Forest & Bird Enhance Waitangi Regional Park

Photo: David Belcher, Liz Carter and Neil Eagles enjoy the views from the new seat that their Napier branch of Forest and Bird has sponsored at Waitangi Regional Park.

After four years of planting at Waitangi Regional Park, the Napier Branch of the Forest and Bird Protection Society of NZ has sponsored an outdoor seat and sign overlooking the wetland area.

Branch chairman David Belcher with members Liz Carter, Neil Eagles, and Valerie Hart were on site this morning to see the new seat and an information sign alongside that explains their involvement.

“The seat and the sign are recognition of our Branch’s involvement with the enhancement of this unique area. It’s been carefully located so people can enjoy the marvellous views,” said David Belcher, Chairman Napier Branch of Forest and Bird.

The seat overlooks the wetland towards Ātea a Rangi (the celestial compass), the sea and Cape Kidnappers.  

The Napier Branch of Forest and Bird, in conjunction with the regional council, has had a major role in planting through this part of the Waitangi Regional Park since its inception four years ago. 

Their focus has been on enhancing the wetland to provide habitat for birds, a nursery for fish, and to create public environmental awareness. 

As well as taking an opportunity to be the first to enjoy the views from the new seat, the Forest and Bird members also scoped out opportunities for future planting enhancement work.  They walked with Regional Council’s open spaces staff, Antony Rewcastle and Russell Engelke, to see work on the large new wetland development on the other side of the highway next to Horseshoe Wetland where contractors are making good progress.  

8 February 2019

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