Restoring Northland’s Native Forests: Undoing a Century of Destruction

When the first European settlers arrived in Northland, New Zealand, they encountered a landscape teeming with ancient forests, vibrant ecosystems, and a rich diversity of native flora and fauna. These dense forests, dominated by towering kauri, tōtara, and rimu, were a testament to millennia of natural balance. However, within a few short decades, much of this ecological wealth was lost. The settlers, driven by the demands of colonization and agriculture, logged vast swathes of Northland’s forests and set fire to the remnants to clear land for farming. This widespread destruction transformed the region’s lush, green heart into open pastures, leaving behind fragmented ecosystems and a legacy of environmental loss.

Aftermath of logging operations located next to Khemeia Valley

At My Tree Legacy, we are committed to reversing this damage and restoring Northland’s native forests on our 850 acre property. Our mission is to bring back the native bush—tree by tree, hectare by hectare—rebuilding the ecosystems that once thrived here. This is not just about planting trees; it’s about reviving the intricate web of life that depends on these forests, from the smallest insects to the iconic native birds like the kererū and tūī.

Remnants of an old kauri dam in our river

A History of Loss

The transformation of Northland began in the 19th century. Early settlers saw the dense forests as both a resource and an obstacle. The towering kauri trees were felled for their valuable timber, used to build homes, ships, and infrastructure. Entire forests were cleared, and the remaining vegetation was often burned to make way for pastureland. By the early 20th century, vast areas of Northland’s native bush had been replaced by rolling farmland. This rapid conversion left the soil vulnerable to erosion, disrupted water cycles, and decimated habitats for countless native species.

The scars of this destruction are still visible today. Fragmented patches of native forest cling to hillsides and gullies, but the once-continuous canopy is gone. The loss of these ecosystems has had lasting impacts, from reduced biodiversity to weakened resilience against climate change. For us at My Tree Legacy, this history is a call to action.

Large trunks lie hidden throughout Khemeia Valley

Our Restoration Journey

On our property, we are working to undo a century of destruction by restoring Northland’s native forests. Our approach is rooted in respect for the land and its original ecosystems. We focus on planting native species like kauri, tōtara, pūriri, and mānuka, which are well-suited to the region’s climate and soil. These trees form the backbone of a healthy forest, providing food and shelter for native wildlife and helping to stabilize the soil.

Our restoration process begins with careful planning. We assess the land to understand its unique characteristics—soil type, drainage, and existing vegetation. From there, we select species that will thrive and contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Planting is just the start; we nurture these trees through their early years, protecting them from pests, weeds, and harsh weather. Over time, these efforts will create a self-sustaining forest, where native plants and animals can flourish once more.

Why Restoring Northland's Native Forests Matters

Restoring Northland’s native forests is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about rebuilding ecosystems that support life. Native trees play a critical role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. They stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and improve water quality by filtering runoff. They also provide habitats for native species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. By restoring our property’s native bush, we’re creating a haven for biodiversity and contributing to a healthier planet.

This work also carries cultural significance. For Māori, the forests of Northland are taonga—treasures deeply connected to identity, spirituality, and history. By restoring the native bush, we honor this connection and contribute to the broader movement of environmental and cultural restoration in Aotearoa.

A Legacy for the Future

At My Tree Legacy, we believe that every tree planted is a step toward healing the land. Our vision is to create a thriving native forest that will stand for generations, a living legacy that undoes the destruction of the past. We invite our community to join us in this journey—whether by supporting our efforts, planting trees of their own, or simply learning about the importance of native ecosystems.

The clearing and burning of Northland’s forests may have reshaped the land a century ago, but we have the power to reshape it again—for the better. Together, we can restore the native bush, revive the ecosystems, and leave a legacy of hope and renewal for future generations.

Any trees that weren't deemed 'good enough' were burnt or left to rot.

All photos by Jarrodharris.com