Matai is a large evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a dense crown of dark green, needle-like leaves. The bark is thick and rough, with deep grooves and ridges.
Matai is native to New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island. It is commonly found in mixed and podocarp forests, often growing on well-drained soils.
Matai is a significant tree for Māori, who traditionally use wood for building and carving. The tree also holds spiritual and cultural significance, representing strength and resilience.
Matai provides a habitat for various native birds and insects, and its large size contributes to the structural complexity and stability of native forests. As a long-lived species, it also plays an important role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change.
Kākāriki: Colourful parakeets that inhabit Tītoki forests. They have green feathers and can be seen foraging for seeds, fruits, and insects.
Kingfisher: Small bird with vibrant blue and orange plumage. Known to frequent Tītoki areas, where it hunts for small fish, insects, and crustaceans near water bodies.
Grey Warbler: Tiny bird with a melodious song, often found in Tītoki forests. It forages for insects among the foliage and builds its delicate nest on the branches.
Shining Cuckoo: Migratory bird that arrives in New Zealand during the spring season, coinciding with the flowering of Tītoki trees. It primarily feeds on insects and nectar.
Fantail: Agile bird known for its fan-shaped tail and acrobatic flight. Often spotted in Tītoki forests, where it hunts insects by fluttering and flicking its tail.
Bellbird: Medium-sized songbird attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of Tītoki trees. Its beautiful song resonates through the forest as it also feeds on insects and fruits.
Tūī: Medium-sized honeyeaters with distinctive white throat tufts. They visit Tītoki trees for their nectar and play a crucial role in pollination.
Silvereye: Small passerine bird that frequents Tītoki forests. It feeds on insects, fruits, and nectar, contributing to the pollination of Tītoki flowers.
Stitchbird: Endangered bird species known for its vibrant plumage and unique bill. Tītoki trees provide them with nectar and fruits, supporting their survival.
Matai is not currently considered threatened, but its habitat is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation from activities such as logging and land development.
To help conserve Matai and its habitat, individuals can support efforts to protect native forests and oppose activities threatening these ecosystems. Keeping sustainable forestry practices and purchasing wood products from certified sustainable sources can also help to reduce the demand for unsustainable logging practices.
