of kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) and taraire (Beilschmiedia tarairi) within the forest remnant had not increased significantly and the density of taraire seedlings had decreased. Regeneration of the understorey of the forest remnant remains sparse, and larger size classes of saplings and seedlings of kohekohe, taraire and other species are largely absent. Factors which may be influencing the observed regeneration patterns are discussed, including the impact of past land uses and changes to the island over this time. Management recommendations for the island are made.