Saltmarsh used to dominate the shores of Lake Ōnoke and the surrounding area, however changes to the area in the last 150 years have reduced its presence.

Are the most obvious plants in the saltmarsh. They thrive in the large areas of shallow, wet marginal land around Ōnoke Spit. 

Saltmarsh ribbonwood are endemic shrubs that grow up to three metres tall and form dense thickets of reddish-brown, intertwined stems with green, spoon-shaped leaves.

Its companion is oioi, which means ‘to shake gently’ in Māori — referencing the swaying of the stems in the wind. These stems are orange/brown rushes with dark brown joints running to the tips. Oioi grows in front of mānatu, protecting it from the onslaught of the waves. In early days, oioi was used by Māori for thatching the outside of houses. They’re also critical for our native fish, providing good īnanga spawning habitat. 

The small native musk (Thyridia repens), maakoako (sea primrose, Samolus repens var. repens) and remuremu (swampweed, Selliera radicans) are easiest to spot when in flower in spring and summer. These herbs form a dense carpet, especially in areas where wading birds roost.

Te Pouaruhe Saltmarsh Restoration Project, on the western shore of Lake Ōnoke is an exciting opportunity to increase the extent of this ecosystem type.