Eels and kōkopu will soon live a natural life at Sherwood Reserve’s Taiaotea Creek.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has approved a landowner application to a creek upgrade with riparian planting at the reserve.
Local board chair Julia Parfitt is excited about a project being funded by a developer as part of their requirement for developing another site.
“We know urban streams face many pressures and that it takes time, effort and money to restore them.
“This project is a thrilling first step that will open the stream to daylight, restore it, stop stormwater overflows, and help native fish migration.
“It’s going to be an outstanding community asset when it’s complete. Locals will be able to explore and learn more about native fauna and flora or just relax in beautiful surroundings.”
The project features:
- new wetland created by transforming the existing pond
- timber boardwalk and viewing platform where locals can view birds in their natural habitat
- fish habitats and new fish climbs to enable spawning of the short-finned eel and native banded kōkupu
- removal of an existing stone weir and removal of the concrete-lined channel near Mistletoe Place and Glencoe Road
- wider shared cycling and walking paths
- native riparian planting and a grotto planted with native ferns and groundcovers.
The existing ti tree grove and other mature vegetation will be retained and all weeds will be eradicated. The nine-month project is expected to start in November, dependent on resource consent and tender processes.
