The Environmental Restoration Project
How did we go from this…
The Valley, March 2019, 2 hectares of weeds
The Valley Restoration Project November 2023
… to this?
The idea began when we bought the land in 2016. At that time, the land was poor quality farmland, damaged by pugging from cattle, with unprotected waterways and a high invasive weed burden.
We wanted to repair the land, add value to it, to take our own bit of action to help with the global environmental challenges, and we’ve always loved being in the NZ bush.
In 2019 we commissioned David Wright, a well respected ecologist, to help us plan the restoration of the 2 ha valley and wetland. We have followed his advice, as well as consulting with other leaders in this field, and have expanded the restoration across the 30 ha property.
We have found that being involved with this project, which is bigger than one lifetime, has been immensely satisfying.
2016 - cattle pugged bare hills, exposed waterways, gorse and tobacco weed…
The Valley and Wetland
The valley was full of woolly nightshade, gorse, moth plant, taiwanese cherry, japanese honeysuckle, and even a wild kiwifruit vine which was smothering one of the large totara trees in the valley.
Clearing weeds and dealing with the seed bed was carried out in 2019. Planting of native revegetation species was carried out in 2020. Regular weed control has continued.
Gradually the indigenous plants started to win the race against the invaders. Canopy closure has dramatically reduced weed germination. We have now studded young canopy and emergent tree species through the protective pioneer planting. Self sown understory plants are appearing.
The transformation has been incredible!
The Okura Stream
We have also reclaimed the edge of the Okura Stream, which runs along the western boundary of the development, as it had become completely overgrown with noxious weeds.
Removing the weeds and planting natives has been done over 4 years. Mulching, irrigation in some areas when needed, and constant weed surveillance have paid off.
Canopy trees are taking over from the pioneer natives. It is very satisfying to 'chop and drop' the sheltering manuka branches, 'feeding' them to the soil and allowing room for the larger trees to come through.
The Okura Stream walkway will be open for public access, under certain conditions. All other walkways in the development are for residents only.
Boundary Plantings
Wide borders of manuka and other pioneer plants have been used in sections along boundary lines between each lot to transform the bare hills without blocking the sun or the beautiful views.
They are also studded with canopy species, which will eventually grow up through the shelter.
The main planting was done in 2019 and additional areas have been brought in each year. These staged plantings make a wonderful reference for seeing the differences in growth at each age.
And from here…
2024 - Nearly 40,000 native plants and countless hours later, this legacy project is well on track.
While most of the hard work has been done, continuing environmental enhancement of the common areas will be managed by owners, via the Okura Residents Association, for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
There will be on-going opportunities for residents to be involved in the environmental project, as much or as little as works for them.
To see more detailed images of the project progress so far, please view the Gallery.
We would also like to thank the 'Kerikeri Volunteer Shadehouse' and 'Trees that Count' for their encouragement and the generous support of their contributions to our supply of young trees, and ‘Kiwi Coast’ for the loan of predator traps plus Martin Schmid for training on their use.