18 October 2010
Waipa environmentalists were acknowledged in an awards ceremony last night (Thursday, October 14) for their efforts to protect the district’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston presented five awards in five categories.
David and Colleen Cullen of Orakau, near Arapuni, took the award for Habitat Protection on Private Land. Their 30 year labour of love has transformed seven acres of less productive land into a network of wetlands, tree stands, paths, bridges and sculptures that are used extensively by school, gardening and walking groups as well as overseas visitors.
Lower Mangapiko Stream Care Inc was awarded Habitat Development and Management on a Public Reserve for their continued work along the stream. The group wants to link Pirongia with Maungatautari through a fully restored ecological corridor. Since 2006 the group has focused on removing willow growth, fencing a riparian corridor and controlling weed growth.
Ultimately the work will stabilise the stream’s banks, improve its water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife, and extend the Pioneer Walk alongside the Mangapiko and Mangaohoi Streams.
Te Rahu-based Breckon Farms took the prize for Natural Heritage Tourism. For more than three years Ken and Karen Breckon have been developing an equestrian and environmental experience for visitors and horse owners to showcase the industry and the environment.
The property encircles Yarndley’s Bush scenic reserve, a 14 hectare stand of Kahikatea trees that is the largest in the Waikato basin. The wetland on Breckon Farms is managing flood flows and sediment run off from the road to the reserve. Ken and Karen have also agreed to allow the reserve boundary to extend onto their property. The extension creates an opportunity to plant more Kahikatea, create wetland environments and improve the reserve’s ecological stability.
Cambridge Tree Trust took the award for Retention, Development and Management of Natural Landscapes for its work developing the Lola Silcock Park.
The Trust has been active in Cambridge for 20 years. Many of the plants seen along the town’s riverside walks, greenbelt and parks and gardens can be attributed to the Trust and its members.
In the last two years the Trust has focused on developing the steep-sided and weedy Waikato River bank between The Warehouse and Cambridge Primary School. Old vegetation has been removed and 1000 trees and shrubs planted. A new track has been constructed that links with the Settlers Track. More landscaping including heritage fruit trees and picnic tables is planned.
The park will be named after Lola Silcock, the Trust’s founding member, when it opens next year.
St Peter’s School was awarded Natural Heritage Education for re-establishing and managing a natural wetland on school property.
The idea for the wetland began with Trust Board chair and sustainability and farm committee member Mr Arthur Bryan but has been entirely driven by students. The school identified a number of goals for the project, including growing native species to ensure against loss or extinction, and to be a good neighbour and lead by example.
The wetland is being used extensively by the school’s geography, biology, agriculture and horticulture departments to study subjects like topography, erosion, land and water use and the behaviour of soil and water systems.
The awards acknowledge the individuals, groups, schools and businesses in the Waipa District who are working to protect natural heritage and biodiversity.
Council’s manager community facilities Tony Roxburgh said the influence of the projects was far reaching and substantially improving the district’s environment now and for future generations.
“Our biodiversity winners are an inspiration. Not only are they outstanding environmentalists, they are often volunteers who have an immense sense of community spirit,” Mr Roxburgh said.
2010 Waipa Biodiversity Awards - recipients
|
Category |
Recipient |
|
Habitat Protection on Private Land |
David and Colleen Cullen |
|
Habitat Development and
Management on a Public Reserve |
Lower Mangapiko Stream Care Inc.
|
|
Retention, Development and Management of Natural Landscapes |
Cambridge Tree Trust
|
|
Natural Heritage Education |
St Peter’s School Cambridge |
|
Natural Heritage Tourism |
Breckon Farms |