Natural Environment Recovery Programme recreation update

Members of the public are invited to a series of Wednesday lunchtime updates on the Natural Environment Recovery Programme for greater Christchurch Whakaara Taiao during February and March.

The second of these updates, on recovery of recreation on the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula, is being held at the Christchurch City Council buildiing on Wednesday 18 February.

Considerable progress has been made across the 17 projects that make up the programme. Programme Leader Chrissie Williams (Environment Canterbury) said the series of presentations are an opportunity to update the community on this progress and to consider next steps for the projects that reflect 10 different themes. There will be plenty of time for discussion and questions at each session.

At this week’s update, which starts at 12.30, the speakers are Nick Singleton, Park Ranger, Christchurch City Council; the Department of Conservation; Graham Allan, Christchurch Singletrack Club, and Suky Thompson, Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust.

Suky Thompson said The Trust has a number of exciting projects in progress that supplement some of the tracks closed from the earthquakes. “These include major improvements to the Summit Walkway and new reserves and walking tracks opening at Saddle Hill near Little River, above Akaroa and in Le Bons Bay.”

The updates are all being held at the Christchurch City Council Function Room on the first floor, 53 Hereford St, from 12.30 to 1.30 pm. Entry is free and there is no need to register.

Background

The Natural Environment Recovery Programme was initiated through the Recovery Strategy for greater Christchurch. It acknowledges the links between the natural environment and recovery, and integrates with other recovery programmes and objectives.

Seventeen projects led by different organisations are included in the programme to reflect priorities identified by the community - for example, there is a strong community desire for land made available being used to include provision for recreation, parks and community gardens.

Greater Christchurch is defined in the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 as the districts of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council, and includes the coastal marine area adjacent to these districts.

The focus of the Natural Environment Recovery Programme is on areas most affected by the earthquakes - generally the catchments of the spring-fed streams (Halswell/Huritini, Heathcote/Ōpāwaho, Avon/Ōtākaro, Styx/Pūrākaunui, and Kaiapoi) and the Port Hills. There was less impact on the natural environment on Banks Peninsula and in inland areas.

Environment Canterbury was asked by the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, to lead development of the programme in 2012. It was launched at an event at Travis Wetland in eastern Christchurch in November 2013.

The programme was developed with strategic partners Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council, Selwyn District Council and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. Ngā Papatipu Rūnanga, the Canterbury District Health Board and the Department of Conservation are also key partners. These organisations and a number of others are involved in delivering the 17 projects.

More information – www.ecan.govt.nz/nerp

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