What now for Battle Hill?

How we manage Battle Hill Farm Forest Park – one of only a few public farms in the Wellington region – is up for discussion.

Battle Hill, near Pauatahanui, is the latest regional park to come under the spotlight as Greater Wellington reviews its park management plans.

“With the Regional Parks Network Management Plan now in place, we’re working through individual parks with communities of interest. Now’s the time to speak up if you’ve got some ideas about the future of Battle Hill,” says Greater Wellington Landcare Committee chairman Chris Laidlaw.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park offers a mixture of hill country farming, forestry and environmental restoration. It attracts visitors to its farm setting, native bush reserve and panoramic views and is well used by school groups and community organisations. Many people use the park for horse riding, mountain biking and camping. It gets its name as the site of one of the last battles between Maori and early colonial forces in the region.

“This is the first review of the plan since 1992 so it’s a good opportunity to reflect and set a framework for the next five years. Some of the issues likely to be debated include whether the bush reserve is formally protected and discussion about the protection and interpretation of the historic battle of Te Rangihaeata,” Cr Laidlaw says.

The submission period runs until 28 April. From these ideas, a plan will be drafted which will again be made available for public comment.

See http://www.gw.govt.nz/ for information and a submission form or phone Greater.

ENDS

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