Nature in Tamahere and Matangi
Ecological restoration in the gully networks of Tamahere and Matangi on a grand scale with little to no funding is extremely difficult to achieve in a timely way. There is only so much a willing group of volunteers can achieve with their labour and good intentions. The Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust is a group of volunteers who for the past 14 years have engaged in several ecological restoration projects in the Tamahere/Matangi area. Many of the Tamahere and Matangi residents will not be aware that there is a significant ecological restoration project taking place on public land in the gully network along the Mangaharakeke Stream to the south of and which borders some Bilsthorpe Lane, Matangi properties. This is the Bilsthorpe Lane project.
A targeted rate which was made available to the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust 2 years ago and will run until June 2028 has enabled the Trust to accelerate it’s work with the support of others and has allowed the Trust to purchase the more than 10,000 plants, to date for the restoration projects in the area.
Our significant projects to date.
Locations map here
Tamahere Reserve
It all began with a desire to rehabilitate the Tamahere Reserve, a 4.6ha block of land owned by the Waikato District Council. The land has remained neglected for over 40 years with many mature and unpruned pine trees adding to the neglected state. The reserve has a significant history dating back to the 1860’s and is a remnant of the Kahikatea swamp forests dating from many years previously. With the installation of boardwalks the visitor is able to wander through the gully and observe and enjoy the ecological work. Other walking pathways are under construction but can be used with care.
Allan Turner Walkway
The Mangaharakeke stream gully below the recently erected Allan Turner walkway bridge became the focus of the Trust. A gully neglected over many years was the next project for the trust. This reserve land also owned by the Waikato Distrcit Council. A new walking path has been built and follows the Mangaharakeke stream for approximately 250mtrs. Access to the pathway is under the bridge on the Woodcock Road side and is still being worked on but can be traversed with care.
Bilsthorpe Lane Reserve
With a good amount of work completed in the Mangaharakeke gully downstream from the Allan Turner bridge the three years ago the Trust turned its attention to another patch of Waikato District Council owned public land which is accessed from the end of Bilsthorpe Lane in Matangi. This land also follows the Mangaharakeke gully downstream. The Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust supported by the Waikato District Council and with financial support from a local targeted rate have been restoring the native flora in this gully system for the past three years.
In the very near future the walking track will be improved. This construction is now subject to a resource consent prior to build work starting. This permanent walkway will include a substantial gravel walkway, bridges and boardwalks. The Trust will further enhance the area with additional plantings.
This large area of the gully network that follows the Mangaharakeke stream is open for the general public to view. Specifically, this gully area is accessed from the end of Bilsthorpe Lane in Matangi. The project has progressed to a stage where the Trust feels that it is safe for the public to walk through the stages of our restoration works and enjoy the Mangaharakeke Stream and visit the several stages of the native plantings. Please be careful as there are some safety concerns until a permanent walkway is constructed.
Suitable footwear is advised as there are some areas where the ground could be a little wet underfoot.
The Trust is continuing to clear the land for planting and ecological maintenance in this area.