Biodiversity describes the range of species that can be found in one area, and includes all living things from plants and animals to bacteria and fungi. Each of these organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life. Biodiversity supports everything in nature that we need to survive: food, clean water, medicine, and shelter.

The species that are native to Aotearoa are our indigenous biodiversity. Many of these are found nowhere else in the world and are a great source of pride and cultural significance for the people of New Zealand.

The Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy sets a framework to guide Hutt City Council, Mana Whenua and the wider community in working together to protect and restore our indigenous biodiversity. The strategy sets a shared vision and goals to guide us and identifies focus areas where we can work together to make a difference. You can read more here.

The Mouri Tupu project will increase the number of indigenous plants in Lower Hutt. As these plants grow, they will provide food and habitat for native birds and insects, further improving ecosystem stability. These plants will also store carbon, clean the air and filter water.

Our residents support us making Lower Hutt a greener city. 83% of surveyed Lower Hutt residents told us planting natives is critically important. Nearly 70% of surveyed residents said that enhancing indigenous biodiversity in reserves, gardens and park is critically important.* Taken from the Indigenous Biodiversity survey: https://hutt.city/biosurvey

We’re planting a range of natives, including Karamū, Cabbage tree, Koromiko, Ngaio, Kānuka, Mahoe, Tarata/Lemonwood, Kohuhu, Five-finger, Harakeke/Lowland flax, Mingimingi, Shrubby tororaro, NZ Toe Toe, Kowhai and Toothed lancewood.

Planting native trees in sports fields helps increase biodiversity in our local neighbourhoods. These native trees will provide habitat and food sources for birds, insects, and lizards, allowing more indigenous wildlife to thrive in our urban spaces.

Planting native plants in Lower Hutt will create a greener city, providing greater access to nature in our own neighbourhoods. Exposure to nature is great for physical and mental health. Spending time in nature also fosters a sense of connection with the natural world. By partnering with the community to achieve the Mouri Tupu goals, residents are invited to come together on planting days to engage directly with nature.

We use a combination of methods to ensure successful plant maturity, that include using local/eco-sourced plants that are hardened to the local environment, planting during winter to reduce drought risks, and "tree releasing" using hand weeding, along with the targeted use of the herbicide for the first three years to allow seedlings to establish.

Carbon sequestration refers to the process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from the atmosphere and stored in carbon sinks such as forests, oceans, and soil. This process helps to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is a major greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat and contributing to global warming.

By planting indigenous plant species, you're not only restoring native ecosystems and supporting biodiversity but also actively contributing to carbon sequestration efforts. This can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, thus helping to stabilize the Earth's climate.

The mouri of Te Ara Tupua, the living relationship between the ngahere (the bush), the cliffs, the water ways, hinemoana and everything that lives within that environment have their own individual and interdependent vitality.