Geology plays king pin

Walking the tracks of Smothering Gully, near Waipara, it’s easy to imagine you are far from anywhere.

A decade ago this marked one of the first projects of the Hurunui-Waiau Uwha Zone Committee. This four kilometre gully drains the steep and rugged area north of Mt Cass, then flows into the Omihi Stream which is a tributary of the Waipara River.

The least modified part of the area is protected under a QEII covenant, and over the years Smothering Gully has received $24,000 of Immediate Steps funding which has been put towards the protection of freshwater and riparian biodiversity.

The funding has been used for drilling and poisoning of Radiata wilding pine and for fencing off the waterways and surrounding bush.

Miles Giller, Regional Representative for North Canterbury, QEII National Trust Ngā Kairauhi Papa, led members of the Zone Committee on a walk through the covenant area this week, explaining the importance and unique nature of the porous sandstone, which provide reliable gentle water source for the flora and fauna.

“Here, geology is the real king pin,” he said, pointing to the rare local populations of southern rata, filmy ferns and pygmy mistletoe.

Without ongoing management, Miles said animal and plant pests would have threatened the ecology and integrity of the stream and surrounding native vegetation.

Jane and Leighton Croft own Hamilton Glens where Smothering Gully is located. Miles said it is thanks to landowners like this that these projects are possible.

Already passionate about protecting and regenerating native stands of bush on their property, Jamie McFadden visited Hamilton Glens on a school trip, pointing out many special plants in Smothering Gully.

“With the help of QEII National Trust we were able to fence off an area from grazing stock, to help the regeneration,” said Jane.
Their favourite part of the project has been watching the plants regenerate, while witnessing the mature pines that were poisoned slowly break down into the bush.

“We have created a walking track which we love to use and share with visitors.”

Jane said the QEII Trust is a great organisation to help fund, protect and restore native blocks, and she encourages other land owners to utilise the organisation to protect the native bush for future generations.

The ‘Immediate Steps’ biodiversity protection and restoration programme was launched in 2010 as part of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Uhwa Committee will be disbanding next month, and will be replaced by a water and land committee.