Port Hills wildfires: Flammable grass could create ‘fire trap’ for native bush

Anna LeaskSenior Journalist - Crime and Justice·NZ Herald·7 Sep, 2026 10:46 PM3 mins to read‌NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Todd Energy gets up to $23.5m for gas projects and the Government introduces $5m tourism boost. Video / NZ HeraldRepeated wildfires in Christchurch’s Port Hills could be creating a “fire trap” that prevents native bush from regenerating, new research suggests. University of Canterbury researchers examined native plants at a Port Hills restoration site after the February 2024 and found some young trees and shrubs were able to resprout despite heavy fire damage.