Papanui Bush Project
The aim is to develop an area in the Papanui community where we can enhance drainage and the ecosystem to provide an amenity to carry out passive recreation, restore cultural heritage, and encourage native birds back into what once was part of the Papanui Bush.
A community project with the possible interest of groups such as:
- Papanui Rotary Club
- Papanui-Innes Community Board
- Christchurch City Council
- Papanui Heritage Group
- Northcity Church
- Local Iwi
- Papanui High School and other nearby schools
OBJECTIVES
- To improve flooding capacity for upstream drainage and ponding. (this has already been achieved by the Council).
- To plant native trees to encourage native bird life in and around the ponding areas.
- To provide a park for public use.(Some work has already been completed in this area by the council, but it could be improved).
- To develop within the community an area similar to the enhancement of Linwood High School’s Lower fields in Linwood, which includes small bush walks, paths and bridges.
- To provide an ecological and historical study area for surrounding schools.
- To incorporate any developments into the existing Papanui walking trail which starts just down the road at the Library.
THE LAND
The area identified is a strip of land running beside the railway line from the Papanui Domain to Langdons Rd. The 1.2 hectares of land was donated by Bridgestone to the Council. Some vegetation has been removed and the area contoured as a storm water retention basin. A small park (one table and a seat) has been developed on the Langdons Rd frontage.
The park also has a memorial Totara tree dedicated to Karl Hopkins a Firestone worker who was accidently killed at work. A narrow right of way runs from the park up to the drainage basin.
VEGETATION
It is expected to consult custodians of Riccarton Bush and plant native trees which were once found in the area. With its occasional flooding the area is ideal for native trees like Kahikatea which love having wet feet. There is already a small area of bush near the Scout Den in the Papanui Domain. Papanui High School also has a small triangle of land near the Domain which could also be planted in natives. Iwi would also be consulted as to the best trees to encourage native birds and those most appropriate for their art work.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
This area was once a well established track to the Kaiapoi Pa. The name Papanui is thought to mean “a platform in a tree from which birds were snared”.
The area would act as a “break out area” for local residents and the large increase of new workers in the area. Eg the Social Services offices run along one boundary.
COUNCIL VISION
The forested wetland reserve will offer a range of advantages for the long-term management of stormwater in the area.
The design is based on a six-values approach to managing environments in Christchurch
- Drainage
- Landscape
- Ecology
- Recreation
- Culture
- Heritage
The forest will be dominated by kahikatea, totara and matai.
Kahikatea will be modelled on species growing in Riccarton Bush / Putaringamotu, and the totara /matai stands will be modelled on what is believed Papanui Bush once would have supported.
The Council and wider community are striving to provide wilderness experiences close to residential areas so people can regularly engage with nature.
The reserve is also strategically located to provide both a core habitat and a stepping-stone for native bush bird movement across the city.
Once established, it would attract a range of native birds back to the Papanui area. These include:
- Bellbird
- Kereru
- Fantail
- Grey warbler
And in future, even tui, karariki and kaka that were once abundant in Riccarton Bush / Putaringamotu and Papanui Bush when Europeans first settled the city.
If you have never seen the area where the Papanui Bush was then you might like to view the following video.