Carter Holt Harvey Donates Hot Springs to DOC

13th August 2002

Carter Holt Harvey Donates Hot Springs to DOC

Carter Holt Harvey has gifted two geothermal hot springs with rare native ferns to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

The springs are located between Rotorua and Taupo at Atiamuri.

Carter Holt Harvey’s Tim Fenton says, “When Carter Holt Harvey discovered the significance of this site, it was important for us to ensure its protection and that the opportunities for scientific research were maximised.”

He says, “Once the area was inspected by DOC, they were very interested in seeing the area fully protected and set apart as a reserve.”

Department of Conservation Area Manager Phil Alley says, “There aren’t a lot of geothermal springs in the area, therefore these are especially significant as they are quite large as well as being very clear and hot.”

He says, “Geothermal areas have been under threat recently due to heat being extracted from them and rubbish dumped in them. There also aren’t many geothermal areas which don’t contain human structures, as is the case with this site.”

The ferns found around the edge of the springs are the native ladder fern (Nephrolepis sp. aff cordifolia) which only exists in geothermal areas.

Mr Alley says, “It’s rapidly disappearing from a number of other areas for several reasons including clearance, grazing, weed encroachment and heat extraction.”

He says, “The fern is thriving on this site and that’s of high scientific value to DOC and we are very grateful to Carter Holt Harvey for this gesture.”

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