Preserving our Heritage

There are several significant heritage and archeological sites within the company’s forests.

Takitoa forest contains part of a Māori pā of significance known as Pā a Te Moua (also known as the pā on Te Moua Hill). This addition to City Forests' archaeological sites is one of the most significant in the company's estate. The pā site was also in forest under the previous land owner and was replanted in 2019 to meet emissions trading scheme (ETS) obligations. 

An archeological survey uncovered remnants of the Taratu Mines in Tokoiti Forest, that were active from 1884 until 1947. The underground coalmines supplied coal to ships on the Clutha River. The threat of forestry operations damaging mine remnants meant a policy was adopted with specific constraints and requirements to minimise any possible damage. 

Waipori Forest has many historic remnants, legacies of the Waipori gold rush from 1861 to 1904 and the development of the Waipori hydro electricity system which first supplied power to Dunedin in 1907. 

Flagstaff Forest features remnants of the Silverstream water race that were once part of Dunedin’s water system. 

Silverpeaks forest contains remnants of historic goldmining activity from the early 1900's.  Prospecting tunnels were dug into the hillsides, water races and dams constructed, and tailings evidence can still be found.