Kānuka (Kunzea ericoides) is the primary successional plant used on Motutapu island for regeneration of original native species assemblages. This study investigates contrasts floral and invertebrate diversity between kānuka and gorse (Ulex europaeus), a plant which has been used elsewhere as an efficient primary successional shelter, and as an equivalent harbour for invert diversity. Six stands, three of gorse, three of kanuka, were sampled using transects totalling five samples per stand. The stands