 |
The Green Network
 Waitakere has adopted a Green Network programme which aims to stop the degradation of our natural heritage.
It encourages action to look after the city's valuable natural
assets and allow streams, parks, patches of bush and forest to weave throughout the
ranges, rural, urban and
coastal areas.
|
Introduction
The Green Network is the Waitakere Ecosystem and all of its components that
interact together. The piece of pristine native bush in the
ranges, with the
crystal clear stream are a part of the Green Network, as well as the invasive
weeds that sprout from the crack in the footpath beside the stormwater drain.
The Green Network is very broad and all encompassing, but is a key tool to focus
our efforts to protect our unique ecology and make sure our city stays healthy.
The Council has a strategic priority for the Green Network, with a vision to
connect the ranges with the sea, and bring nature into the every day lives of
Waitakere residents.
How can I build the Green Network?
There are a number of things that you can do to build and strengthen the Green Network, protecting nature from degradation:
 Use native plants that have been grown from local plants - look for the
'ecosourced'
label;
Know your
environmental weeds and remove them;
Link your planting with the neighbour's trees, a bush reserve, or stream side. Many
native birds and insects need corridors to travel and feed;
Create
native animal habitat from
weta houses,
reptile refuges
Keep your dog on a leash when close to
reserves and beaches;
Keep your streams and ponds shaded and don't tip any waste into them; and
Plant trees that provide food for
native animals.
Green Network map
The Green Network consists of:
Forest, streams and
stream sides, coastlines and other natural areas;
Planned linkage and
restoration areas;
Backyards throughout
the city;
Revegetation areas
that encourage wildlife, areas that join up with neighbouring planted areas
particularly around streams, hedge lines, bush, wetlands, and the coast; and
Parks and reserves.
Note: You will need to have 
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print this document. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
View a map of the Green
Network (Size 1024K)
Community and the Green Network
Beachcare
Beach Care is the concept of a neighbourhood or a community taking an active
interest in the protection and/or health of the local coastal environment. This
nearly always includes working with and encouraging the wider community to also
be involved and care.
In Waitakere, Beach care operates within the concept of the eco city and Green
Network - i.e. a direction of working towards sustainability.
Beach Care is a community-oriented approach of supporting Care groups and to
lessen the actions that cause a threat to the Green Network; and to manage
and/or repair the coastal landscape - all within the interests and capabilities
of the group/community.
Parks Planning administers an annual budget of approximately $30,000 to support
the activities of the 2 Beach Care groups currently operating within the City,
Piha and
Bethells Beaches.
Strategic Weed Initiative
The Auckland Regional Council operates a region-wide weed removal initiative,
working with community groups to enhance our natural environment. In the west
there is the Piha Strategic Weed Initiative and the Lake Wainamu Strategic Weed
Initiative.
For more information download these summary reports, or contact the Auckland
Regional Council Biosecurity Team on 366 2000.
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
Summary Report for Piha Strategic Weed Initiative
(Size 26K)
The Auckland Regional Council has a project to eradicate certain weeds from the
Lake Wainamu Area, from
Bethells Beach up to the
Lake.
The project is running for four years and aims to remove weed infestations of
pampas and gorse, as well as replanting areas to protect from erosion and
re-invasion.
To find out more information view the summary below or call the Auckland
Regional Council on (09) 366 2000.
Summary Report for Lake Wainamu Strategic Weed Initiative (Size 1917K)
Community Gardens
Waitakere currently has one community garden project in operation in Ranui.
Ranui Community Garden is a place where local people can come together with a
common interest in growing their own organic fruit and vegetables, whilst
improving their health and enhancing their environment.
The garden promotes
sustainable gardening through permaculture and organic principles. It aims to
empower the community through skill development, promotion of income generating
concepts and to foster community wide inclusiveness and for the garden itself to
be sustainable.
Participation in the garden is encouraged from individuals, local schools,
disability groups and diabetic groups, refugees and families. Through learning
about composting, worm farming and the use of different manures, gardeners are
increasing their knowledge about how to reduce waste and recycle.
For more information contact the Ranui Community Garden Coordinator on
021 956 474 or email communitygarden@ranui.org.nz
Cultural Harvesting
There are a number of parks within the city where groups and individuals can
harvest plant materials for cultural purposes. There are also a limited number
of specific pa harakeke sites within Waitakere with more being planned.
If you would like to harvest cultural plant materials
contact us
for more information, or email on
greennetwork@waitakere.govt.nz
Mentoring
From www.Ecomatters.org.nz used with permission
Mentoring neighbourhood groups: Groups of three or more property owners, wishing
to work cooperatively on invasive weed control, can approach the
WeedFree Trust
and receive advice on: setting up meetings, accessing Waitakere City Council
(WCC) Green Network subsidies and applying for funding assistance.
Successful
outcomes of the mentoring programme for 2007 included: * $10,000 from the
Auckland Regional Council's Environmental Initiative Fund (EIF) toward wild
ginger and blue morning glory control in South Titirangi * $3,000 from the EIF
for invasive weed control in a West Coast Road neighbourhood.
The mentoring
programme is funded as part of
WeedFree Trust's work with Waitakere City Council.
Planting on Parks
This is a responsive programme to community demand. The community in most cases
take ownership of the project, organising and running events while receiving
technical guidance, organisational assistance and material support (plants, weed
removal off site, contractor assistance where needed) from Council.
The average annual demand is:
- 35 events
- 655 participants
- involving ground preparation (weed and rubbish removal) and planting covering
12,655m2 of ground.
If you would like to undertake planting on your local plant
contact us for more information or email
greennetwork@waitakere.govt.nz.
Waitakere Community Groups
There are a number of Community Groups within Waitakere City that are
undertaking restoration work Waitakere City Council provides assistance to these
groups, from technical advice, through to proving weed control and planting
assistance.
To find out more information about a community group near you, or assistance
that Council can provide contact the Call Centre or email
greennetwork@waitakere.govt.nz
Ranges Project
The Ranges Neighbourhood Restoration Initiative is a pilot project that aims to
work with neighbourhoods to develop and implement an ecological restoration
vision for their area.
The project is based around weed eradication and
restoration on both private property and public land including road berms and
reserves. It is currently being trialled in 2 neighbourhoods in Waitakere,
Henderson Valley and Piha. A series of educational workshops, weeding and
planting days are planned for residents in the upcoming months.
For information about the project or how to become involved, please
contact us or email greennetwork@waitakere.govt.nz.
Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan
Waitakere City Council is currently updating our Parks and Open Space
Strategic Plan and this will be available soon for public consultation.
The Strategy will address how we manage all of our land, from sports fields and
play grounds to bush reserves and stream sides. Waitakere City Council is
looking to incorporate sustainable thinking into the way we manage our parks,
improve our facilities and return nature to people's every day lives.
For more information on the draft Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan
contact us.
Green Network Strategy
Waitakere City Council is developing two environmental strategies, one of
these focuses on the Green Network. This strategy is being developed as part of
the Council's overall strategic planning process, and forms one of many
Strategies that will set the direction for the Council in the coming years.
For more information on the draft Green Network Strategy
contact us.
Green Network Publications
Living in Waitakere's Green Network
Living in different suburbs in Waitakere brings with it special characteristics
and responsibilities to protect these places.
Check out our range of small
brochures describing what is special about each area and what you can do to
improve the Green Network in your area.
Flyers that are available are:
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
Waitakere Gardening Guide for People Living in Urban Waitakere
(Size 653K)
|
A description of how to garden in Waitakere to protect the
ecology and environment of the city. A guide for Glen Eden, Glendene,
Green Bay (inland), Henderson, Kelston, Massey, New Lynn, Ranui, Sturges
Road, Sunnyvale, Te Atatu (inland), Waikumete and Western Heights.
|
| Living in the Waitakere foothills
(Size 798K) |
A description of the ecology and environment of Oratia, Waiatarua,
Bethells (inner valley), Waitakere Valley, Swanson and Ranui.
|
|
Living in the Bush
(Size 370K) |
A description of the ecology and environment of Titirangi,
Laingholm, Waiatarua, Upper Piha Road, Scenic Drive North, Waima and
Woodlands.
|
|
Living by the Waitemata Harbour
(Size 706K) |
A description of the ecology and environment of Te Atatu Peninsula,
Massey East, Hobsonville, Whenuapai, Royal Heights, Herald Island, and
West Harbour.
|
|
Living on Waitakere's West Coast
(Size 379K) |
A description of the ecology and environment of Whatipu, Karekare,
Anawhata, Piha and Bethells/ Te Henga.
|
|
Living by the Manukau Harbour (Size
3412K) |
A description of the ecology and environment of Titirangi,
Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Green bay, Wood Bay and Huia.
|
|
Waitakere
Rainforest - A Home (Size 531K) |
A description of the Waitakere rainforest showing how its components
are just like a home, as well as a page for you to record the plants in
your home that relate to each component |
Building the Green Network
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
|
What a Stream Needs to be Healthy
(Size 476K) |
A quick guide on how to make sure streams, plants, animals and humans are
healthy in their environment
|
|
Streamside Planting
(Size 174K) |
A small guide on how to plant a stream edge and stop erosion
|
|
Revegetation Timeline and Flowchart (Size
98K) |
A step by step guide to revegetation
|
|
Ecosourcing
(Size 173K) |
What is Ecosourcing and why is it important? Find out with this guide
|
|
Defining Biodiversity
(Size 2027K) |
Biodiversity is a broad term, this defines different types of biodiversity and other key environmental terms
|
|
Planting Guidelines - Reserve Boundaries (Size 8199K) |
A guide to designing your landscape plans if your property borders a Waitakere reserve
|
| Nature's Colour Wheel
(Size 359K) |
A colourful, easy to follow guide to planting trees to attract birds at different times of the year
|
|
Observation Chart
(Size 99K) |
A simple tool to allow you to monitor weed and native plant changes on your property
|
|
Native to the West - planting guide
(Size 1680K) |
An easy to follow guide of Waitakere's different ecosystems and the plants that are naturally found there - as well as how to restore your natural areas
|
|
Amenity Planting Guidance for Biodiversity Protection in Waitakere City
(Size 186K) |
Assistance to developers, community groups and individuals on how to plant to achieve amenity outcomes and protect biodiversity
|
 |
Native Forest and Wetlands -
Contact us to
receive a copy.
A booklet produced by the Auckland Regional Council on our native forests and wetlands
|
 |
Carex in Auckland -
Contact us to
receive a copy.
A field guide to identify in Carex species in Auckland
|
| Kumarahou
(Size 619K) |
Kumarahou is a rare plant in Waitakere, and this describes how special this "bushman's soap" plant is
|
|
Welcoming Wildlife
(Size 658K) |
A guide produced by the Auckland Regional Council that shows how to plant your property to welcome wildlife
|
 |
Plant me Instead Booklet -
Contact us to
receive a copy.
A booklet produced by the Auckland Regional Council that describes the most common weeds and suggests non-weedy alternatives for your garden
|
Community Group Publications
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
Private Land and Community Assistance
Waitakere City Council offers technical advice and financial subsidies to help
you build the Green Network.
There are a number of flyers detailing the
particular assistance provided with application forms attached to send in to
Council.
Assistance that is available to every Waitakere resident is:
Note: You will need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
| Free assistance available |
Comments |
Green Network Assistance Enquiry Form (interactive)
( 723K)
This form can be used to enquire about
assistance with any of the following.
Adobe
Reader 7 or greater is required to use this form
interactively.
|
|
Technical advice and support
(Size 482K) |
Talk to our friendly staff to help your community
group to set up Green Network project plans, provide a range of
information, and help with funding grant applications. Staff can
also help with individual properties and give advice around pest
control and planting.
|
|
Weed Management Plans
(Size 4116K) |
A representative from
Weedfree
Trust can visit your property and give advice around weeds,
erosion control, revegetation, enhancement, including herbicide
reduction. A management plan is prepared and left with the
landowner.
|
|
Free Plants
(Size 168K) |
Plants are provided suitable for your needs, to
replace weeds removed or revegetate a cleared area. Up to $200 worth
of free plants a year.
|
|
Weed bins
(Size 135K) |
We can supply a 9m³ bin for individuals or groups to dispose of environmental
weeds.
|
|
Ginger bags (Size
192K) |
Special rubbish bags for ginger are available. These
can be finned with ginger roots (rhizomes) and seed heads and placed
at the gate for free collection along with your normal rubbish.
|
|
Ginger trailers
(Size 192K) |
Car or trailer loads of ginger can be disposed of at
the transfer station free of charge - Application form
|
|
Contractor subsidy for weed control
(Size 410K) |
You can get financial assistance to pay for a contractor to remove
difficult weeds. Funding only allows 50% subsidy, up to $300 per
year.
|
|
Herbicide for ginger
(Size 192K) |
Where ginger infestations are large and removal is
impractical, Escort herbicide can be supplied enough to cover 100m².
|
| Fencing subsidy
(Size 426K) |
Where stock threaten valued natural areas such as bush, riparian
areas, wetlands or coastal edges, fencing subsidies can be provided.
Subsidy is up to 50% of the cost of the fencing or $1,000 whichever
is lower.
|
|
Covenanting
(Size 189K) |
Council will help you place a covenant across your land (or
portion of it) to protect valued natural areas. The cost of the
covenant and any surveying is covered by Council, and landowners
keep ownership of their land. Covenanted properties are also
entitles to rates relief.
|
|
Rates relief
(Size 66K) |
Rates relief is offered to properties with covenants in place,
both QEII and Green Network covenants. Council has signed a Rates
Relief Policy.
Contact us
for more information.
|
Please note: Community Assistance is not available
to people fulfilling regulatory requirements i.e. undertaking work as part of a
consent condition or notice.
|
