Plant to support native wildlife

​Wildlife are animals that are living in their natural habitat.

This includes your usual backyard and garden visitors:

• native birds
• lizards
• invertebrates
• butterflies
• bees
• spiders.

Native wildlife is under threat

Our native wildlife is under threat due to loss of habitat through urban development.

Finding shelter and kai becomes harder for them when gardens are turned into car parks, for example.

On average, 4 new species of plants establish in the wild in Tāmaki Makaurau every year. These escapees threaten our native forests, wetlands and dunes, and the indigenous plants and animals that make their homes in these places.

Why wildlife is important

Wildlife creates a balanced ecosystem.

When their habitats are restored, they can pollinate flowers, help control pests and increase biodiversity.

What you can do

Restore your backyard to create a habitat for animals like skinks and geckos and provide kai for native birds.

• Understand your garden environment - know where it gets wet, dry, sunny or windy.
• Plant native trees and shrubs - visit Auckland Botanic Gardens guides to planting natives.
• Plant with locally sourced plants.
• Find safer alternatives to plant using Weedbusters' Plant me instead.
• Do not leave big gaps between plants to prevent weeds from growing.
• Mulch around plants to help soil moist.
• If you have a stream on your property, plant on the banks.
• If you suspect there are pest plants or pest animals, see Pest plants and animals for more information.