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.

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Private Land & 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:

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Please note: Community Assistance is not available to people fulfilling regulatory requirements i.e. undertaking work as part of a consent condition or notice.