Media Release 16 April 2009
Pekapeka Project Gains New Support
A new educational interpretation site in the Pekapeka Wetland is one step closer thanks to additional funding coming from New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and the Hawke’s Bay Community Foundation.
Work will begin later this month to construct an entrance off State Highway 2 south of Hastings to provide access to the interpretation site in the wetland.
The interpretation site will be completely outdoors and will have display panels on the value of wetlands, wetland ecology, rehabilitation of the Pekapeka wetland, the cultural significance to Maori, and the history of Pekapeka for Maori and European including settlement, road, rail and agriculture.
“This site will be a major asset for the region, and we would not have been able to get this large funding grant without the involvement and support of local organisations and people,” said Cr Kevin Rose, Chairman of the Council’s Asset Management Committee.
The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board Environment and Heritage Committee granted $317,000 for the construction of the interpretation site, information panels, boardwalks, pathways, and the revegetation of the land around the site.
The other funding of $50,000 has come from the Hawke’s Bay Community Foundation, which acts in conjunction with the Friends of Pekapeka.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council had allocated $187,000 funding for the project, but this could only be used on the provision that external funding matched it on a dollar for dollar basis.
“The generosity of the Grants Board and the Community Foundation has enabled these funds to be released,” said Cr Rose.
Cr Eileen von Dadelszen, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee is also pleased with the funding. “Pekapeka Wetland will soon become a landmark to be proud of, and the interpretation site will be a great addition for everyone to learn about the values of this important wetland,” she said.
“Many people will remember that willows had overgrown the “swamp” and stagnant water and dead plants made it notorious for its unpleasant smells. Over the last ten years, the Regional Council has cleared the willows, improved the flow of water through the wetland, and controlled animal and plant pests.”
She said that the Council is also encouraging local schools and community groups to get involved with planting to enhance the wetland and help realise the educational value of Pekapeka, with a nursery raising plants especially for these planting days.
Support for the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funding application came from the Department of Conservation, HB Fish & Game, Genesis Afforestation Trust, New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Pukehou School and Mrs Waa Harris.
“We could not have got this far without the great support from these groups, who all have a role in the enhancement of this wetland,” said Cr Rose. “And Mrs Waa Harris, in particular, has been an invaluable supporter from the beginning, representing the Māori community at Pakipaki. Māori have been unhappy about the condition of what was once a healthy wetland and major food source, with great cultural significance all through the East Coast, and are keen to help with its restoration.”
The Regional Council’s Operations environmental manager, Stephen Cave says the project will take about two years to complete. “We need to take a bit more time to complete this as we have to work around bird breeding season, so we minimise disruption to wildlife, and other seasonal aspects such as fluctuating water levels.”
Mr Cave estimates that about 16,000 plants will be planted around the interpretation site once it is completed, plus 300 metres of boardwalk and two bridges installed.
Wetlands were mostly drained from the New Zealand landscape in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries with the push to convert ‘unproductive’ land into pasture and other intensive land uses. The remaining wetlands are often small and compromised.
However wetlands have a huge value in the environment, by taking up nutrients and pollutants from the water, slowing floodwater which reduces the impact downstream, and encouraging natural biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, fish, eels and insects.
For further information please contact:
Cr Kevin Rose, 06 878 4385
Cr Eileen von Dadelszen, 06 877 8174
Stephen Cave, Operations environmental manager, 06 845 9210
Susan Wylie, Communications Coordinator, ph: 06 835 9208 |