Cabbage trees (Tī Kōuka, cordyline australis) are fighters. You can cut them off and they will grow again. These ones may be struggling, but they show signs of new life. The dead branch in the foreground brings to mind the long-necked moa who once roamed the countryside.

These metal birds also suggest the dominance of bird life which once lived here. The work of many volunteers at Travis Wetlands is making a difference to restoring this habitat and attracting bird life.

Like tī kōuka, pūkeko are survivors. They are adaptable and here are enjoying water from a well head.

The bunny biscuits we enjoyed on our Easter weekend visit, although representing a pest not welcome in this habitat, posed a threat only to our waist lines.