PHOTO
A governance group is being formed to oversee the creation of a large wetland and reserve near Rangiora.
The Waimakariri District Council bought 85 hectares of land between Rangiora and Kaiapoi for $2.6 million in May with a view to establishing a future wetland and recreation reserve.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the project was ‘‘a once in a lifetime opportunity’’.
‘‘We have already had expressions of interest from Environment Canterbury and Ngāi Tūāhuriri to be involved, so let’s get it started.
‘‘There is an opportunity for biodiversity outcomes and educational opportunities.
‘‘I have heard a lot of views including a lot of positive views about our long term aspirations and we can be really proud we have made this step.’’
The purchase came after a plea from former Waimakariri Zone Committee chairperson Michael Blackwell, who died earlier this year.
Councillors voted last week to place the governance of the land in the hands of the Arohatia te Awa (Cherish the River) project working group, which has been tasked with creating a governance structure, before progressing with community engagement.
The Arohatia te Awa working group comprises of councillors, council staff and representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Environment Canterbury.
Councillor Philip Redmond said there had been a lot of ‘‘information or misinformation’’ on social media so it was important for the council to consider all the options.
The council purchased two neighbouring properties on Lineside Road and Revells Road, within the Ruataniwha / Cam River catchment.
They were often referred to colloquially as Lake Lineside as water had a tendency to get trapped in the basin-like land following heavy rain.
A lease agreement has been accepted by Downie Flat Ltd for grazing (non-dairy) and cropping for 77.5 hectares of the land for $85,800 a year to cover the project’s costs.
Council ecologist Dr Bex Dollery said there was an opportunity for the land to be developed as a natural reserve.
‘‘We need to think about the types of plantings and the funding which might be considered and then there is the maintenance. It needs to be a really clear approach.
‘‘We need to give some consideration to the types of trees we plant, as some species of trees can take hundreds of years to fully mature, while other areas could be planted in trees which grow much quicker.
‘‘Those discussions will sit with the governance and design group.’’
Councillor Paul Williams questioned why this property was being singled out when the council owned several parcels of land with biodiversity which could be worth protecting.
Community and recreation general manager Chris Brown said council staff had begun a process of reviewing council properties and ‘‘considering their strategic value’’.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.