12 Oct 2017

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A forest in the city that will become a home for native birds is named and ready for its opening next week.

The urban forest has been planted in Woolston. The land that was previously part of Linwood College’s lower fields. The earthquake-damaged land was bought by Christchurch City Council to use as a storm water basin to reduce the risk of flooding for properties in the surrounding area during severe weather.

The Council has taken the opportunity to turn this flood mitigation measure into a forested reserve that will also bring ecological and community benefits.

The reserve has been named Te Oranga Waikura Urban Forest and Stormwater Basin and features a loop walkway. It will open next Monday with a formal blessing ceremony that people are welcome to attend.

"Te Oranga" means rejuvenation and the name is derived from Te Oranga Ahuriri, a place located near the present day forest. Waikura – wai meaning flow of water and kura reflecting leadership – is the name gifted to the local community board earlier this year. 

More than 16,000 native trees and plants have now been planted on the site, including close to 1000 kahikatea, 145 totara, and 145 matai trees. The tallest trees are only about a metre high at present but the forest will eventually grow into a habitat for native bush birds such as bellbird/korimako and kereru. In the future, it is hoped that forests like this may even see the return of birds such as kaka and kakariki back into the city.

Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board chairperson Sally Buck says the board is very excited about the opening of the reserve.

“While some of us might not see the full benefits in our lifetime, this is a true legacy project and will be enjoyed for generations to come. It will create a green space in a part of the city that really needs it while also reducing the risk of flooding for local residents, which is very important.”

Council landscape architect and ecologist Dr Antony Shadbolt says the reserve will seem forest-like within a decade.

It is strategically located to provide both a core habitat and a stepping stone for native bush bird movement across the city.

“This is just one of many forests we’re trying to establish across the city. Te Oranga Waikura won’t bring back birds on its own, but plays an important role as part of a much wider strategy to get more core forest areas across the city.”

He hopes local schools and community groups will get involved in the ongoing development of the reserve.

“It would be great for the local community to take some leadership in this, in terms of ongoing maintenance and management and further planting of ferns, climbers and ground cover once the canopy becomes established to make it even more authentic.”

A five-metre gap of grass between the forest and properties will reduce any fire risk. The reserve will be kept locked at night

Following the opening on Monday, Te Oranga Waikura will be accessible to the public during the day with a sealed pathway and boardwalk bridges.

* Everyone is invited to attend the blessing and opening ceremony of Te Oranga Waikura at 5.30pm on Monday, 16 October, at the former Linwood Lower Fields site, 521 Ferry Rd, Woolston.