Like most of Kaipātiki, Tōtara Vale historically would have been covered in forest, featuring native giants like Kauri, large-leaved broadleaved species, and kahikatea in lower, wetter areas. While Tōtara Vale today hosts a largely urban landscape, we are lucky to have several reserves dotted throughout the area for both our human and animal residents to enjoy. With the loss of natural spaces to urbanisation, our native species need as much habitat as they can get, and these islands of greenery act as essential habitats and stepping stones for birds, insects and reptiles. However, our natural environment today face many threats and often need our care to thrive again. 

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You can help protect and boost the biodiversity of Tōtara Vale by making sure your property is free from invasive weeds, planting natives in your garden to support native wildlife, hosting a predator trap to keep possum and rats numbers low, or volunteering to help look after one of our many reserves. 

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Rewi Alley Reserve

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In August 2025, PFK and the community, with the generous support of Healthy Waters, put 2500 plants into the ground in Rewi Alley Reserve, planting the first seeds of what was to become the Rewi Alley and Trias Squad (RATS) reserve group.

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Reserve groups act as caretakers and champions of their local reserve, undertaking tasks such as ecological monitoring, eradicating invasive pest plants and trapping invasive predators. If you have been thinking about volunteering, spending more time outdoors, connecting with neighbours, or simply curious to learn more about our native biodiversity and natural environment, join RATS in Rewi Alley! Follow the group on facebook for updates. 

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Monthly Reserve Care

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The Rewi Alley and Trias squad meets every 2nd Saturday of the month from 9 - 11am. 

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Join the RATS facebook group or email volunteers@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz to get involved!

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