13 February 2008

Four new scenic reserves in Northland

Four new scenic reserves which make up 222 hectares have been bought in Northland, adding to the network of unique and stunning conservation land in the region, says Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick.

“I’m delighted to announce this purchase through the Nature Heritage Fund of four beautiful pieces of land, each with unique and significant conservation values.

“They include coastal forest, inland forest and peat bog that will be protected in public ownership for the enjoyment of all New Zealanders. They are part of New Zealand’s spectacular natural environment that the Labour-led government is proud to preserve.”

The four blocks of land are:
 4 hectares of coastal forest at Bream Head – this is one of the largest original northern coastal forests remaining in the country
 38 hectares of coastal forest that will become part of the Manaia Ridge Scenic Reserve – this reserve is an internationally significant volcanic landform, and is very rich in unique plant life
- 163 hectares of upland broadleaf forest in Hokianga – this is beside the Waima Forest and Pakanae Scenic Reserve
- 16.6 hectares of peat bog and gumland at Waipapakauari, north of Kaitaia – this is now part of the last remaining 2 per cent of original peat bog and gumland that exists in New Zealand.

Steve Chadwick says this programme is designed to protect a wider variety of New Zealand’s most valuable and spectacular natural areas by keeping them in public ownership.

The purchases are through the Department of Conservation’s Nature Heritage Fund, and are part of the Labour-led government’s wider Public Wildlands Programme.

ENDS

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