Oioi, knobby clubrush sedgeland ecosystem (DN5)

Active coastal sand dunes ecosystem

Threat status
Critically endangered

About this ecosystem

Dune plains are formed immediately behind mobile dunes (DN2) where sand has eroded down to the water table. They are usually associated with accreting coastlines.

Behind the mobile dune, the height of the dune plain varies. Dune plains often form ephemeral wetlands which are colonised by a group of wetland plants. Over time, larger plants capture sand and raise the ground level, creating small sand ridges.

In Auckland, good examples of this ecosystem can be found at:

  • Whatipū
  • Papakanui Spit. 
View from a clifftop overlooking cliffs and grassy dune plains with the ocean in the distance.
Whatipū dune plains.
Photo credit: Alastair Jamieson

Flora and fauna in this ecosystem

A mosaic of plant communities develop in dune plains with some periodically submerged wetland communities developing in the plains and drier communities on the sand ridges. 

Sedgeland and herbfield can develop in wet and dry areas and local variants may occur. Species that may be present include:

  • sand sedge
  • oioi
  • knobby club rush
  • toetoe.

Wetlands that develop in the back dunes can provide seasonal habitats for fauna such as:

  • waterfowl
  • crakes
  • matuku hūrepo (bittern). 

They also provide breeding habitats for kāhu (harrier) and shorebirds such as:

  • tōrea pango (variable oystercatcher)
  • tūturiwhatu (New Zealand and banded dotterels).
Dense oioi grass with cabbage trees/tī kōuka and knobby clubrush and manuka trees in the background.
Oioi, knobby clubrush sedgeland south of Karekare Beach.
Photo credit: Jason Hosking

Threats to this ecosystem

This ecosystem is critically endangered.

The main threats to this ecosystem are:

  • land development (forestry and agriculture)
  • invasion of pest plants
  • off-road vehicles damaging plant populations
  • weeds.

Weeds are a major threat, capable of transforming large areas into non-native communities.