Pollen analysis of two radiocarbon-dated sequences in Pauatahanui Basin, on the west coast of southern North Island, shows that for the last 8000 years or more aDacrydium cupressinum-dominant broadleaf-podocarp forest existed in the area. During this periodD. cupressinumhas slowly declined in favour ofPodocarpus, Noihofagus “fusca”beech, andMetrosideros. Ascarina lucidaalso slowly declined. This suggests a slow deterioration of the climate, particularly from about 5000 years ago, probably due to increased frostiness and summer droughts.