The fire-charred ground at Tongariro has revealed some unexpected good news, with DOC ecologists discovering an abundance of a threatened plant species.
Normally hidden amongst dense tussock, flax and mānuka scrub, the Volcanic Plateau speargrass has been exposed by the fire-cleared landscape, following extensive fires in late 2025.
DOC Technical Advisor and botanist Paul Cashmore says although the plant was known in the area, its abundance wouldn't have been understood without the fires.
"It's a welcome side-effect of these fires, discovering a new stronghold for this Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable species.
"It clearly can survive a fire, and we expect to see it increase even more over the next few years while there is less competition for light from taller growing vegetation."
The speargrass is just one of the surprises ecologists came across in their post-fire assessments.
Wetlands were only partially impacted by the fire with many wetter areas remaining unburnt.
Paul says the fires burned very quickly with varying levels of impact on the different habitats present across the approximately 3,000-hectare burn zone.
"One of our memorable experiences in the field was walking into a completely intact stand of Hall's tōtara, with a chorus of native birds including toutouwai/robin!
"Remnant patches of vegetation like this act as refuges where flora and fauna have survived, which can assist with natural recolonising of the burnt area."
Paul says despite the optimistic outlook, there's still plenty of work to be done.
"We'll continue working closely with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to monitor and act, particularly where it comes to weeds and deer."
Visitors can help by staying on the tracks, says Paul.
"Walking on the burnt area can introduce new threats like weeds and can directly affect the recovery of slow growing alpine plants.
"So, if you're keen on naturing in this World Heritage listed landscape, we ask you to respect the 10-year rāhui by keeping off the firegrounds and sticking to the marked tracks."
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
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