Restoration Projects

Monika Lanham Reserve

The Monika Lanham Reserve, a 55 hectare reserve situated in the centre of town had the potential to become a tremendous community asset - an ecological showcase for native flora and fauna, as well as a place for people to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities.

Recognising this potential, the Kawerau District Council adopted a Development and Restoration Plan for the reserve in September 2003. The aim of this eleven year programme is to:

• Restore the indigenous vegetation cover and make links to other natural areas.
• Provide high quality habitats for indigenous wildlife.
• Provide a recreational resource for visitors and residents of Kawerau.

After removing plant pests like blackberry and ivy and many exotic trees (such as eucalypts and poplars), the intention of the plan is to enhance the reserve through planting locally-sourced, indigenous species. There will also be indigenous plantings for educational, medicinal and other cultural uses.

Although the reserve is managed by the Kawerau District Council, the restoration project has had overwhelming support from the Community with most of the planting done by members of the Kawerau South School, Rotary Club of Kawerau, Kawerau Intermediate School, Keep Kawerau Beautiful Committee Members, Kawerau Garden Club, Kawerau Scout Group, Greypower and Iwi. Many residents have participated in Arbor Day initiatives such as "Plant a Tree" or "Trees for Babies".

For several years, the Monika Lanham Reserve's tracks and open spaces have been a favourite destination for walking, cycling and general relaxation and Council is committed to protecting these assets. In conjunction with ecological restoration work, new tracks and open spaces will be developed to ensure that the residents of Kawerau will continue to enjoy this remarkable landmark.

Kawerau Wetland Restoration

Norske Skog Tasman has undertaken a major restoration project at the paper mill effluent treatment ponds near Kawerau. Wildland Consultants managed the project, including restoration planning, planting, weed and pest control and monitoring.

The 15 hectare site encompassing Lakes Rotoroa, was originally a natural wetland with extensive wetlands on the lake margins. A network of industrial treatment plants constructed in the vicinity of the lakes and the associated development of roads, buildings, hard stands and effluent treatment equipment, resulted in major changes and the loss of most of the natural character of the site. Prior to the start of restoration works, remaining ecological values were associated with a very degraded open water habitat rather than indigenous vegetation or wetlands.

This restoration project has been acknowledged by several Government agencies as a prime example of substantial corporate commitment to mitigating and offsetting historical industrial impacts on the aquatic system in the region.  

The major goals of the project were to restore and manage the indigenous character of the site with a particular focus wetland habitat and associated terrestrial margins while enabling the sustainable use of the site as a waste water treatment facility.

The restoration and management plan involved the removal or weeds and exotic trees, recon touring and substrate restoration. To date more that 15 hectares have been planted with over 230,000 indigenous seedling providing a diverse range of more than 50 species of terrestrial and wetland plants. Bird surveys are undertaken to monitor numbers and an integrated predator control regime implemented.

Following these initiatives, the diversity of wildlife has increased with Dabchick, (a nationally threatened species) now breeding in the wetlands, Scaup re-established and indigenous plant species regenerating naturally.

Lake Pupuwharau

Lake Pupuwharau is a 50 hectare site situated at the base of Putauaki described by Environment BOP as a Flax-raupo-rush wetland with Manuka-broadleaved scrub/shrub land. 85% open water. Field birds. Rare ferns with exceptional botanical values.

The restoration of the lake, owned by the Wetini Family Trust, will be managed by Taumana Associates. A major challenge of the restoration has been the public dumping of rubbish at the site and therefore access is being denied until the restoration is complete. In addition to the restoration, a scientific and archaeological study will be undertaken.  

Parimahana Scenic Reserve  

The Parimahana Scenic Reserve is the name of the reserve situated west of the Ruruanga Stream and includes part of the slopes of the Tirotirowhetu Mountain. The reserve was named because of the spiritual significance it had in relation to the ngawha (geothermal) resources placed there. It has been identified as an area of significant natural value and local authorities will work with land owners to have it protected in perpetuity.  

The Parimahana Scenic Reserve contains secondary vegetation dominated by rewarewa and kanuka and geothermally heated ground with specialized thermal vegetation. A threatened fern Dicranopteris linearis is locally abundant in the reserve and comprises one of the largest populations of this species in New Zealand.