There are native vegetation groups which would be expected to grow naturally in each of the stream zones. These are:
Stream Margin
Overhanging plants such as;
- Rushes (Juncus sp.)
- Sedges (Carex sp.)
|
 |
 |
Wetlands
Flood tolerant plants such as:
- Rushes (Juncus sp.)
- Sedges (Carex sp.)
- Cabbage Trees
- Flax
|
Berms
Riparian plants such as:
- Rushes (Juncus sp.)
- Sedges (Carex sp.)
- Cabbage Trees
- Flax
- Kahikatea
- Karamu – Coprosma sp.
|
 |
 |
Terrace Faces
- Karamu
- Cabbage Tree
- Hebe
- Five Finger
- Totara
- Matai
- Kahikatea
|
The planting programme has been split into two sections. The first round involves quickly planting large numbers of rapidly growing native species, such as native grasses, which over the next two years will hopefully grow together to out-compete the weeds, helping to reduce the need for weed control and helping to create a protective cover for other more sensitive native species.
Once the primary planting has established itself, a second round of planting will begin. The secondary planting will include native shrubs and trees, such as karamu and kahikatea, and will aim to increase the plant diversity and variety of food providing species for native birds. It is hoped that this secondary planting will be largely achieved through community planting days and community group efforts.
Several parts of the Karamu Stream, particularly along the Havelock North urban fringe, currently have a relaxing park-like atmosphere, with open areas of grass amongst group plantings and specimen trees.
Revegetation in these areas will increase the amount of native vegetation, while maintaining the open grass areas that are valued by the community. Infill planting with natives along the terrace face and new plantings along the stream margin will be done, leaving an open central grass area for passive recreation.