Zoe Henderson at the foot of her 900-year-old kahikatea
A 900-year-old kahikatea tree in Pauatahanui – believed to be one of the largest in New Zealand – is just one of Porirua’s significant natural features that will be protected under a new framework.
Porirua City is working with landowners, ecologists and landscape specialists to identify and protect the important landscapes and significant natural areas that make our city special, says Nic Etheridge, Manager, Environment & City Planning.
“Porirua is recognised for its natural environment – the harbour and coastline, landscapes and areas of significant biodiversity,” she says.
“The District Plan is being reviewed and through this process we’ll be considering how to best look after these areas.”
If a property is part of a landscape or significant natural area it may affect what sort of land uses can take place, so the Council is working with landowners to develop its ecology and landscapes policy. Landowners with potentially significant sites on their land have been contacted directly for their feedback.
Landowners Nigel Sylva and Zoe Henderson are delighted that their ancient kahikatea tree, and other native bush on their property, will soon be better protected.
“We’re more than willing to help protect this important area. It’s a real privilege to have a wide variety of good pristine native bush on our property, as it provides a real sanctuary for us and the birds. Having diversity in tree species means there’s food for the native birds and they stay on our property all year round“.
They particularly love their large kahikatea, which has been estimated to be around 900 years old.
“When this tree is fruiting it’s covered in birds so is vital for the biodiversity in the area. We’re keen to protect the bush and plant more kahikatea on our property for future generations to enjoy, and work at controlling pests so the birdlife can thrive.”
Ms Etheridge says identifying and protecting Porirua’s landscapes and significant natural areas is part of the Council’s obligations under the Resource Management Act and Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Regional Policy Statement.
“There was a time when Porirua City was widely covered in native forest. Over the years this has been cleared for timber or farming, and more recently for urban settlements, so we now have only small amounts left,” she says.
The greater Wellington region once had 98 percent forest cover, but now only 28 percent remains. In Porirua we have just 15 percent of forest cover left. There are eight indigenous plants and 16 indigenous bird species classified as critically threatened in Porirua.
“We look forward to working together with landowners to balance land use with preserving these important parts of the city.”
More information is available at poriruacity.govt.nz
4 Jul 2018
