Preserving the district's natural beauty

The MainPower Hurunui Natural Environment Fund applications are open closing on May 17th, providing Hurunui residents the opportunity to enhance the biodiversity of our district.

Mid last year, Chairman of the Lottery Bush Conservation Group Warren Thompson applied for the Grant. The Group received $1,100 to put towards tools to educate local children on the wonders of nature within the Lottery Bush Reserve.

“We are glad to be putting the money towards acoustic monitors and cameras for local school children to learn about bird life and the workings of the bush.”

Located on the Inland Road 12km from the Waiau Township, the 186ha Reserve is home to some of New Zealand’s most threatened forest habitat.

This includes stunning mixed native beech and podocarp forest, making the Reserve unique to the east coast of the South Island.

Passionate about the sustainability of the area, the Group works alongside the Department of Conservation (DOC) to ensure the Reserve is protected.

“As Chairman and Tangata Whenua of the group owning the land, I want to promote the iwi values of caring and nurturing it,” said Warren.

To protect the bush for regeneration, 100 possum traps have been donated by DOC and Landcare Research.

“The Group has laid these traps and is working hard by checking and documenting its catches.”

A walking track has been marked with support from DOC. The development of the track will create an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Reserve.

From the Tourism Infrastructure Fund $26,000 was received, along with $8,000 from the Hurunui District Council Contestable Fund. This was used to establish a car park at the bottom of the Reserve, where there will soon be a sign displaying the track details with general information.

Further funding from The Rata Foundation will help with the Group’s overall goal of deer fencing the Reserve to keep out pigs, deer, and farm stock.

For the Lottery Bush Conservation Group, applying for funding has allowed it to put plans into action, and further protect one of the district’s recreational gems.

Applications for the MainPower Hurunui District Council Environmental fund close on Monday the 17th of May.

To apply visit https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/community/awards-and-funding/mainpower-hurunui-natural-environment-fund, or come to our Amberley office or Service Centres/Libraries in Amberley, Culverden, Cheviot, Hawarden or Hanmer Springs.

For further assistance, call 03 3148 816.