DOC issues
It was a real privilege to speak at the official opening of Whareora Farm last Saturday, on behalf of the Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.
This new farm, near Mackays Crossing, is a great new asset for the community. It has walking, mountain biking and horse-riding tracks, providing a link between the Akatarawa Forest to the east and Queen Elizabeth Park to the west.
The Department of Conservation and more than 200 volunteers have worked together to plant over 30,000 trees. They have done a fantastic job and created a place perfect for walking, biking, picnics and exploring the working farm.
Further North I’m very pleased to see things finally moving with the cleanup and governance issues surrounding Lake Horowhenua.
Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has approved the Horowhenua Lake trustees and members of the Lake Domain board, and now that we have more clarity around responsibility I’m hopeful we’ll see positive progress.
Spraying of the lake for the dreaded purple loosestrife weed, classified as one of the worst in the world, has been completed. The nearby Hokio stream is being mechanically cleaned to allow the weir to work more effectively.
The lake has played an important part in Horowhenua history and has the potential to be a jewel in our crown again, a source of local pride rather than frustration.
In a few months time I’ve been asked to help open a new section of Te Araroa, the national walkway which goes the length of New Zealand. The new stretch runs from Levin to Otaki forks and will be one of the final tracks to be completed. Another great asset for the region and New Zealand as a whole.
I see that Horowhenua District Council has recently published a handy guide to all the parks and reserves in the district. It’s available online as well in paper form, and has the details of more than 80 reserves.
We are lucky to live in an area with such natural beauty and easy access to the outdoors – so let’s make the most of it.