Reserving the Battle Hill native bush remnant consultation

Reserving the Battle Hill native bush remnant

It was agreed by Council during the review of the Battle Hill Farm Forest Management Plan that Battle Hill native bush remnant should be reserved. The new plan has now been adopted and Greater Wellington is beginning the process of reserving the remnant. The first step is to call for objections to reserving the area

A Scenic Reserve 1a classification is proposed. Under the Reserves Act, 1977, Section 19a, areas can be reserved “for the purpose of protecting and preserving in perpetuity for their intrinsic worth and for the benefit, enjoyment, and use of the public, suitable areas possessing such qualities of scenic interest, beauty or natural features or landscape that their protection and preservation are desirable in the public interest.” Recreational activities may take place in Scenic Reserves, but the primary purpose of the area is for the protection of the ecological values. Recreational uses tend to be passive, such as walking and nature watching, but events or uses that do not impact on the native flora and fauna may be allowed in such areas.

Why is this area special?

The Battle Hill native bush remnant contains vegetation that is representative of forest that was once common in the area. The lower slopes are dominated by either tawa or titoki, while almost pure kohekohe forest takes precedence on the upper slopes. Kahikatea and pukatea are found in the swampy areas of the remnant, with occasional rimu, totara, nikau, matai and miro occurring throughout. The region’s only self-sustaining population and the southern limit of the rare plant Rhabdothamnus solandri (New Zealand gloxinia) is found in the remnant. This shrub is thought to be pollinated only by honeyeaters, such as stitchbird, bellbird and tui. Luckily two of these bird species still use this remnant as habitat. In total, fifteen native bird species have been recorded in the forest, including threatened species, such as New Zealand falcon and kereru. It is a valuable piece of indigenous forest ecologically, as it acts as a corridor for native flora and fauna and adjoins a private bush block of similar composition (Collyns QEII National Trust Covenant).

You can view a Map of bush remnantand survey boundary of the area here.

Have your say: You are invited to forward any objections to the proposal or its intended scenic purpose in writing to Greater Wellington, PO Box 11646, Wellington or email parks@gw.govt.nz by 18 December 2009.