The Rod Donald Trust has joined forces with two other trusts to enlarge two of the Peninsula’s independent reserves, the Joseph Langer Trust Panama Reserve and the Hinewai reserve – primarily for the purpose of biodiversity, with public access included so that people can enjoy and appreciate its progress.
“The involvement of the New Zealand Native Forests Restoration Trust, until now a largely North Island based organisation introduces a new and very experienced player onto the conservation scene of Banks Peninsula,” say Suky Thompson, “and we are grateful to Hugh Wilson from Hinewai for encouraging them to take an interest in biodiversity restoration on Banks Peninsula. As a result, Hinewai will now be effectively extended into the Akaroa catchment as the NZNFRT have purchased a 190 hectare block of land to create a new reserve that will be managed by Hugh and the team from Hinewai. “Thanks also go to Graham Curry who has been very supportive of the reserve project.”
The Trust has also worked in conjunction with the Josef Langer Trust to secure 105 hectares at Le Bons Bay to be incorporated into the Langer Trust’s Panama Reserve. After its successful workshop held at Landcare in August, the Trust will also investigate whether carbon credits can be used for this reserve.
The two new reserve areas will open to the public later in the year once walking tracks and signage have been installed. Watch this space!
