The understory includes mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), kaikomako (Pennantia corymbosa), nīkau (Rhopalostylis sapida), coprosma, and other small trees and shrubs.

Relations between the Government and local Māori had been souring for many years, due to the New Zealand Company trying to buy large tracts of land for Pākehā settlers.

It culminated with a clash between about 300 Ngāti Toa, under the leadership of Te Rangihaeata, and British troops.

Members of the family, and two of the three militiamen killed in the battle of 1846, are buried in a graveyard on the site.

[10] Later that year, the council announced plans to reduce stock grazing and increase native bush and wetlands in its regional parks.