NATIVE NURSERY

Eco walkways, protection of the ngahere, regeneration of native plants, food forest and rongoā gardens.

THE PROJECT

Whananaki had productive permaculture gardens in the 1970’s. Over time local labour was lost and the gardens were both overrun and damaged by blockage in the creek which caused sediment build-up and flooded the land. The plan to re-establish the gardens has been part of the community aspirations and includes: reinstatement of the waterways, redeveloping the land, providing secure fencing, tree felling and replanting.

Weed eradication, native planting program, pou whenua and walkways with a difference: The wider area surrounding the HUB site is 40 acres. Significant weed eradication is required before the planting programme can be initiated. It is intended that the entire area will be replanted with natives including a pā harakeke and rongoā areas. With the proposed planting plan it is expected that the native bird life will return. The walkways will be created including wetland areas.

Ngā hua

OUTCOMES

A clear Master plan for the Pathways, planting, and nursery garden is required as a starting point for the priority areas of development surrounding the Hub. A small scale nursery will be set up with a composting station with a clear accessway. In addition a strong 15 person team of volunteers is to be trained up in kaitiakitanga and permadynamics. This is also in readiness for social enterprise.

1. Landscape Masterplan

Plan led by Andy Hamilton

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2. Kaitiaki Training

Training for the Nursery champions/volunteers

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3. Nursery build

Nursery shade house/composting station and worker space/storage area

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BENEFITS & OUTCOMES

What are the expected benefits/outcomes?

  • 1. Permaculture valley plan

    Restoration of an historic garden located within a valley prone to seasonal flooding into a productive garden, designed and managed in accordance with the principals of permaculture. Drainage and establishment of native wetland planting will be incorporated to manage the existing ephemeral stream and to prevent continued flooding.

  • 2. Hillside trail plan

    Establish a nature trail through existing scrub land across the hillside above the permaculture valley. The trail could include a network of paths through native bush planting, incorporating contemporary pou and sitting areas. Extensive native revegetation would be required as well as exotic weed control.

  • 3. Wahi tapu walk plan

    Install paths connecting the whare tipuna and the wharekai to the wahi tapu. Pathways could include some hard landscaping and tree and shrub planting also.

  • 4. Glamping sites plan

    Design an area for glamping sites including any associated facilities, pathways and planting.

  • 5. A planting proposal and landscape plan

    For the proposed architectural development of the HUB. Planting would include areas around the car park, fences and banks sloping around the Hub.

  • 6. Nursery propogation and Composting station setup.

    Nursery propagation building and composting station setup completed.

  • 7. Permaculture and Kaitiaki Training

    Training of 15 Community Kaitiaki champions (includes introduction to Social Enterprise)