Native Forest Restoration Trust doubles number of South Island Reserves

The Native Forest Restoration Trust today announced the purchase of its second South Island reserve. The Trust’s latest acquisition, situated above Akaroa at the top of the Grehan Valley on Banks Peninsula, takes the Trust’s total number of reserves to 29 covering well over 6,500 hectares.

The purchase of the new 192ha Purple Peak Curry Reserve, formerly farmed by the Curry family, was made possible through a three-way funding partnership between the Native Forest Restoration Trust (NFRT), Christchurch City Council and the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust. NFRT contributed $320,000 towards the purchase with the City Council also contributing $320,000 and the Rod Donald Trust $160,000.

The reserve will be managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust (MWNFT) under the watchful eye of Hinewai Reserve manager Hugh Wilson. MWNFT own and manage neighbouring Hinewai Reserve which borders the new reserve to the east.

The Native Forest Restoration Trust has already taken steps to retire the land from farming. The reserve will be actively encouraged to naturally regenerate into a native forest reserve, protected by QEII open space and City Council covenants. Thanks to the ongoing assistance of the Rod Donald Trust and the Maurice White Native Forest Trust there will be excellent public access. The resulting reserve will not only be a recreational asset but it will also offer significant protection to Akaroa town’s water supply.

ENDS

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