17 Oct 2017

An urban forest in Woolston that will be enjoyed by generations to come is ready for its first visitors.

Te Oranga Waikura Urban Forest and Stormwater Basin was opened yesterday evening at a ceremony attended by City Councillors and members of the Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board, along with members of the public.

Christchurch City Council Landscape Architect Antony Shadbolt surveys the new Li

Christchurch City Council Landscape Architect Antony Shadbolt surveys the new Linwood urban forest - Te Oranga Waikura.

Councillor Pauline Cotter, who chairs the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee, spoke at the opening. 

"It's fantastic to be here for the opening of what will be a wonderful resource for the community for decades to come.

"There will be important ecological and social benefits from this reserve and it also serves a valuable purpose in terms of reducing the risk of flooding for surrounding residents.

"I think Te Oranga Waikura shows how the Council and the community can work together to create something special from something that was also very necessary,'' Cr Cotter said.

The forest has been planted on a site that was previously part of Linwood College’s lower fields. The earthquake-damaged land off Ferry Rd was bought by Christchurch City Council to use as a storage basin that will significantly reduce the risk of flooding for residents living in the surrounding area during extreme 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.

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 locally extinct birds such as kaka and kakariki back into the city.

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.

A five-metre gap of grass between the forest and properties will reduce any fire risk. The reserve will be kept locked at night but during the day Te Oranga Waikura is accessible to the public with a sealed pathway and boardwalk bridges making a loop walkway