This blog article highlights the importance of recognising funga, the fungal kingdom, alongside fauna and flora in conservation. It discusses how fungi are essential to ecosystem health through nutrient recycling, soil formation, and species relationships, yet they are often overlooked. 

Healthy soil on Tiritiri Matangi is built and sustained by a rich mix of organic and biological activity. Fallen leaves, branches, and animal waste break down into humus, which earthworms, insects, fungi, and microorganisms distribute throughout the soil. Decaying logs and plant matter help retain moisture, while seabirds and burrowing wildlife aerate the ground and enrich it with nutrients . This dynamic, living layer supports seed germination, rooted growth, and overall forest regeneration—making the soil itself a vital part of Tiritiri’s thriving ecosystem.

Pōhutukawa are remarkable carbon-capturing trees that play a crucial role in balancing our climate. By absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as they grow and locking it into their wood, leaves, and branches, they act as vital carbon sinks, helping to cool the planet. In doing so, they also produce the oxygen we need to breathe. A mature pōhutukawa can store up to eight tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to taking a car round-trip from Cape Reinga to Bluff more than ten times. On Tiritiri Matangi, one ancient tree has survived for over a millennium, serving as a living connection to the original coastal forest. Following restoration efforts, the island’s 280,000 planted natives have collectively absorbed about 280,000 tonnes of CO₂ enough to power or heat around 30,000 New Zealand homes for a year.