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Wellington’s
Outer Green Belt
Management Plan
May 2004
Wellington’s
Outer Green Belt
Management Plan
May 2004
Page 2
ISSN (1-877232-00-9)
Further copies of this publication can be obtained from Wellington City Council by
telephoning (04) 499 4444 or writing to PO Box 2199, Wellington.
© Wellington City Council 2003. Except as authorised by the Copyright Act 1994, the
contents of this publication can be used freely with acknowledgement to Wellington City
Council. The Council asserts the right to be identified as the author of this work.
Cover photo: Tree ferns at Otari-Wilton’s Bush
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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CONTENTS
Page
PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN
7
VISION STATEMENT
8
1.
INTRODUCTION
9
1.1
O
RIGINS OF THE
O
UTER
G
REEN
B
ELT VISION
9
1.1.1
W
ELLINGTON CITY
C
OUNCIL
P
OLICIES
AND
S
TRATEGIES
1.1.2
C
ONTRIBUTING
V
ISIONS
1.2
T
HE STATUS OF THIS
P
LAN
16
1.2.1
R
ESERVE AND
O
PEN
S
PACE
P
LANNING
I
N
W
ELLINGTON
1.2.2
T
HE
R
ESERVES
A
CT
1977
1.2.3
R
ELATIONSHIP WITH
T
ANGATA
W
HENUA
1.2.4
F
UTURE
R
EVIEW OF THIS
P
LAN
2.
OUTER GREEN BELT DEFINITION
19
2.1
T
HE
O
UTER
G
REEN
B
ELT
C
ONCEPT
A
REA
19
2.1.1
L
ANDSCAPE AND
L
ANDFORM
2.1.2
I
NDIGENOUS
E
COSYSTEMS AND
I
MPORTANT
E
COLOGICAL
F
EATURES
2.1.3
R
ECREATIONAL
P
LACES AND
L
INKAGES
2.1.4
C
ULTURAL AND
H
ISTORIC
P
LACES
2.1.5
U
RBAN
E
NVIRONMENT
E
DGE
2.1.6
C
ONTINUITY AND
I
NTEGRITY
2.2
T
HE PARTS OF THE
O
UTER
G
REEN
B
ELT
22
2.2.1
S
ECTORS
2.2.2
C
OUNCIL
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REAS
2.2.3
L
AND
U
NITS
2.2.4
S
ITES AND
F
EATURES
2.2.5
P
RIVATE
L
AND
W
ITHIN THE
C
ONCEPT
A
REA
3.
VALUES, ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
26
3.1
C
OMMUNITIES OF INTEREST
26
3.1.1
S
OURCES OF COMMUNITY INFORMATION
3.1.2
C
OMMUNITY RELATED ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
3.2
E
COLOGY
29
3.2.1
P
RE
-S
ETTLEMENT
E
COSYSTEMS
3.2.2
P
RESENT ECOLOGICAL VALUES AND CHARACTER
3.2.3
F
UTURE ECOLOGY
3.2.4
E
COLOGICAL ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
3.3
L
ANDSCAPE AND
L
ANDFORM
41
3.3.1
L
ANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM
C
HARACTER
3.3.2
L
ANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM ISSUES
AND OPPORTUNITIES
3.4
R
ECREATION AND
A
CCESS
46
3.4.1
E
XISTING RECREATION USES
3.4.2
R
ECREATION
–
ACCESS ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
3.5
C
ULTURE AND
H
ISTORY
52
3.5.1
C
ULTURAL AND HISTORICAL VALUES
3.5.2
C
ULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES
AND OPPORTUNITIES
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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4.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
55
4.1
M
ANAGEMENT OF
W
ELLINGTON
C
ITY
C
OUNCIL LANDS
55
4.2
P
RIVATE LAND IN THE
O
UTER
G
REEN
B
ELT
61
4.3
E
COLOGY
63
4.4
L
ANDSCAPE AND
L
ANDFORM
66
4.5
R
ECREATION AND
A
CCESS
68
4.6
C
ULTURE AND
H
ISTORY
72
5.
AREA PLANS
73
5.1
S
ECTOR
1: S
PICER
75
5.1.1
O
VERVIEW
5.1.2
I
SSUES AND OBJECTIVES
5.1.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
80
A
REA
1.1: S
PICER
F
OREST
P
ROPERTIES
A
REA
1.2: T
AWA
B
USH
R
ESERVES
A
REA
1.3: A
IRSTRIP
B
LOCK
5.2
S
ECTOR
2: B
EST
’
S
R
IDGE
87
5.2.1
O
VERVIEW
5.2.2
I
SSUES AND
O
BJECTIVES
5.2.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
91
A
REA
2.1: C
HURTON
P
ARK
R
ESERVES
5.3
S
ECTOR
3: K
AUKAU
94
5.3.1
O
VERVIEW
5.3.2
I
SSUES AND
O
BJECTIVES
5.3.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
99
A
REA
3.1: O
LD
C
OACH
R
OAD
A
REA
3.2: K
HANDALLAH AND
J
OHNSONVILLE
P
ARKS
A
REA
3.3: A
WARUA
S
TREET
R
ESERVES
5.4
S
ECTOR
4: O
TARI
-W
ILTON
’
S
B
USH
111
5.4.1
O
VERVIEW
5.4.2
I
SSUES AND
O
BJECTIVES
5.4.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
116
A
REA
4.1: K
ILMISTER
T
OPS
A
REA
4.2: O
TARI
N
ATIVE
B
OTANIC
G
ARDEN AND
W
ILTON
’
S
B
USH
R
ESERVE
A
REA
4.3: J
OHNSTON
H
ILL
5.5
S
ECTOR
5: M
AKARA
P
EAK
126
5.5.1
O
VERVIEW
5.5.2
I
SSUES AND
O
BJECTIVES
5.5.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
131
A
REA
5.1: K
ARORI
P
ARK
A
REA
5.2: M
OUNTAIN
B
IKE
P
ARK
5.6
S
ECTOR
6: W
RIGHTS
H
ILL
/ K
ARORI
S
ANCTUARY
139
5.6.1
O
VERVIEW
5.6.2
I
SSUES AND
O
BJECTIVES
5.6.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
144
A
REA
6.1: W
RIGHTS
H
ILL
A
REA
6.2: K
ARORI
S
ANCTUARY
5.7
S
ECTOR
7: C
AREY
’
S
G
ULLY
/ L
ANDFILL
151
5.7.1
O
VERVIEW
5.7.2
I
SSUES AND
O
BJECTIVES
5.7.3
M
ANAGEMENT
A
REA
P
OLICIES
156
A
REA
7.1: C
AREY
’
S
G
ULLY
A
REA
7.2: S
OUTHERN
L
ANDFILL
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L
EGEND
F
OR
P
ART
T
WO
M
APS
162
R
EFERENCE
L
IST
163
A
PPENDIX
1:
K
EY
S
TAKEHOLDER
O
RGANISATION
165
A
PPENDIX
2:
S
UMMARY OF
S
UBMISSIONS
166
A
PPENDIX
3:
S
ECTOR
P
HOTOGRAPHIC
P
ANORAMAS
169
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN
This is the first plan for the Outer Green Belt and has three main purposes:
1. To provide common objectives and policies to unite the area as one single, yet
complex, entity - the Outer Green Belt - and foster management toward these
objectives.
2. To provide area-specific policies for Wellington City Council reserves and
other properties, and directions for their management where they are
currently lacking. (General objectives and policies for all areas are in Section 4.
Area specific objectives and policies are in Section 5).
3. To aid the development of good relationships between the Council, tangata
whenua, other landowners, special interest groups, and the community, with
respect to management and enhancement of the Outer Green Belt.
With respect to private land, this Plan provides a basis for further discussion between
landowners and the Council about the achievement of Outer Green Belt objectives.
The specific land management policies of this Plan generally have direct application
only with respect to the Council’s own operations on its own land. They can have
application in the management of private land, but only by agreement between a
landowner and the Council.
Planning process and timeframe
The planning process for reserves is prescribed in the Reserves Act 1977 and includes
the following steps:
o
decision to prepare the management plan made by the Council
o
formal public notification (notices in newspapers and letters to key stakeholders)
of the intention to prepare the management plan
o
receipt of initial submissions (advice from interested parties)
o
preparation of the draft plan by Council officers
o
approval by the Council’s Built and Natural Environment Committee to release the
draft plan for public comment
o
receipt of further submissions
o
verbal submissions heard by the Built and Natural Environment Committee
o
officers recommend changes to plan and these are considered by the Committee
o
final plan submitted to the Committee for approval and decision referred to the full
Council for ratification (for any unclassified reserves the plan will have the status
of an advance draft only).
o
plan referred to the Minister of Conservation for final approval in regard to scenic
reserves and historic reserves.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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VISION STATEMENT
The Outer Green Belt is a continuous green belt following the ridges to the west
of the city from the South Coast to Colonial Knob, in which indigenous
vegetation is restored and an informal recreation network is widely accessible
(Capital Spaces, 1998)
1
. (Note: the following order does not imply order of
precedence).
o
The Outer Green Belt marks the western edge of the city’s urban environment. It
is both well defined and widely supported by the people of Wellington. It is not
separate from the city, but a vital part of it – a living, functioning, natural and
cultural landscape providing a wide variety of tangible and intangible benefits
for the city. (supported mainly by objectives 4.1.1)
o
It comprises both public and private land linked by shared ecological and
landscape values, and managed compatibly and sustainably. Like our coastline,
it spans the whole city from north to south and is part of our shared identity as a
city. (supported mainly by objectives 4.1.1 and 4.2.1)
o
Where possible, a broad and continuous band of indigenous vegetation will be
restored, mainly along the eastern slopes, linking the many stream gullies and
bush remnants to create larger interconnected forests which, in turn, link with
other natural areas as part of the wider city ecosystem. (supported mainly by
objectives 4.3.1)
o
Land use and management respects and reflects the distinctive ridgetop and
hilltop landscapes, which are a mix of natural and human influences. An
acknowledgement that some change is inevitable is balanced by a commitment to
keep these areas as open and uncluttered as possible. (supported mainly by
objectives 4.4.1)
o
The special relationship between tangata whenua and the land comprising the
Outer Green Belt is acknowledged. Provision is made for the kaitiakitanga
(guardianship) responsibilities of the tangata whenua and their aspirations to
become more actively involved in the management of this taonga. (supported
mainly by objectives 4.1 and 4.6)
o
Each of the many special places along its length has its own unique identity and
purpose while contributing to the larger vision. A key uniting feature will be the
creation of a continuous Skyline Track running from end to end. This will form
part of Te Araroa Walkway running the length of New Zealand. (supported
mainly by objectives 4.1.1 and 4.6.1)
o
Wellington residents greatly enjoy looking at and recreating in the Outer Green
Belt. They take pride in the fact their city has such a wonderful, diverse
landscape and recreational resource, and that this will be protected for future
generations. The Outer Green Belt also provides Wellingtonians with a sense of
place and special relationship with the land. (supported mainly by objectives
4.5.1)
o
Visitors to the city enjoy a uniquely ‘Wellington’ experience in the Outer Green
Belt. Whether immersed in an activity or a place only Wellington can offer, or
using the Outer Green Belt as a vantage point to view the rest of the city or the
South Island, visitors will long remember visiting one of the world’s best urban
green belts. (supported mainly by objectives 4.5.1)
1
Wellington City Council, 1998
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 ORIGINS OF THE OUTER GREEN BELT
VISION
1.1.1 WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
The origins of the Outer Green Belt concept can be traced through Wellington City
Council resolutions and other references to 1976, although it is likely that the concept
had been germinating for some time before that. Until as late as 1998, the term Outer
Town Belt was used, indicating a similarity in purpose to the Wellington (Inner) Town
Belt.
The first formal reference and description is contained in Preserving Wellington’s
Open Space, a precursor to Capital Spaces, published in 1976
2
. The plan proposed the
‘Outer Town Belt’ as one of five focus areas providing for the city’s open space needs
(the others are coastal open space, outstanding features, active recreation spaces and
inner city open spaces). The original vision for the Outer Town Belt was presented in
this plan as:
Several connector links are required to form a continuous green belt or outer town
belt encircling the outer city suburbs from Brooklyn and Karori north to Johnsonville
and Churton [Park]. These links will enable the retention of the skyline surrounding
the suburbs, the protection of local features such as Makara High, the formation of a
walkway system surrounding the city and possibly in later years, a scenic drive, and a
segregation between housing and rural land uses. The outer skyline reserves would
then effectively repeat in form and intention the Town Belt, preserved in the original
city layout.
In 1978 eight objectives were set for the Outer Town Belt including:
o protect bush-clad hillsides, soils, wildlife and open space
o preserve land for public recreation
o improve and enhance the rural landscape near urban areas
o protect the natural features of the landscape as a scenic and recreation amenity,
particularly the skyline ridges.
In 1983 and 1985 the Council passed resolutions to endorse the acquisition of Outer
Town Belt lands with priority given to the lands behind Otari-Wilton’s Bush and
Ngaio.
In 1987 the Council confirmed the concept of the Outer Town Belt “to provide a
continuous open space network on the skyline from Karori to Johnsonville”.
In 1992 the aims of the Outer Town Belt were restated as:
o fulfilling the functions of structuring suburban growth
o protecting the significant landscape of the skyline behind the suburbs of Karori,
Ngaio, Khandallah and Johnsonville
2
Wellington City Council, 1976
Total area of all Wellington
City Council properties in
the Outer Green Belt: 2,658
hectares.
Total area of Outer Green
Belt concept:
Approximately 5,000
hectares.
Total area of Wellington:
29,000 hectares.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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o providing a buffer between residential and rural land and ultimately the provision
of land for informal recreation, mainly as a skyline walkway.
A number of key properties have been acquired since 1992, including:
o Kilmister Tops
o former Ivanoff land at Makara Peak
o Karori Reservoir (now Karori Sanctuary)
o the Airstrip Block in upper Stebbings Valley
o former Landsdale Developments Limited land at Old Coach Road.
In 1993 and 1994 the Council made further resolutions focusing on the section from
Karori to Kaukau. However, in 1996 the Council was beginning to expand the
concept to include the ridges north to Tawa, while also taking a more cautious or
considered approach to the means of achievement (ie. alternatives to outright
purchase). At this time it also flagged the need for a more comprehensive strategy for
protecting important open space, landscapes and ecological values across the city.
Subsequent strategies are consistent with the original vision of protecting ridgetop
landscapes, protecting and enhancing areas of bush and providing public access.
Our City – Our Future, 1997
3
This was the first strategic plan for a New Zealand city and followed an
unprecedented level of community participation. It defined a vision supported by
specific goals, targets, indicators and initiatives, including the establishment of linked
protected areas on the outer town belt from the South Coast to Porirua.
Wellington City Council Strategic Plan, 1997 / 98
4
This plan was developed to implement the goals and initiatives arising from Our City
– Our Future. The resulting policy framework provided a foundation for development
of the, now named, Outer Green Belt and other natural environment outcomes. The
following objectives were stated in the Strategic Plan and reaffirmed in strategic
reviews in 2000 and 2001.
Biodiversity:
The city environment hosts and protects a
representative range of indigenous and non-
indigenous plants and animals in their natural
communities and habitats.
Ecosystems:
The city’s varied marine and land-based
ecosystems are valued and, where appropriate,
protected and restored.
Open space recreation:
Wellington’s open spaces, including the coastline,
harbour, Town Belt and Outer Green Belt are
accessible to all and provide a wide range of
recreational opportunities that do not compromise
environmental values.
Landscape and natural heritage: Features of Wellington’s landscape and natural
environment with special importance are
recognised and, where appropriate, protected.
3
Wellington City Council, 1997
4
Wellington City Council, 1997 (2)
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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Capital Spaces, 1998
The need for a comprehensive plan for the city’s open space resulted in the
publication of Capital Spaces – Open Space Strategy for Wellington, Te Whanganui-
a-Tara. Before this plan, Capital Spaces provided the most detailed description of
what the Outer Green Belt vision was about.
Capital Spaces provides directions for an integrated approach to managing the natural
and recreational environment, including recognition of important landscape values.
Guiding principles include:
o enhancing natural succession
o developing better recreational networks and ecological corridors
o protecting threatened species
o reducing fire hazards
o protecting the coast and streams
o the role of open space in managing the city’s urban form
o responding to increasing urban density
o taking opportunities for improving the open space network
o promoting outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles
o balancing recreation and the natural environment.
Capital Spaces also established an open space concept that reflects spatially the
different characteristic landscapes of the city - from the harbour to the rural hinterland.
This ‘spectrum’ of proposed open spaces includes the following main categories:
o the city
o the bays
o suburban open spaces
o inner green belts
o Outer Green Belt
o rural hinterland
o wild coast
o harbour and coast.
Capital Spaces describes the Outer Green Belt as:
“A continuous green belt following the ridges west of the city from the South Coast
to Colonial Knob, in which indigenous vegetation is restored and an informal
recreation network is widely accessible.”
This Plan further explores the issues and opportunities for the Outer Green Belt that
are put forward in Section 3.2 of Capital Spaces.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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Figure 1. Open Space Concept for Wellington
Bush and Streams Restoration Plan, 2001
The Council’s Bush and Streams Restoration Plan provides more specific directions
and actions to achieve better protection and management for bush and streams within
the city. Many areas are seeing the regeneration of native bush, but the process is
hindered by plant and animal pests and a lack of suitable seed sources. Many streams
lack riparian vegetation and are affected by urban stormwater runoff and leachate
from former landfills.
The Bush and Streams Restoration Plan includes the following specific goals:
o To achieve restoration of native ecosystems as far as possible on the Outer Green
Belt.
o This goes beyond the broad objective of restoration of a representative range of
ecosystems and habitats to an overall vision of extensive return to past vegetation
and habitat across the city.
o Development of a major ecological corridor from the South Coast through to the
Tararua Ranges with the city taking an advocacy role in the wider region for this
vision.
This is interpreted through the Outer Green Belt Management Plan in terms of the real
ecological benefits of the Outer Green Belt vision and how this must connect to other
ecological linkages - particularly through the Horokiwi area to Belmont Regional
Park.
Wellington City District Plan, 2000
This is the Council’s principal regulatory document setting out objectives and policies,
methods and rules for managing the city environment, land uses and associated
activities.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
13
The Wellington City District Plan (District Plan) is prepared in accordance with the
Resource Management Act 1991 and is based on the principles of sustainability:
Dependency
all life in the natural environment
Irreversibility
some actions can result in permanent loss of species,
landforms and heritage
Diversity
is necessary in both natural and urban environments
Efficiency
in the use of renewable and non-renewable resources
Finite resources
recognition that all resources are finite
Equity
in access to and the use of resources
Precautionary approach should be taken where there is uncertainty and
potential for significant harm.
5
The District Plan recognises the Outer Green Belt as an important component in the
achievement of a sustainable and attractive city environment. The Plan includes a
policy in support of further development of the Outer Green Belt concept, particularly
for its role in defining the western edge of the city.
Policy 16.5.1.5: Identify land that contributes towards an Outer Town Belt that will
provide an open, undeveloped edge to the city.
Generally the Council has not zoned private land for Open Space or Conservation
without the agreement of the landowner (usually this is done where land is agreed to
be part of a reserve contribution as part of a residential development). Therefore most
private land within the Outer Green Belt concept is zoned Rural. Land use and
subdivision consent applications for Rural land in this area are governed by rules for
land use and subdivision for this zone type.
Where a change of zoning is sought from Rural to Residential, then the Council has
the ability to consider any information or opinions in making its decision. As with all
consent decisions, these matters can be appealed to the Environment Court, and some
of the existing zones and special conditions applying to them, are the result of
Environment Court decisions following an appeal.
This Plan will be further information that the Council, the community and landowners
can use in considering District Plan changes and new land use proposals.
1.1.2 CONTRIBUTING VISIONS
Tangata whenua aspirations
The recently released Waitangi Tribunal report on the Wellington District states the
view of Wellington Maori that, as a result of numerous Treaty breaches, they lost
almost all of their land in the district. However the spiritual and cultural link between
the tangata whenua and the natural environment, including land, water and air,
remains.
Wellington Maori are developing their vision for the natural environment. This may
take some time since the various iwi in Te Whanganui a Tara are still in the early
stages of strengthening themselves and moving towards settlement of their Treaty
claims with the Crown. At the same time, the tangata whenua are becoming
increasingly aware of the opportunity to re-establish, in partnership with local
authorities, their kaitiakitanga (guardianship) responsibilities in relation to the natural
5
District Plan Objectives Policies and Rules, page 1 / 2
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
14
environment. The Outer Green Belt provides an opportunity for the Wellington City
Council and tangata whenua to do this in partnership, from the outset of the project.
Contemporary Maori values still broadly encompass their traditional beliefs and
values with respect to land. An explanation of Maori beliefs and values toward the
natural environment is found in the District Plan page 2/3.
The goal of environmental management is the maintenance of mauri (life essence)
through the exercise of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Sustainable management
involves sustaining the mauri of natural and physical resources.
The Maori environmental management system was developed by trial and error over
at least one thousand years. It is based on the spiritual beliefs of Maori, starting with
the understanding of creation. In maintaining the mauri within the domain of atua
(supernatural being), a set of cultural practices were developed and became the
tikanga (practice of tribal groups). There are some similarities of tikanga across
tribes and some significant differences or variations.
Tikanga used the concepts of tapu (sacredness or beyond common usage) and rahui
(temporary restraint on use, or timeliness of harvest) which are common to all tribes
with variations on the way in which they are used. Tikanga sought to unify the
elements of all things in a holistic way so that there were not significant separations
of te taha tinana (the physical plane), te taha hinengaro (the intellectual plane), te
taha wairua (the spiritual plane) and te whanaunga (the social and cultural plane).
The Maori environmental management system is complex, and tikanga is a developing
process able to adapt to modern circumstance.
The growing city
The Council’s strategic goals, policies and decisions that support the Outer Green Belt
were influenced strongly by a community with a growing interest in the city’s
environment and increasing demand for access to the city’s rural fringes. With respect
to the natural environment, several notable developments are apparent.
Wilton’s Bush has long been an example of what the original forest cover over much
of the city would have been like. The Council and the Otari – Wilton’s Bush Trust’s
stewardship of this area continues to demonstrate the potential of our protected areas,
if a long term view is taken. Existing management plans for this and some other parts
of the Outer Green Belt already provide clear management goals for those areas that
the Council continues to work toward.
In other parts of the Outer Green Belt and the city in general, the natural regeneration
of native bush can be seen as a steady and dramatic natural transformation of once
gorse-covered hills and gullies, into a series of interconnected bush areas. These areas
span both public and private lands.
This natural trend and the potential for both positive and negative influences in its
progress was the subject of Natural Wellington – A Plan to preserve and enhance the
Natural Treasures of Wellington City, prepared by the Wellington branch of the Royal
Forest and Bird Protection Society in 1991. This plan had two key objectives:
o the preservation and improvement of the natural ecosystems and the native plant
and animal species of the Wellington City area
o to bring the native birds back to Wellington.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
15
In 1992 the initial concept for the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary emerged, either directly
or indirectly from the ideas contained in Natural Wellington. This project is already
bringing many rare birds back to this mainland valley and will help to repopulate other
parts of the Outer Green Belt and the city.
Also, from 1993/4, Wellington City Council and the Greater Wellington Regional
Council (Greater Wellington) began to work more closely on pest control, particularly
of possums, and by the end of the decade possum numbers in most key native
ecosystems were down to much lower levels. This is almost certainly contributing to
the improved viability of these areas as native bird habitats.
In 1993 Wellington’s Living Cloak was published. This detailed Guide to the Natural
Plant Communities was commissioned by Wellington Botanical Society and written
by Isobel Gabites. It describes the extent of the modifications to the original
indigenous ecology of the south-west Wellington region. It puts forward a vision for
restoring some of the original ecosystems and provides advice about how natural areas
and values can be restored in this area.
The outdoor recreation vision for the Outer Green Belt has grown out of broad
community demand and consistent messages that there should be better access to the
city’s rural fringes. Traditional walking groups have been joined by new walking
groups, and by running and mountain biking organisations seeking more than the
existing local track network. For the most part, the missing links in the current
network are in the Outer Green Belt and there is an expectation that these links will be
created without undue delay.
Where there is a perceived need, mountain bikers and runners in particular, have
demonstrated a willingness to get out and build tracks. When done in consultation
with the Council (according to agreed standards) this is a good way to get things done.
Since it was set up in 1998, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park has grown from the
energy of the mountain biking community, with help from the Council, into one of the
country’s best mountain biking areas.
Many other community groups have made, and continue to make, significant
contributions to the city’s environment and recreation network. In nearly all cases
there is some form of partnership between the community and the Council, with the
Council contributing land, money, materials or advice (or a combination of these) and
the community contributing energy, time, expertise and sometimes money as well.
For the Outer Green Belt, these partnerships are vital. The Outer Green Belt is very
much a work-in-progress and through this Plan the Council will seek to strengthen
existing partnerships and forge new ones with other community interest groups and
landowners. To be successful, this vision needs to be practical, yet ambitious. It needs
to have broad support within the community, and from affected landowners. It should
also be based on a long term view of the city, its shape, ecology and culture.
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1.2 THE STATUS OF THIS PLAN
This section describes the practical and legal status of this Plan and how it fits into the
Council’s wider planning programme for parks and open spaces.
1.2.1 RESERVE AND OPEN SPACE PLANNING IN WELLINGTON
The Council is responsible for over 250 individual reserves and open space properties
covering a total area of 3,376 hectares. Of those that are protected under the
Reserves Act 1977, the majority are classified as recreation reserves. A smaller
number are scenic reserves or local purpose reserves.
With so many individual reserves and open space properties, the Council has
rationalised its approach to reserve management planning by identifying nine major
clusters. For each of these clusters, the Council will prepare an ‘omnibus’ plan that
seeks, among other things, to set management objectives and policies that reflect the
particular values of each area consistent with the Council’s Capital Spaces strategy.
Each of these plans may have a slightly different purpose, reflecting the specific areas
covered and their legal status. The Outer Green Belt cluster is probably the most
complex in terms of its range of issues, areas and property types and it does not fit
neatly into a normal Reserves Act 1977 management plan mould. Therefore the status
and specific purpose of the plan needs to be interpreted depending on which particular
piece of land is being looked at. The following points should help in this regard:
o
Where a reserve within the Outer Green Belt already has a management plan, then
that plan will remain, unless stated otherwise.
o
Where part of an existing plan is in conflict with the objectives of the Outer Green
Belt, then this Plan will include new policies that override the existing conflicting
policy.
o
General objectives and policies for the Outer Green Belt will apply to all areas
whether they have an existing management plan or not, but they must be consistent
and interpreted with respect to each different reserve type.
o
Where a classified reserve does not have an existing management plan, then this
Plan will be the management plan for that area.
o
For any unclassified reserves this Plan will only have the status of an advance
draft.
o
For all other Wellington City Council lands that are not reserves, this Plan will
have a non-statutory but similar purpose and function.
o
Other detailed development or implementation plans may be prepared for
particular areas consistent with this Plan. This Plan will recommend additional
plans of this type for some areas, but others may be identified in the future.
o
This Plan is not intended to control the use of private land within the concept area,
but will be used as a reference document and an advocacy tool. More formal
policy in respect of private land in this area may be developed separately,
following the appropriate Resource Management Act 1991 process, including
appropriate consultation.
Within the Outer Green Belt
there are 27 reserves and
other Council properties.
These are further sub-
divisible into 167 individual
land parcels with a variety of
legal definitions and types.
Of these, 77 titles are
recreation reserve, 22 scenic
reserve, 13 local purpose
reserve, three are unclassified
reserves and 52 are not
reserves.
Within the concept there are
also approximately
100 private land titles.
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Figure 2. Reserve Cluster Plans
1.2.2 THE RESERVES ACT 1977
This cluster plan approach is broadly consistent with the Reserves Act 1977 and its
interpretation in the Local Government Reserves Act Guide which makes a number of
points about omnibus plans and what they can and cannot do. In particular:
“Provided the requirements of s.41 of the Act are otherwise met, a
management plan may cover more than one reserve.
Such a multiple-reserve management plan may cover all reserves of a
single class (for example: all recreation reserves) or cover reserves of
different classes for which the Council is the administering body.
In the latter instance, the provisions in the plan relating to reserves of
any particular class must be consistent with the statutory requirements
related to that class of reserve (s.41(3)). For example, any goals or
objectives in the plan which relate to recreation reserves must be
consistent with the purposes defined in s.17. Those for scenic reserves
must be consistent with s.19.
The reserves covered by the plan (and their boundaries) must be
sufficiently described for a member of the public to recognise them
individually. This can be done, for example, by mapping them in
adequate detail in the plan. Legal descriptions and references to land
status documentation (ie: how the land became a reserve) should be
included.
The plan must provide details of the classification of each reserve, and a
reference to the authority for the classification (source document) is
essential. The purposes for which a reserve must be managed derive
from its classification.”
Northern Reserves
Town Belt and environs
Botanic Gardens
South Coast
Reserve ‘Cluster’ Plans
Central City
Eastern Reserves and Coast
Outer Green Belt
Trelissick Park and Western Reserves
Cemeteries
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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The guide further states:
“The Council can prepare an advance draft of a plan covering an
unclassified reserve(s) for which it is the administering body, provided this
does not pre-empt the classification process.
The Council cannot, however, invite public submissions on the draft plan
until all the reserves which it covers are classified and the draft plan is
consistent with those classifications.
And:
“Any land of the Council which is not subject to the Reserves Act 1977 can be
included in a multi-reserve plan if the Council wishes. It will need to be
distinguished from the reserves and appropriately provided for (Council
cannot be bound by the terms of the Act for those areas.).”
1.2.3 RELATIONSHIP WITH TANGATA WHENUA
Wellington City Council recognises the importance of the mana whenua relationship
and has a formal memoranda of understanding with Wellington Tenths Trust and
Ngati Toa Rangatira.
Under the memoranda of understanding, each party recognises the authority of the
other to exercise their responsibilities – kawanatanga (governance) by the Wellington
City Council and rangatiratanga (customary authority) and kaitiakitanga
(guardianship) by tangata whenua.
Actions taken under this Plan will reflect these principles and are intended to provide
opportunities for discussion and to develop partnerships. At the time of writing the
memoranda of understanding are under review.
The Port Nicholson Block Claim
On 17 May 2003, the Waitangi Tribunal presented the report on Wellington and its
environs, Te Whanganui a Tara me na Takiw , to the claimants and their nearly
1,000 supporters at Pipitea Marae.
This very significant document will form the background to subsequent claim
settlement negotiations between the claimants and the Crown. The relevance of this
document, and the future settlement process and outcomes may take some time to
fully resolve, and its relevance for the Outer Green Belt will be discussed directly with
the tangata whenua.
1.2.4 FUTURE REVIEW OF THIS PLAN
This is the first plan for the Outer Green Belt. Fulfilling a long term vision for the
Outer Green Belt will take many years. For the plan to fulfil its purpose it will need to
be kept up-to-date through regular review, either of the whole plan, or particular parts
according to need.
Before the first review, all necessary reserve declarations, classifications and re-
zonings of Wellington City Council lands will be carried out following the respective
processes set out in the Reserves Act 1977 and the District Plan.
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2. OUTER GREEN BELT
DEFINITION
2.1 THE OUTER GREEN BELT CONCEPT AREA
This Plan defines an Outer Green Belt concept area. This is the proposed extent of the
geographical feature we call the Outer Green Belt and includes both private and public
lands.
The following principles or criteria support the vision and help define the actual extent
of the Outer Green Belt concept. The resource information upon which these criteria
are based is contained in Section 3 of the Plan.
o
Landscape and landform: To recognise and protect natural landscape and
landform characteristics of the ridge system on the western side of the city.
o
Indigenous ecosystems and important ecological features: To recognise and
protect indigenous ecosystems and important ecological features, and in particular
the streams and significant areas of indigenous vegetation from which a more
continuous band of vegetation will grow.
o
Recreational places and linkages: To identify and protect important existing or
potential recreational sites and linkages (entrance points, tracks, routes and
destinations).
o
Cultural and historic places: To recognise and protect important cultural and
historic places and features identified within the Outer Green Belt.
o
Urban environment edge: To provide a western edge to the urban environment
and a buffer of mainly open lands between the city’s urban areas and the rural
areas of Makara and Ohariu valleys.
o
Continuity and integrity: To achieve continuity and integrity in the definition and
management of the Outer Green Belt.
The following statements indicate how these objectives were interpreted in defining
the proposed concept area boundary. The key statements, in terms of mapping
criteria, are in boxes.
2.1.1 LANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM
The Outer Green Belt is dominated by a ridgetop and hilltop environment and the
continuous (apart from a break at South Karori Road) ridgeline is the main unifying
feature. The concept area will reflect the analysis and mapping of ridgetop and
hilltop values in the Wellington Ridgetops and Hilltops report
6
, and its subsequent
refinement. Part of the aim of that report was to help the Council and the community
identify the specific areas having ridgetop and hilltop values across the city.
6
Boffa Miskell 2001 (1)
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
20
The western extent of the Outer Green Belt concept is derived largely from this
landscape analysis, whereas the eastern extent reflects a greater mix of values and
influences.
Criteria:
All parts of the ridge system to the immediate west of the city that are within the
ridgetop – hilltop values area derived from the Ridgetops and Hilltops report 2001
(and subsequent analysis) will be included in the Outer Green Belt concept area.
2.1.2 INDIGENOUS ECOSYSTEMS AND IMPORTANT ECOLOGICAL
FEATURES
Indigenous ecosystems and important ecological features containing relatively high
biodiversity, already exist within parts of the concept area. In particular, bush
remnants and natural stream courses within or directly contiguous to the main
ridgeline are included in the concept area. Bush remnants in Wellington City were
identified in a Wellington City Council-funded study by Geoff Park in 1999
7
. They
are defined as either primary remnants or secondary remnants (Refer Section 3.2.2 for
more information).
Criteria:
Significant contiguous indigenous ecosystems and important ecological features or
areas (including bush remnants and streams) that are not within the ridgetop and
hilltop landscape area, but are likely to be key elements in achieving future ecological
linkages, will be included in the Outer Green Belt concept area.
2.1.3 RECREATIONAL PLACES AND LINKAGES
Generally the important recreational sites and linkages that are associated with the
Outer Green Belt will be encompassed by larger areas of landscape or ecological
significance. However there will be instances at the periphery, particularly some
existing entrance areas, which must be encompassed within the concept.
Criteria:
Significant recreational sites and linkages that are not within areas established by
other criteria, but that are, or are likely to be key elements in facilitating the use of
the Outer Green Belt, or for establishing the community’s connection to the Outer
Green Belt, will be included in the Outer Green Belt concept area.
2.1.4 CULTURAL AND HISTORIC PLACES
Cultural and historic values permeate the landscapes of the Outer Green Belt but are
also found in particular places, some of which, despite being at the periphery of the
Outer Green Belt, are important to its integrity.
Criteria:
Significant cultural and historic sites, access or features, associated and contiguous
with the Outer Green Belt environment will be included in the Outer Green Belt
concept area.
7
Park, G. E. 1999
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
21
2.1.5 URBAN ENVIRONMENT EDGE
An important function of the Outer Green Belt is helping define the extent of the
urban environment and providing a buffer between the urban and rural parts of the
city. A number of parcels of private land between the main ridge and the city are
zoned Rural. The proposed concept line either encompasses all or part of these areas,
according to their physical location and the values they contain (criteria 2.1.1 - 2.1.4).
In making this determination, the location of nearby urban boundaries is taken into
account.
Some areas of undeveloped Outer Residential land may be identified as having values
associated with the Outer Green Belt. Some of these areas may become part of the
Outer Green Belt as reserve contributions or as the result of other agreements.
Criteria:
Privately owned land zoned Outer Residential will be excluded from the concept
unless the location, site and access values clearly make this unreasonable. Areas
currently zoned Rural on the eastern side of the main ridge will be included or
excluded according to their values and the relationships with adjoining open and built
areas.
Defining the western edge of the built environment does not imply zero growth or
intensification within the rural area but, if this happens, then maintaining the integrity
of the western side of the Outer Green Belt will become increasingly important.
2.1.6 CONTINUITY AND INTEGRITY
Council property boundaries
In some cases the concept area boundary follows existing Wellington City Council
property boundaries - simply because it would be illogical to leave out small pieces of
land where most of the area fits properly within the concept.
Northern limits
Capital Spaces identifies Colonial Knob (part of Porirua City) as the logical northern
extent of the Outer Green Belt. However, this Plan will only deal directly with
Wellington City lands, and the northern limit of the Plan’s coverage will be the
common territorial boundary within Spicer Forest. Integration of the concept either
side of the territorial boundary is being discussed with Porirua City Council.
Southern limits
In Capital Spaces the Outer Green Belt ends where the Wild Coast concept begins - at
the top of the coastal escarpment. This is the basis for the southern limit of the
concept as defined in this Plan. However, the catchments of Hape Stream (Spooky
Gully) and Waipapa Stream (also known as Te Kopahau Stream) which flow directly
to the South Coast, are managed under the South Coast Management Plan, 2002.
Best fit
In applying the above criteria, there are instances where, in some places, further
adjustment seems logical in order to achieve the best overall fit, shape or meaningful
width. Further adjustments of this type are anticipated during implementation of this
Plan.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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2.2 THE PARTS OF THE OUTER GREEN BELT
2.2.1 SECTORS
This Plan divides the Outer Green Belt into seven sectors. These seven sectors and
their sub-areas are the focus for most of the area or site-based policy detail in this Plan
(refer Section 5). Key issues, threats or opportunities within each sector are discussed
in Part 2 and many of these relate to both public and private land. This part of the
Plan discusses the relationships between public and private lands in the Outer Green
Belt. The sector names indicate the central or most prominent feature/s of the area
only.
2.2.2 COUNCIL MANAGEMENT AREAS
Within each sector, the Council’s properties are grouped according to character,
identity and status into Wellington City Council Management Areas (CMA’s). By
definition, private lands are not part of the CMA’s unless there is a management
agreement between a private landowner and the Council.
The CMA’s correspond with many of the existing well-known Wellington City
Council reserves such as Wilton’s Bush Reserve or Wright Hill Reserve. A particular
challenge in this Plan is to foster an Outer Green Belt identity, while ensuring the
existing features within the Outer Green Belt retain their identity and purpose.
2.2.3 LAND UNITS
Council Management Areas can be further subdivided into their constituent land units
or titles. At this level, the main issue is the legal status of the land and its
classification or non-classification under the Reserves Act 1977.
In cases where a particular land unit is large and has parts with quite different
character and associations, then it may straddle two CMA’s.
2.2.4 SITES AND FEATURES
Sections three to five of the Plan include many references to specific sites and features
of landscape, ecological, recreational, cultural or other significance. In the course of
preparing this Plan, the Council has identified as many of the important sites and
features as possible. However some may still be unknown, and readers are
encouraged to tell the Council about anything that appears to be missing. Sites of
significance to Maori may remain unidentified in this Plan if this is their intent.
Page 24
Map One - Outer Green Belt Concept
Key
Outer Green Belt Concept Area
Council Land within Outer Green Belt
Other Council Reserves and Properties
Sector 1 -
Spicer
Sector 2 -
Best's Ridge
Sector 3 -
Kaukau
Sector 4 -
Wiltons Bush
Sector 5 -
Makara Peak
Sector 6 - Wrights Hill
Karori Sanctuary
Sector 7 -
Careys Gully
1:90,000
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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Outer Green Belt Sectors and Council Management Areas
Sector 1: Spicer
Council management areas:
1.1 Spicer Forest properties
1.2 Tawa Bush Reserves
1.3 Airstrip Block
Sector 2: Bests Ridge
Council management areas:
2.1
Churton Park Reserves
Sector 3: Kaukau
Council management areas:
3.1 Old Coach Road
3.2 Khandallah / Johnsonville Parks
3.3 Awarua Street Reserves
Sector 4: Otari-Wilton’s Bush
Council management areas:
4.1 Kilmister Tops
4.2 Otari-Wilton’s Bush
4.3 Johnston Hill
Sector 5: Makara Peak
Council management areas:
5.1 Karori Park
5.2 Mountain Bike Park
Sector 6: Wrights Hill / Sanctuary
Council management areas:
6.1 Wrights Hill
6.2 Karori Sanctuary
Sector 7: Careys Gully / Landfill
Council management areas:
7.1 Careys Gully
7.2 Southern Landfill
2.2.5 PRIVATE LAND WITHIN THE CONCEPT AREA
Land within the Outer Green Belt concept will be affected in two ways by the plan.
1. Advocacy and negotiation
The concept area is not an indication that the Council wishes to own this land. Any
opportunity the Council has to purchase land will be judged on its merits (ie. the costs
of purchase and ownership against the potential contribution to Outer Green Belt
objectives and other Wellington City Council objectives) alongside other options.
The Council will provide advice and encouragement to landowners to improve the
management and protection of important natural values and, where possible, to
provide public access in partnership with the Council.
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The Council uses a variety of mechanisms to achieve open space protection. A list of
these is included in Capital Spaces. These provide a useful reference for future
discussions with other landowners.
o
Negotiation
o
Education
o
Studies
o
Special projects
o
Incentives
o
Sponsorship
o
Statutory planning
o
Easements and rights
of-way
o
Covenants
o
Trusts
o
Purchasing of
development rights
o
Land exchange
o
Land purchase
Where the Outer Green Belt covers or is adjacent to areas of land held by
organisations with a similar role to the Council (for example Greater Wellington
Regional Council) the Council will work with this organisation where appropriate to
achieve objectives under this Plan.
Your land: Our Help
Recently, Greater Wellington – the Greater Wellington Regional Council, QE II
National Trust and the Department of Conservation, in consultation with territorial
authorities, have been developing a programme and information to help landowners
interested in protecting and enhancing the biodiversity on their land. A booklet has
been prepared called Your land: Our Help – A guide to biodiversity protection and
management assistance for private landowners in the Wellington region.
Wellington City Council supports this initiative and will, wherever practical, work
with these agencies and individual landowners in the pursuit of shared objectives for
indigenous biodiversity within the Outer Green Belt.
2. Implementation of other Wellington City Council policies
The District Plan and other Wellington City Council policies pertaining to the
environment will be supported by the information in this Plan. The concept area is not
a new District Plan zone, but can be used as relevant information in assessing new
land use proposals within this area where the legal mechanisms of the District Plan
and the Resource Management Act allow.
An anticipated review of the current District Plan policy for the management of
ridgetops and hilltops will potentially provide more direct regulatory protection for
ridgetop and hilltop values across the city.
The Council’s Bush and Streams Restoration Plan is also supported by the Outer
Green Belt concept, but more direct city-wide protection for streams and bush
remnants may be addressed as a separate policy initiative including new policies and
rules in the District Plan.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
26
3. VALUES, ISSUES AND
OPPORTUNITIES
3.1 COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST
3.1.1 SOURCES OF COMMUNITY INFORMATION
The Local Government Act 2002 emphasises the importance of communities having
involvement in planning for their own future. A number of recent or current planning
projects provide community-based input into the formation of policy for the Outer
Green Belt:
o
Ridgetop and Hilltop Study
o
Northern Growth Management Plan
o
Rural Community Plans
o
Community based pilots for 2002/03 Strategic Review.
This information is supplemented by the consultation process specific to this Plan
(refer page seven).
Geographical communities – urban and rural
The Ridgetop and Hilltop Study defined a number of geographical communities of
interest as the basis for assessment of ridgetop and hilltop values. The rationale is that
different ridgetops and hilltops are valued differently according to a community’s
location and character. Communities can have strong feelings about particular
features in their area, that may not be shared to the same degree by communities
further away. These community views need to be given due recognition in city-wide
plans.
Perceptions of a place vary according to which side or angle it is viewed from. An
interesting and important aspect of the Outer Green Belt is the very different
perceptions of the particular sections from eastern and western perspectives. Most
Wellingtonians will view the Outer Green Belt from the eastern side. However this
plan must ensure that the perceptions of the Makara and Ohariu Valley communities
are well understood and reflected appropriately in management decisions. For
example, extensive revegetation of farmland on the western side would not be seen as
a reflection of rural values as it would result in the loss of hundreds of hectares of
productive farm land and valued rural landscapes.
Community organisations
Community organisations tend to make good use of the normal consultation processes
undertaken for management plans. The majority of organisations making submissions
are highly supportive of the Outer Green Belt vision and some are already involved in
making it a reality. Many of these groups made initial submissions on this Plan and
their views have been useful in its preparation. A list of submitters and other
community organisations and interest groups is provided in Appendix 1.
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Landowners
Rural landowners within the Outer Green Belt have some common interests and this
Plan has sought to incorporate their views about the Outer Green Belt concept and
their potential role in making it a reality. Rural landowners will have a voice through
the Makara-Ohariu Rural Community Board and the consultation behind the rural
community plans.
Owners of land zoned Rural on the eastern side, possibly have different interests or
views to other rural landowners, as some view their land as having potential for
residential development.
Any development of rural land for residential purposes requires a resource consent
following the process prescribed in the District Plan, or a change to the zoning
following the process prescribed in the Resource Management Act 1991.
Outer Green Belt users
This encompasses many groups with related but distinct interests, including walkers,
runners, mountain bikers and so on. These groups do not have any formal collective
representation in Wellington, but are represented to some degree by Federated
Mountain Clubs of New Zealand, Inc. and public access advocacy groups.
Utility companies and other business operators
Utilities exist on both public and private land in the Outer Green Belt and include
structures for water and electricity reticulation, communication facilities and roads.
To the extent that the owners of these utilities (including the Council) have common
needs in the Outer Green Belt, they represent a community of interest.
3.1.2 COMMUNITY RELATED ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Challenges: One concept – many communities
There is a risk that the concept of a continuous and integrated Outer Green Belt might
not fully materialise and other competing or conflicting influences become dominant
in the same area. A challenge for this planning project is the formation and
promulgation of a viable concept for the Outer Green Belt that is consistently
understood and supported by all stakeholder communities, and consistent with other
Wellington City Council strategies.
Large areas of the Outer Green Belt are in private ownership and there is a chance
these owners will see the Outer Green Belt as a threat to their existing rights and land
values. A careful reading of this plan should dispel any unrealistic notions in this
regard. Much of the private land on the western side is included in the plan on
account of its landscape values, and it is not the intent of this Plan that all this land be
publicly accessible or retired from farming.
Many community groups now have an involvement in different parts of the Outer
Green Belt. Alongside the Council, in its environmental planning and management
roles, these groups have a range of core motivations and long-term aspirations. These
are mostly mutually compatible, but the Council faces the challenge of their various
inputs toward one common vision.
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Competing recreational and non-recreational uses on public land within the Outer
Green Belt will have parallels in many other similar areas around the city and the
country. A common issue is the perceived conflict between public and private
interests. Traditionally, private businesses, whether they are utility companies or
recreation service providers, have been variously reviled, tolerated or ignored on
protected public lands. In reality, private organisations can have a significant and
positive contribution to make to the achievement of an Outer Green Belt vision.
Many of the roads and tracks currently used for recreation were built and/or are
maintained by utility companies. A significant part of the money needed for the
establishment of Karori Sanctuary came from the private sector (the rest came from
financial assistance from Wellington City Council, the Lotteries Grants Board,
individual donations and memberships) and private landowners have a key role to play
in farming some of the large open areas owned by the Council.
Increasingly there is recognition of the role of the private sector in adding variety and
depth in the range of outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands. Internationally,
these providers are recognising and responding to the need for their activities to be
economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
Special advisory and administrative arrangements
Some of the issues discussed above raise questions of governance and administration
such as whether a new Outer Green Belt advisory body is needed to foster cohesion
and communication. This plan takes a wait-and-see approach where full use is made
of existing governance and administrative arrangements for the wider parks network.
The Environment Reference Group (set up to advise the Council on environmental
policy issues) has been particularly helpful in this current planning phase for the Outer
Green Belt, and it remains to be seen what sort of input it would have once the Plan is
finished. This group was not set up to represent particular groups and therefore under
the current terms of reference, it cannot be a forum for the organisations and interest
groups involved directly in the Outer Green Belt.
Special administrative arrangements already exist for Karori Sanctuary and Otari-
Wilton’s Bush, and less formal or complex, or short term arrangements exist for
Makara Peak, Wright Hill and some other areas. Special arrangements may be needed
for other areas or other groups in the future.
Opportunities: Local and city wide benefits
Taking a long term view, the Outer Green Belt can be seen as a unifying influence,
linking communities north to south and east to west. The Outer Green Belt provides
views of Wellington City showing its proximity to other cities and the South Island.
The process of establishing the Outer Green Belt will provide many opportunities for
people and communities to participate in achieving the vision. An important function
of this Plan is to identify the key projects in each area, and through this, communities
will see opportunities for their local involvement, whether it be planting, track –
building, fundraising, or some other useful activity.
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3.2 ECOLOGY
3.2.1 PRE-SETTLEMENT ECOSYSTEMS
Pre-settlement vegetation
There are many sources of information on past ecological character, but the principal
sources used here are a report on early historical records of Wellington’s vegetation
8
,
Wellington’s Living Cloak by Isobel Gabites
9
and a recent analysis and depiction of
ecodomains in Wellington
10
. Ecodomains are delineated according to biogeoclimatic
factors such as wind, sunshine and temperature which would have influenced original
patterns of soils and vegetation, and many of these characteristics remain the same,
despite significant changes (e.g. vegetation clearance). An analysis specifically of the
soil and substrate composition can be found in Land Types of Wellington City, 1998
11
.
A good account of the modification and loss of the original vegetation is provided in
Wellington’s Living Cloak. Figure 3, copied from this book, shows the dramatic
disappearance of most of the original native forests cover, wetlands and dunelands.
Figure 3. Wellington’s Living Cloak
(image reproduced with author’s permission)
Pre-settlement vegetation of the Outer Green Belt was broadleaved forest
(predominantly) for most of the area, with coastal or semi-coastal forest at the
southern and eastern margins. An almost continuous forest cover was likely and signs
of this can still be seen in the form of tree stumps and weathered pieces of wood on
the grassy tops of even the highest areas.
8
Boffa Miskell, 1998
9
Gabites, I., 1993
10
Boffa Miskell, 2002
11
Landcare Research, 1998
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
30
The Outer Green Belt spans four of the 10 principle ecodomains described for
Wellington (refer Map 2b):
Domain 5: This is a high-energy domain comprising rocky foreshore with
steep, shingle beaches, bluffs and steep, stable hillslopes. The South Coast
stretch is exposed to salt-laden southerly winds which are mostly turbulent
through the hills and gullies, but which flow more smoothly and faster
through large valleys aligned north-south. Steep topography and deep gullies
create a heterogeneous environment with significant variation in
microclimates.
Valleys: Expected pre-settlement vegetation would be high species
diversity single tier coastal forest. Even regenerating shrubland and
scrub has high species diversity because of the conditions.
Steepland: Expected pre-settlement vegetation would be low diversity
coastal forest and shrubland-grassland-flaxland on rock outcrops.
Domain 8: Bands of low hill country experiencing year-round humidity and
mild temperatures lying between areas affected by salt laden coastal winds
and inland frosts. Pre-settlement vegetation in this domain, which includes
Otari-Wilton’s Bush, would have been typified by nikau groves in the gullies
and tall podocarps emergent over a canopy dominated by tawa, kohekohe and
hinau.
Domain 9: Inland hill country and basins covering the majority of the
Wellington Peninsula, including most of the Outer Green Belt. This domain
has two sub-zones: Tawa-Judgeford area with generally lower altitude and
more moderate hill slopes, and the south Wellington Peninsula area
dominated by high, steep hills and ridgelines typical of the Outer Green Belt.
These areas are highly varied, but share relatively consistent annual rainfall,
temperature and winds. They experience more frosts than lower or coastal
areas (particularly in the valleys) but are away from the effect of salt laden
coastal winds.
Pre-settlement vegetation in these areas would have varied considerably
according to aspect and location, but typically included tall conifers and rata
over a tawa dominated canopy with moisture-demanding or frost tolerant
species such as kahikatea, pukatea and tree ferns in the wetter and more frost-
prone valleys.
Domain 10: High peaks and peneplain remnants affected by strong winds,
high rainfall and cool temperatures. These areas have skeletal, leached soils
and montane vegetation typical of slightly higher altitudes in other parts of
the North Island. The pre-settlement vegetation would probably have been
devoid of some of the emergents and canopy trees seen in lower altitudes
(rata, tawa and hinau) and may have had a greater presence of kamahi-toro
canopy on the northern slopes, and miro and halls totara as emergent species
(no remnants of this type remain).
As with the rest of the Wellington Peninsula, the original vegetation was almost
completely removed and even the small number of isolated remants were subject to
some degree of modification, including removal of the largest and best tall trees.
Those areas that could be farmed were, and for many years supported by favourable
economic conditions and government subsidies.
These economic conditions began to deteriorate from the 1960s and this led to the
gradual decline in the level of pasture management, particularly in the southern parts
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
31
of the peninsula (sub-domain 9b), and complete retirement from farming in some
areas. Areas that were protected or retired relatively early in the city’s history (eg.
Otari-Wilton’s Bush) show the benefit of many years of indigenous forest
regeneration.
Pre-settlement fauna
This description of Wellington’s original fauna is based on a combination of early
diaries, fossil records, and knowledge of the habitats present
12,13,14
. The early birdlife
is best known. Our early bat, lizard, frog, invertebrate and fish fauna was poorly
described and are known mainly through fossil remains and middens. Our knowledge
of sea mammals comes from the whaling and sealing industry.
Wellington would have once had a fauna as diverse and abundant as any other coastal
site in the lower North Island. With no large rivers or estuaries and relatively few
freshwater wetlands, the wildlife would have reflected the predominantly coastal and
lowland-forest character of the peninsula. Before Maori arrival, several species of
moa, giant swans, pelicans and geese are likely to have been present but all were
extinct by the time of the European settlement.
Written records begin in the 1830s and 40s. Early European settlers and naturalists
wrote often of the birdlife and described a number of birds which are now locally or
nationally extinct including; saddleback, piopio, robin, kokako, stitchbird, banded rail,
little spotted kiwi, weka, and huia. Taine described local Maori bringing kereru and
kaka to the Thorndon village for barter. Parakeets were prolific in the Karori area. In
total 50 species of forest bird would have been present, and perhaps a further 100
species of coastal and marine bird.
However, it was not simply the presence of these species, but their sometimes-
overwhelming abundance that impressed the settlers. Near Korokoro Stream, John
Pierce wrote:
“there I sat down amidst the most luxuriant foliage, inhaling the fragrance of
a thousand wildflowers and blooming shrubs, listening to a concert of a
thousand different choristers of the wild woods and gazing upon the beautiful
plumage of hundreds of parrots and parroqueets together with the mocking or
parsons birds”.
The saltmarsh, dunes and dry rolling hills areas of the Miramar isthmus attracted
prolific birdlife including “the indigenous quail, plover (banded dotterel), and oyster
catcher”. The two main wetland areas, Te Rotojuia Lagoon (“Burnham Water”) and
the Basin Reserve wetlands, were dominated by flax, rush, raupo and cabbage tree and
were “abounding in eel and wild ducks including flocks of Paradise ducks”.
Geckos and skinks were abundant in the forests and within the coastal shrublands,
grasslands, open screes and boulder banks. Native frogs inhabited dark forested
streambeds, or hid under logs and in rock piles on damp slopes.
In summer the forest would have been deafening with several species of cicada
(kihikihi), and alive with winged insects, the many butterflies (pepe), beetles, native
12
Boffa Miskell, 1998
13
Parrish, G.R. 1984
14
Stephenson,. G. 1977
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
32
bees, wasps, flies and swarming ants. Near open water, damselflies (kihitara) and
dragonflies (kapokapowai) would have dodged the beaks of falcon, fantail, and
kingfisher. At night, the giant puriri moth and the huhu beetle would have joined the
many insects being hunted by morepork (ruru) and laughing owl (whekau). The calls
of brown and little spotted kiwi would have echoed throughout the forests and open
country of the peninsula.
The major Wellington stream systems, the Karori, Makara, Ohariu, Owhiro,
Kaiwharawhara, and Takapu, had abundant eel, koaro, bullies, koura, various galaxiid
species and summer swarms of mayflies and other freshwater insects.
The narrow rocky coastline of the South Coast was the winter haulout for large
congregations of male fur seal. Weka cruised the beaches investigating seaweed and
driftwood. Large numbers of little blue penguin would have emerged from the surf
each night and scrambled into the low coastal forest to roost. The summits of the
coastal ranges would have been honeycombed with the burrows of sooty and fluttering
shearwaters. Tuatara would have scurried through the open coastal forests feeding on
large insects, small lizards and sea bird eggs.
The coastal waters and harbour would have supported a great abundance and diversity
of fish. In 1839 Dieffenback wrote “fish of many kinds is taken at Kapiti in great
abundance, and will become one day an important article of commerce . . .. Herrings,
mackerels, gurnets, flatfish, several kinds of skate, and a variety of other fish, may be
caught here in any quantity”. From time to time the harbour would have been visited
by small whales, dolphins and porpoises.
3.2.2 PRESENT ECOLOGICAL VALUES AND CHARACTER
This section provides only a summary of the existing vegetation and the ecological
conditions influencing this vegetation and its management.
Present ecological conditions
Apart from minor changes in climate, the biogeoclimatic conditions that form the
basis for the ecodomains remain largely unchanged from pre-settlement times.
However, many hilltops and slopes around Wellington have been subject to topsoil
mining and this may have affected some parts of the Outer Green Belt.
In protected areas, the ecology is also now affected by an array of introduced plants
and animals which hinder natural regeneration, and by the effects of human activity
within and near these areas. Fire has been a major hindrance to regeneration,
particular in the scrub phase.
Current vegetation and condition
All Wellington City Council owned lands in the Outer Green Belt have been mapped
according to vegetation type and this information is shown on the maps in Section 5.
This section aims to give only an overview, particularly in respect to the extent of
actual native forest and the key areas of interest.
Map Two shows the areas identified as primary and secondary remnants in the 1999
survey. These areas encompass well known forested areas – as well as the many less
significant ones on public and private land. The survey sought to identify and
delineate every stand (area) of vegetation within the city boundary in which canopy
Primary remnant:
Any site containing a stand
of forest that appears, from
the canopy species present,
and/or from its ecological
character, to constitute a
remnant trace of pre-
settlement indigenous forest.
Secondary remnant:
Any site with secondary
forest within which canopy
species characteristic of the
pre-settlement forest, are
present within the canopy.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
33
tree species characteristic of the district’s primary forests are naturally occurring. The
survey distinguishes between primary and secondary forest remnants.
Between these remnants on public land there are considerable areas in earlier stages of
regeneration. These areas include important early successional forests which are
transforming some hillsides and gullies into large green swathes where once there was
only gorse. In other areas, more recently retired from farming, there are significant
areas of gorse and, in increasingly greater abundance, Darwin’s barberry (Berberis
Darwinii), or various combinations of these alien species and native scrub. Within
this pattern there are occasional pine plantations, and small copses or lone pines from
earlier plantings.
Private land in the Outer Green Belt also contains a range of vegetation, from
significant remnants to large open areas of pasture. Sector 2: Bests Ridge, in
particular is characterised by an open pasture condition and is almost completely
devoid of tall vegetation.
Sites of botanical interest or importance
Where sites of interest or importance for particular species exist, they are identified
and discussed in Section 5.
3.2.3 FUTURE ECOLOGY
Vegetation trends
The significance of the forest remnants is clear if we consider that the core of the
Outer Green Belt vision includes the restoration of a continuous corridor of native
vegetation along the western edge of the city. It is from these remnants that the main
potential exists for the recreation of this extensive band of forest – partly through their
natural expansion, and partly as a source of seeds for planting programmes and
dispersal by kereru and other native birds.
Some remnants are like islands of vegetation within a mostly grassed landscape.
Whether fenced or not, these areas will not expand unless some of the surrounding
areas are retired from farming. The remnants typically occupy the steep heads of
gullies where there is sufficient year-round moisture and shelter to allow the survival
and regeneration of the original traces of forest.
In areas that have been retired (and possibly protected) the trend is for colonisation of
native and exotic shrub species in various combinations. This process is slower on the
more exposed tops and drier north-facing slopes where open areas of grass can persist
for many years.
Over time, retired and protected areas generally progress to a taller and different mix
of plants, often with the exotic species being overtopped by the taller indigenous
forest species. This process is well understood and fairly predictable where the main
exotic species is gorse. Where the main exotic species is Darwin’s barberry, the long
term process is less well understood and is being investigated. Darwin’s barberry
originates entirely from the adjoining urban environment, being a once popular garden
plant.
Because of the many different environmental conditions and ages, the vegetation
along the length of the Outer Green Belt is like a mosaic of plant communities at
different stages of transition from open grass through to tall forest. The actual
There are 1,017 hectares
(433 sites) of primary forest
remnant in Wellington.
532 hectares (84 sites) are in
the Outer Green Belt.
390 hectares (49 sites) are
currently protected by
District Plan Open Space or
Conservation zoning.
Page 35
Map Two - Outer Green Belt Ecology
Key
Outer Green Belt Concept
Secondary Bush Remnants
Primary Bush Remnants
Ecodomain Boundary
Open Space
Streams
Landcover
Indigenous Forest
Planted Forest
Horticultural
Pastoral
Scrub
Bare Ground
Coastal Sands
1:90,000
Page 36
9a
9b
8
1
6
8
7
5b
1
2
8
8
1
5c
2
5b
4
5a
7
4
5a
5c
5a
6
10
5b
5a
5b
10
3a
10
10
3b
10
11
5a
Map Three - Ecodomain Delineation
Key
Outer Green Belt Concept Area
Streams
Ecological Corridors
Secondary Corridors
1 - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
2 - Maritime Influence - Flat Terrain
3a - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
3b - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
4 - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
5a - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
5b - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
5c - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
6 - Temperate Influence
7 - Maritime Influence - Hilly Terrain
8 - Temperate Influence
9a - Inland Hills and Basins
9b - Inland Hills and Basins
10 - Summits
1:90,000
1:90,000
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
36
vegetation has been recently mapped
15
and this information is included in Section 5 of
this Plan. This pattern is typified by the public lands on and near Kaukau which
includes:
o
Grassland
Alien species dominant
o
Shrubland
Shrubs in grassland
o
Scrub
Flax dominant
o
Scrub
Gorse or Darwin’s barberry dominant
o
Scrub
Broadleaved (inland) dominant
o
Scrub
Mixed narrow leaved indigenous
o
Forest
Alien species dominant (pines)
o
Forest
Kohekohe dominant
o
Forest
Tawa dominant
o
Forest
Mixed broadleaved forest
o
Rock and Scree
Apart from a significant remnant in Otari-Wilton’s Bush there is very little of the
Outer Green Belt with forest containing podocarps. Podocarps were a significant
component of much of the pre-settlement vegetation. The co-dependence between
podocarps and certain indigenous bird species is an important issue in restoring
natural biodiversity and some of the original character to the Outer Green Belt. kereru
in particular are important in the natural dispersal of podocarp seeds.
While kereru exist in some areas, they are not sufficiently abundant or widely
dispersed, nor are there enough existing podocarps for natural dispersal to take place
quickly. For this reason, Project Podocarp has been established as a community
initiative (with, support from New Zealand Royal Forest and Bird Society), to plant
podocarps in strategically useful locations to assist native birds in future natural
dispersal.
3.2.4 ECOLOGICAL ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The ecological role of the Outer Green Belt
The concept of a continuous ecological corridor, from end to end, is far from being a
reality. While some sections are well vegetated and protected there are extensive
gaps, especially where the dominant or only cover is pasture and the land is in private
ownership. Achievement of the vision requires at the very least, the protection of all
existing vegetation, and the linking of this vegetation into one common band.
This Plan provides an opportunity to define more precisely the footprint of the
intended corridor so that:
o
It is ecologically meaningful and sustainable
o
reflects the other roles and values of the Outer Green Belt (landscape, recreation,
historic, cultural, utilities)
o
it is achievable, legally and practically
o
reflects likely changes and the effects of remaining development opportunities at
the edge of the built environment.
The support and involvement of private landowners is crucial for this vision to be
achieved and the Council will seek their support and involvement using this Plan as a
guide. The maps and text in Section 5 broadly indicate the areas of Wellington City
Council land which will, over time, be revegetated.
15
Pacific Eco-Logic Ltd, 2002 (1)
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
37
Measuring the ecological condition of the Outer Green Belt
While the overall ecological value of the Outer Green Belt is a somewhat holistic
question that is only dealt with descriptively in this Plan, its ecological condition can
and will be assessed according to best practice biodiversity monitoring processes and
standards.
City-wide the principal basis for measuring biodiversity outcomes are the specific
indicators adopted by the Council in 2002
16
:
Indicator 1:
The distribution and relative abundance of native forest bird species,
especially kereru, bellbird and tui in Wellington City Council
reserves.
Indicator 2:
The structure and composition of forest and coastal plant
communities in Wellington City Council reserves.
Indicator 3:
The condition of forest vegetation sensitive to possum browse in
Wellington City Council reserves.
Indicator 4:
The extent of vegetation cover classes within Wellington City Council
reserves.
These indicators need to be monitored and interpreted for each part of the Outer Green
Belt and more detail on current information and management options relating to these
indicators is provided in Section 5.
Botanically, Otari-Wilton’s Bush is the most significant site in the Outer Green Belt
and requires continued support to ensure its protection. Implementation of the
existing Otari-Wilton’s Bush Management Plan, supported by the policies in this Plan,
will see this area gain in significance and develop further as a popular destination for
people wanting to see examples of Wellington’s original vegetation.
Along with Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Karori Sanctuary provides another key destination in
the Outer Green Belt for viewing our natural heritage (although the emphasis is on the
experience of indigenous fauna as it will be some time before mature native forests
return to this area). Continued support for Karori Sanctuary is necessary to ensure it
reaches its potential as a sanctuary for native flora and fauna and a major visitor
attraction for Wellington.
Identifying and establishing ecological corridors
Inherent in the Outer Green Belt concept is the principle of creating ecological
corridors to aid the movement of indigenous flora and fauna within an integrated,
interconnected system of protected areas. Originally, Wellington’s forests were part
of a continuous broad forest extending beyond the present city boundaries to most
parts of the North Island. Now, many reserves are ecologically isolated. Even if the
Outer Green Belt is completed it would not connect with other areas beyond the city
unless other corridors area created over both public and private land.
The Bush and Streams Restoration Plan emphasises to the need for the creation and
protection of ecological corridors linking to a larger regional network through
Belmont Regional Park. The Bush and Streams Restoration Plan shows the broad
16
Pacific Eco-Logic Ltd, 2002 (2)
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
38
ecological corridors which conceptually link the Outer Green Belt into a broader
regional network. Other secondary corridors are also indicated and will be looked at
more closely in Section 5.
Plant pest management
Plant pests are probably the biggest threat to the Outer Green Belt environment. They
can transform a landscape in a relatively short time to an undesirable condition or
hinder a desired natural transitional process on a massive scale. The Council’s Pest
Management Plan is the source of general policy for managing this issue.. The
following issues, of particular importance for the Outer Green Belt, will need to be
addressed in the review.
While gorse is now seen to have a beneficial role in the regeneration of indigenous
forest, Darwin’s barberry is seen as a probable hindrance to regeneration, particularly
in the more exposed areas such as the top of Wright Hill.
In areas like Wright Hill a clear direction for the management of Darwin’s barberry
needs to be stated. Significant new infestations need to be prevented or managed to
ensure the protection of existing indigenous vegetation - and prevent the loss of
landscape values and recreation access. The Council needs to consider management
of Darwin’s barberry under its own programmes as set out by the Draft Pest
Management Plan.
One such site is Kaukau and the ridge to the south along the route of the Skyline
Track, which contains an interesting and diverse indigenous plant community in the
form of wind-shorn scrub. Darwin’s barberry is invading this area and has the
potential to overtop the existing vegetation if left unchecked. The Council is
committed to managing this pest, particularly in key native ecosystems and open
areas.
Continuing vigilance against other long established or more recent pest plants is also
needed in accordance with the Regional Pest Management Strategy and the Council’s
Draft Pest Management Plan.
Animal pest management
The most significant areas of indigenous bush are classified by the Greater Wellington
Regional Council as Key Native Ecosystem Management Areas (KNEMA’s). As
such, they are subject to the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s possum
management target of five percent residual trap catch rate. More detail on the
achievement of possum control targets is included in Section 5 of this report.
The two councils have taken a cooperative approach to possum control in the city’s
reserves and open spaces. The flow-on effects in terms of the forests’ ecological
health will be established by monitoring biodiversity indicators. Generally,
monitoring shows control work has greatly reduced possum numbers – while at the
same time there has been a significant increase in the numbers of tui. Kereru numbers
have also increased, but their range is still limited to a few key native ecosystems in
the Outer Green Belt.
The control programme has been supported by other ground based control operations.
Such work has been running at Otari-Wilton’s Bush since 1993 and similar initiatives
have started elsewhere, particularly within the Outer Green Belt.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
39
Goats have become a major problem on the south west Wellington Peninsula in recent
years. This is partly due to the collapse of the goat farming industry in the 1980s.
Goats clearly flourish in the steep and rugged, yet relatively open, country in the south
west of the city. Landowners vary in their tolerance of goats, and while this is the
case, a voluntary system of control will not work. The parts of the Outer Green Belt
most affected by goats in recent years are Makara Peak and lands to the south of the
landfill (pigs are also an increasing problem in this area). Goats have also periodically
been present in the southern portion of Wright Hill.
Karori Sanctuary is an obvious highlight in terms of pest control, being the only part
of the Outer Green Belt where (except for mice), mammalian pest species are absent.
This is due to the construction of an 8.6 kilometre pest-proof fence surrounding the
former Karori Reservoir. The regeneration of bush in the sanctuary will provide an
interesting comparison to other parts of the Outer Green Belt not subject to the same
level of pest control.
Priority setting for ecological restoration and management
The Council has an on-going programme of planting around the city. This generally
has either a biodiversity or ecology focus, or an amenity and landscape focus. In many
cases planting projects are closely associated with the management or removal of
plant and animal pests.
Biodiversity planting mainly focuses on the protection and enhancement of Key
Native Ecosystem management areas and other indigenous forest remnants (creating
buffer zones by replacing weeds with pioneer native species and enhancing diversity
by planting successional species), but may include riparian planting, revegetation
planting (planting of open areas to create ecological linkages) and other initiatives
proposed in the Bush and Streams Restoration Plan.
The Council is in the process of defining city-wide priorities for biodiversity planting,
supporting the goals of the Bush and Streams Restoration Plan. Priorities will be
based mainly on an analysis of existing biodiversity resources, plant and animal pest
management issues, community wishes, and the location of Wellington City Council
lands.
Fire
Although there have been few fires recently, fire has been a significant hindrance to
native forest restoration in some parts of the city (a fire destroyed part of a pine
plantation near Makara Hill Road several years ago). In contrast, the South Coast and
Western Hutt Hills have recently suffered from repeated fires, many on or around 5
November each year. Fire has the potential to severely scar the Outer Green Belt
landscape and set back natural restoration processes. Planting priorities will include
the planting of fire resistant species along scrub margins, where the likelihood and
consequences of fire are most significant.
Maintenance of open areas
This Plan interprets the broad vision to find a harmony and balance between
ecological, landscape, recreational and cultural objectives. Capital Spaces emphasises
the restoration of indigenous vegetation and the ecological benefits this would
provide. However the potential exists for ecological outcomes to be achieved
alongside landscape and recreational outcomes involving areas of bush and areas of
open space.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
40
Some of the existing open ridgetop and hilltop landscapes are highly valued for their
existing intrinsic value and as open spaces for recreation. This Plan defines those
areas which the Council intends to maintain in their existing open condition. This
approach was generally supported in the initial submissions on this Plan. More
information on these areas and their values is provided in the following sections.
Effects of urban development
Part of the role of the Outer Green Belt is to define the western limit of the urban
development, and provide a green backdrop to the city and a buffer between the urban
and rural environments.
This Plan proposes an Outer Green Belt concept area defined by a line that
encompasses all areas holding Outer Green Belt values, which warrant close attention
and protection. Some of this private land may be subject to future subdivision and
some level of development, particularly on the lower eastern slopes adjacent to areas
already developed. Bush remnants, and areas of high landscape value should be
protected from development, particularly for residential purposes, and this Plan
includes policy statements to support this.
In time, and partly through this Plan, it is intended that the edge of the city will
become more clearly defined and that land beyond this line within the Outer Green
Belt is protected from all activities that would harm natural values. This Plan on its
own does not have any legal bearing on private land, but may in time be supported by
new rules in the District Plan or other tools, particularly to protect bush remnants,
water courses, ridgeline landscapes and to prevent large scale landform modifications.
Any new rules will of course follow in-depth consultation with landowners.
Community / landowner initiatives and assistance
Many of the current projects to restore the natural environment of the Outer Green
Belt are based in and originate from the community. These are becoming increasingly
sophisticated and the level of coordination between these groups and the Council is
increasing. This Plan will help the Council and the community provide a common
reference point and a broad (but detailed) vision to which the individual projects
contribute. The Council will work to increase the overall level of community
participation in this area.
A list of the organisations with which the Council is currently involved in managing
and restoring the Outer Green Belt is provided in Appendix 2.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
41
3.3 LANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM
3.3.1 LANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM CHARACTER
This summary of landscape and landform values is derived mainly from a recent study
commissioned by the Council entitled Wellington’s Ridgetops and Hilltops – The
Natural and Amenity Values
17
. Another useful and well known study of Wellington’s
geology and landforms is Rugged Landscape, The Geology of Central New Zealand
18
.
This should be referred to for a fuller understanding of the geological makeup of
Wellington and the Outer Green Belt.
The Outer Green Belt concept is fundamentally based on a major landform and
landscape that is typical of the south west Wellington Peninsula. The improvement of
the Outer Green Belt as an ecological feature has been discussed in the previous
section. Recognition of the significance of the landform and landscape values, and
their protection, is of equal importance in the Outer Green Belt vision.
Wellington defined by ridges and hills
Wellington is a hilly city and the built environment, is partly on and partly constrained
by the hills that form it. Many of the smaller ridges in the city have been almost
completely built over and this is part of Wellington’s urban character. Notably some
of the most central ridges were protected by the city’s founders and are known today
as the Inner Town Belt.
To the north and the west of the central city there are four major ridge systems, shown
on Map 3:
o
Horokiwi Ridge
o
The Outer Green Belt system
(comprising from north to south: Spicers Ridge, Best’s Ridge, Totara Ridge, Te Wharangi
Ridge, Wright Hill and Te Kopahau Ridge)
o
Quartz Hill – Outlook Hill Ridge
o
Terawhiti Ridge
The Outer Green Belt ridge is not quite a continuous ridge because it is bisected
between Wright Hill and Makara Peak by Karori Stream. Nevertheless, it is perceived
as a single entity because it defines the entire western edge of the city from Tawa to
the South Coast.
While the highest point in Wellington (Outlook Hill: 534m) is not in the Outer Green
Belt, many of the city’s best known hilltops are, including:
Kaukau:
445m
The Crows Nest:
385m
Makara Hill:
412m
Johnston Hill:
360m
Polhill
299m
Wright Hill:
358m
Te Kopahau:
484m
Hawkins Hill:
495m
By comparison, the highest part of the Wellington Town Belt, Tinakori Hill, is 303m.
The highest dwelling in Wellington is probably around 400m near (Hawkins Hill), but
the highest residential settlement is Broadmeadows which reaches a height of 320m.
17
Boffa Miskell Ltd, 2001
18
Stevens, G. R., 1974
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Mt Kaukau
Te Kopahau
Quartz Hill
Mt Victoria
Makara Hill
Hawkins Hill
Wrights Hill
Colonial Knob
Tinakori Hill
Old Coach Road
Johnstons Hill
The Crows Nest
Map Four - Outer Green Belt Landscape
Key
High Points
Ridgelines
Ridgetop-Hilltop Landscapes
Outer Green Belt Concept Area
1:85,000
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
43
The relationship between the height of the main ridge and the height of the nearest
residential development is important as some parts of the ridge are relatively low and
the existence of the Outer Green Belt depends on the nearest residential development
being significantly lower still. In some places, such as Montgomery Avenue in Karori
(300m) this has not been achieved. The recent purchase of land at Old Coach Road
(summit at 240m) helped avoid a similar situation where residential development
would have gone all the way to the main ridge.
Ohariu Valley Road summit (180m) has already experienced a degree of development
not seen elsewhere along this section of ridge. Makara Hill is the only other public
road which traverses the main ridge (220m) and remains largely open and
undeveloped.
The lowest point is South Karori Road at around 100m above sea level.
Ridgetop and hilltop values
The four main ridges of Wellington, with their characteristic undulating summits
above steep flanks, are remnants of an ancient peneplain
19
.
Vegetated or not, these ridges form a natural backdrop to the city and a continuous
skyline visually linking all the notable high points. Apart from the historic changes to
the vegetation, the main modifications are in the form of roads and utilities. The most
prominent utilities are the communications tower on Kaukau and electricity supply
cables and pylons traversing the ridge at several places.
There are very few buildings along the main ridgeline. Generally the Council wants to
prevent or reduce the level of development on or in close proximity to major
ridgelines and nowhere is this more important than in the Outer Green Belt.
The broad visual character is a combination of the underlying topography and past and
present land use. Southern and eastern areas are mostly clothed in dense vegetation,
while the northern and western areas are still mostly farmed and largely devoid of tall
vegetation.
Wellington’s Ridgetops and Hilltops provides an analysis of the different communities
of interest in terms of the perception and appreciation of ridgetop and hilltop values.
The perspective of the Outer Green Belt from the rural area is quite different to the
perspective from the city side, and these differences will be reflected in the area plans.
The Outer Green Belt ridge system effectively separates the predominantly urban
eastern sector of the city from the rural western sector, and consequently defines the
western edge of the built environment. The extent to which this edge is formalised
and protected is a key issue in establishing the integrity of the Outer Green Belt and
achieving the Outer Green Belt vision.
Bush and stream landscapes
The well developed forests in the south and east of the Outer Green Belt, particularly
adjoining Karori, Ngaio and Wadestown, are an important landscape element that
gives character to these areas. They also provide an example of the vision that this
Plan promotes for the entire Outer Green Belt – which is a combination of densely
forested slopes and gullies with areas of open ridges and hilltops above.
19
Boffa Miskell, 2001
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44
3.3.2 LANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Defining the edge of the built (urban) environment
Cities evolve through an on-going and complex growth process which usually sees
new ‘green field’ areas developed at their edges. In Wellington, the majority of future
‘green field’ growth will be in the northern suburbs – for example Stebbings Valley in
Churton Park.
The District Plan does not define an ultimate urban boundary – a line up to which the
Council will allow urban development, (although such a line may well be included in
future plans). The eastern edge of the Outer Green Belt is potentially the same line,
and it exists in parts where the city has fully evolved to its natural limit, give or take a
few hectares where land has potential for development and also has value as open
space - and final decisions about best use are yet to be made. In the northern suburbs,
the logical edge to the built environment is the subject of current discussions mainly
through the Northern Growth Management Plan. This Plan draws from that analysis
and delineates the future built environment and the Outer Green Belt in this area.
West of this line, within the Outer Green Belt, will be areas with important ridgetop
and hilltop values, all bush remnants and all areas already protected or zoned for Open
Space or Conservation, or essential for public access. This does not indicate that all
lands east of this line have no value, but they are not part of the Outer Green Belt
concept.
Private land to the west of this line that is included within the Outer Green Belt will
not be directly affected by this Plan. However it will show the Council’s intent to
seek protection of the values contained in these areas and prevention of any land uses
or developments that would unduly erode these values.
Ultimately, through negotiations, advocacy, planning consent processes, and possibly
further regulation, these values will be more formally protected giving a final
definitive western edge to the city and an eastern edge to the Outer Green Belt. This
may take some years to achieve.
Protecting ridgetop and hilltop areas
Even with a clear edge to the built environment that is below the main ridgetops, the
values of these areas are still potentially threatened. The main threats are:
o
placement of utilities and building utility access roads
o
unsympathetic land use – such as the planting of pine blocks or wind breaks in
prominent ridgetop areas
o
development of lifestyle properties along the main ridge and the placement of
residential dwellings in prominent ridgetop areas.
The Council accepts the need for some utilities to be placed on ridgetops and hilltops,
but will discourage these in places of particular landscape importance or currently
undeveloped areas. The Council has a draft policy for assessing applications for new
utilities on its land, and additional policies included in this Plan ensure Outer Green
Belt values are given due regard.
The Council does not accept the need for lifestyle developments or residential
dwellings in the sensitive ridgetop and hilltop environments of the Outer Green Belt.
Existing and future District Plan rules will continue to restrict this sort of land use.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
45
The Council is considering how best to use the information in the Ridgetop and
Hilltop Study to give greater protection to these, and similar areas, in other parts of the
city.
Current provisions in the District Plan are based on a somewhat simplistic ‘50 metres’
rule (developments within 50 metres height of a ridgetop are subject to special
scrutiny). Mapping of the important areas will provide greater clarity for landowners
as in many places these are significantly more than 50 meters in height from the
ridgeline.
However, getting the line in the right place is a significant challenge. One of the
difficulties is that the line will not be tied to cadastral boundaries which makes it more
difficult to locate the lines on the ground.
The Outer Green Belt concept area is based partly on the footprint of the initial
mapping according to the following guidelines:
o
the identified values of the particular ridgetop / hilltop
o
the importance of adjoining ridgetop / hilltop areas in providing landscape
context to the actual ridgetop / hilltop
o
the area excludes existing dense residential housing areas.
The resultant footprint is much wider than that covered by the 50 metre rule, but is
based on actual values and attributes that can be described. As can be seen from the
concept map, the area of ridgetop and hilltop value has considerable width in some
areas and less in others.
Defining areas to be kept open and clear
This Plan identifies areas to be kept open and clear for their landscape values and to
aid public access and recreation (refer Section 5). These areas are some of the
existing ridge and hilltops that are already in an open and clear condition. There is no
intention to remove any existing ridgetop or hilltop vegetation unless it is mainly
comprised of alien species.
These areas, once defined, must be actively grazed and kept clear of pest plants. The
Council will put in place grazing agreements with adjoining farmers in preference to
other possible partners, unless this is impractical.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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3.4 RECREATION AND ACCESS
3.4.1 EXISTING RECREATION USES
Activities
The Outer Green Belt provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in a variety of
natural and semi-natural settings characterised by the dominant landscape elements –
ridges and hilltops, forests and streams. At present the extent of these opportunities
largely reflects the pattern of landownership. Generally there is little in the way of
formal access over private land – although there is the possibility that future access
agreements will enhance access.
Recreation involves a combination of places and activities. The Outer Green Belt
includes a number of significant places such as Karori Sanctuary and Otari - Wilton’s
Bush where there is a concentration of natural and historical features with facilities
and information to enhance the visitor’s experience. The activities at these places are
generally passive and often for the enjoyment of the environment, fauna, flora and
views (gentle walks, viewing, learning, socialising).
Elsewhere the focus may be more on the activity – walking / tramping, running,
mountain biking, where the common element is movement within the natural
environment to a desired destination or along a desired route.
The area plans define the main recreation experiences being provided for in each area.
The recreational access network
Beyond the main entrances and visitor nodes, the recreation infrastructure is
principally the recreational access network (the network of roads and tracks people
use to walk and ride in the Outer Green Belt). The planning for this network is a
critical part of this Plan, as the value of the Outer Green Belt for recreation depends
greatly on the quality and extent of this network. The Council has begun work on a
city-wide Open Space Access Plan which will address issues of location, usage,
design and quality for the entire track network across the city. This will be based on
the following basic classification.
There are many roads and vehicle tracks in the Outer Green Belt which are a vital part
of the access network and are maintained for reasons other than, or in addition to,
recreation access (for example, access to utilities). There is also a number of paper
roads (legally a road but as yet unbuilt) within and beyond the Outer Green Belt which
may have some future significance for access.
The existing access network combines existing or former motorised vehicle tracks,
purpose built recreation tracks and simple routes across open country. Complex local
networks at Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Makara Peak and Karori Sanctuary, are relatively
self contained and provide for short walks and loops within a definable area. Longer
cross-country tracks will gain greater prominence through the Outer Green Belt
concept following the achievement of more continuous protection and public
accessibility.
One that has existed for some time already is the Northern Walkway which has its
northern terminus at Khandallah (via Kaukau). More recently the Skyline Walkway
was established from Crofton Downs to Kaukau and will eventually be expanded to
run the length of the Outer Green Belt as the main axial track connecting all areas.
Page 48
Polhill
Mt Kaukau
Te Kopahau
Crows Nest
Quartz Hill
Mt Victoria
Makara Hill
Hawkins Hill
Wrights Hill
Colonial Knob
Tinakori Hill
Old Coach Road
Johnstons Hill
Map Five - Outer Green Belt Tracks
Key
Entrance Points to the Outer Green Belt
High Points
Council Tracks
Council Land within the Outer Green Belt
Outer Green Belt Concept Area
1:90,000
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
48
Also on the horizon is the vision for Te Araroa (the Long Path) which is a nationally
based project to connect both ends of the country with one continuous low-level track.
This will enter the Outer Green Belt through Spicer Forest and probably pick up the
Northern Walkway route to get into downtown Wellington.
Within the seven sectors, there are various new track connections and track
improvements needed to complete a coherent track network. Area plans include ideas
for specific track improvements.
The Council has completed an access network (track) strategy for the city, and where
appropriate, it uses national or international standards for track classification, design
and marking.
In addition to recognising any roads (sealed, unsealed or 4 wheel drive) which form
part of this network within open space, the following track classifications are used in
the access strategy:
Pedestrian (walking) track classes (based on an adaptation of the current Department
of Conservation track standard):
o
urban path
o
short walk
o
walking track
o
tramping track
o
route.
Cycling or mountain biking track classes (other than cycleway, these classes are an
international standard for mountain biking):
o
cycleway
o
easy ride
o
average ride
o
difficult ride
o
extreme ride.
These standards will be used together wherever dual or multiple track uses are
intended.
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park
The capital’s rugged topography and tight challenging roads and tracks are well suited
to mountain biking. Like Karori Sanctuary, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is a
community initiative aided by practical support from the Council in the form of land,
funding and advice. When completed, it will have around 25 kilometres of track built
by and for mountain bikers. It is already nationally recognised as one of the best areas
dedicated to mountain biking and attracts riders from well beyond the city’s
boundaries.
Walkers and runners are not excluded, but they take second place to the needs of
mountain bikers in this unique area.
Entry and exit points
There are at least 30 different points of access into the Outer Green Belt at present.
However only a small number of these are, or will be, developed as principal entry
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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areas with parking and landscaping. Where appropriate, these will be marked and
signed according to the Council’s standards. Some entrances are through adjoining
reserves that are not included within the concept area, but will be identified to the
public as places from which the Outer Green Belt can be reached (for example, Karori
Park).
Exit points are often different from the entry point as people tend to like to do round-
trips or loops, rather than returning by the same path.
Destinations
Planning for a comprehensive and versatile access infrastructure requires knowledge
of the important destinations – the places and features that attract visitors and provide
an objective around which a particular visit is planned. The most prominent
destinations are places like - Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Karori Sanctuary and Makara Peak.
Other key destinations include sections of the main ridge and high points along it.
3.4.2 RECREATION - ACCESS ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Educational experiences
Recreation and education naturally go together in parks. There are major educational
opportunities that could be developed in the Outer Green Belt in addition to Karori
Sanctuary and Otari-Wilton’s Bush.
Eco-tourism products
The Outer Green Belt presents opportunities for the city in terms of the further
development of eco-tourism products and services (tours, visits, etc) to complement
the small number that already exist in Wellington
20
. Eco-tourism is, by definition,
sustainable in terms of its focus on protecting the natural capital on which the tourism
experiences are dependant. This Plan will include policy to ensure that any tourism
business proposals that would make use of the Outer Green Belt would need to satisfy
a set of eco-tourism standards according to industry best practice. Current best
practice for eco-tourism includes social and economic, as well as ecological,
considerations. Social sustainability must include consideration of the effect of
tourism on local recreational patterns. The development of eco-tourism therefore
should not negatively affect public recreation in the same areas.
Wellington is not yet perceived as a significant eco-tourism destination and most
visitors are attracted for either business purposes or because of Wellington’s
reputation for the arts and culture – and of course Te Papa. The Outer Green Belt can
help change this.
Clear guidelines for commercial operations
Commercial recreation (which is related to tourism and eco-tourism, depending on
who is participating, the nature of the activity and whether any money changes hands)
can play a useful role if it complements the basic service provided by the Council and
is managed professionally and sustainably.
Public / private sector partnerships and cooperation work best where there is a clear
understanding of the participants’ respective roles (and these roles don’t overlap or
Definition of
eco-tourism:
Ecotourism
encompasses a
spectrum of nature-
based activities that
foster visitor
appreciation and
understanding of
natural and cultural
heritage, and are
managed to be
ecologically,
economically and
socially sustainable.
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Wellington’s Outer Green Belt Management Plan – May 2004
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compete), and where there are clear guidelines in place. This Plan provides a basic
framework for managing commercial recreation activities.
In New Zealand there is an established tradition of public agency protection and
management of important natural areas (including the provision of basic recreation
infrastructure), while private businesses provide other services such as specialised
tours, supplies and accommodation. For the Outer Green Belt, there may be
interesting opportunities involving private landowners working with the Council to
provide a wide range of recreation opportunities.
Providing a range of recreation opportunities
Getting the right mix of recreation opportunities is important. Submitters to this Plan
generally favoured passive and non-motorised activities such as walking, running,
mountain biking and horse riding (in some areas). Some people believe there is a
place for motorised recreation, but recognise the need for strict controls (see above).
Enjoyment of the Outer Green Belt by a cross section of the community is intended,
but it must be consistent with the basic purpose of the Outer Green Belt and protection
of its natural values.
Appropriate access points, including those where people can drive to high places (as at
Wright Hill and Brooklyn), complement other places where access is only by foot and
provides a significant physical challenge. This Plan does not include a detailed
mapping of the intended recreation settings but it does promote awareness that a wide
range of recreation opportunities is derived from a diversity of settings and activities.
For example, a visitor may choose to ride a mountain bike a significant distance to a
relatively remote area or choose to picnic in a comfortable sheltered environment a
short distance from their point of entry.
Health benefits of outdoor recreation
Providing opportunities for recreation in the outdoors has direct benefits on the
populations physical and mental health and well-being. This is supported by the
Wellington City Council Recreation Strategy through Outcomes 4 (Open Space
Recreation) and Outcome 5 (Public Health). The strategy advocates the major role
sport and recreation can have in helping prevent illnesses sedentary lifestyle can
cause: such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and
certain cancers.
Improving the track network
Track building is a very significant part of park management, particularly in green
belts where walking and mountain biking are the main activities. This plan includes
information on the location and design of the track network, new links needed and
how it is intended they be built. There is an important role for recreation groups in
track building and maintenance, provided everyone is working to the same overall
plan.
The Council’s existing Mountain Bike Policy will apply in the Outer Green Belt. That
is, all tracks are open to mountain biking unless specifically declared closed. Makara
Peak Mountain Bike Park is a special area containing a track network built by and for
mountain bikers with funding from the Council.
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Other facilities and services
Over time, additional facilities and services will be developed and provided to support
key recreation opportunities and enhance key destinations. This will include further
development of the major entry areas (where they are not already sufficiently
developed). Adequate parking and information is needed at all major entry areas.
Some places may also warrant shelter or toilet facilities, drinking water, seating,
grassed areas, fencing, landscaping and so on – reflecting the current use, future
potential and significance of the site.
Area plans include a number of specific improvements, but in some areas a detailed
development plan will be needed. Across the Outer Green Belt, facility development
will be prioritised and funded according to city-wide parks business priorities.
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3.5 CULTURE AND HISTORY
3.5.1 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL VALUES
The Outer Green Belt is a rich cultural and historical resource that can only be partly
described in this plan. Some of the highlights are listed below, along with suggested
additional reading. The purpose of this Plan is not to be the repository for all
historical and cultural information about the Outer Green Belt, but to explore issues
and opportunities for the protection and appropriate presentation and enjoyment of
these resources.
Maori history and significance
While European settlers gave names to different parts of the skyline, most of the
central ridge was known to local Maori as Te Wharangi (broad open space). This ridge
was not inhabited by Maori, but was traversed frequently by foot when moving
between Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Owhariu (mainly via a route over the Kilmister
Tops).
An excellent source of information on Maori places names and their significance in
the Wellington area is The Great Harbour of Tara, Traditional Maori Place-names
and Sites of Wellington Harbour and Environs
21
.
Karori Reservoir
Prior to becoming a wildlife sanctuary, this valley had a long history as part of the city
water supply system. In recent years the catchment ceased to be a source of water for
the water supply system, but the lower valley contained (and still contains)
infrastructure forming part of the Wellington City water reticulation system. The
remaining features of historical interest are the two dams and their associated
structures, including the iconic valve tower in the middle of the lower dam.
Development of the sanctuary provided public access to this formerly closed area and
the opportunity to fund and carry out restoration and interpretation of these features.
Further information can be found in the Karori Reservoir Wildlife Sanctuary
Management Plan.
Wrights Hill Fortress
Historically, Wright Hill is best known for its World War II fortifications, which are
the most extensive in Wellington. The fortress was built from 1942 to 1949 to service
the 9.2 inch battery gun that was to help protect Wellington from a potential Japanese
invasion. This is one of three such installations built in New Zealand. The full history
of this fortress (mostly an underground network of tunnels and rooms) is provided in
the Wright Hill Fortress Conservation Plan.
Old Coach Road
Old Coach Road is the first road connecting Johnsonville and Ohariu Valley, built
between 1856 and 1858. Its popular name is a misnomer as there would have been
very few coaches along this route. Nevertheless it is recognised as one of the best
preserved horse-era roads in New Zealand and has a category one Historic Places Act
21
Adkin, G. L., 1959
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53
classification. The whole of the unsealed part, except for the altered section at the
bottom of Carmichael Street, is well preserved. The recent purchase of the land either
side of Old Coach Road allows the Council to protect and manage this area.
Gold prospecting excavations
A number of former gold prospecting excavations and other remains exist in the Outer
Green Belt. The excavations mostly have the form of horizontal shafts 20 metres or
more in length. They provide evidence of the former belief that the Wellington was
likely to have significant gold deposits. Nothing of any significance was ever found.
History of the Outer Green Belt landscape
This could also be described as the history of European settlement and land use, or the
history of the growth of Wellington City. Like much of Wellington, the Outer Green
Belt has undergone considerable landscape and ecological modification following the
settlement of the area by Europeans in the early 19
th
century. Areas resembling all the
main phases can be found today in different parts of the Outer Green Belt.
These phases include:
o
clearance of almost all the dense indigenous forest
o
extensive sheep and cattle farming
o
retirement of the poorer quality areas as profitability declined
o
protection of some areas as reserves for the enjoyment of city residents
o
active restoration of key areas
o
encroachment of the urban environment up the eastern slopes.
The establishment of Otari – Wilton’s Bush is an important part of this, and the
history of botanical study and plant conservation in New Zealand.
3.5.2 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
A wide view of the city
The size of the Outer Green Belt and the opportunity it gives to see the city as a whole
provides an opportunity for interpreting, not just the history of the Outer Green Belt
landscape, but the rest of the city as well. Submitters support the inclusion of
information and interpretation to enhance the visitor experience and inform the
community about the important history of this area.
Maori place names and history
Maori history and values associated with the Outer Green Belt need to be given
appropriate recognition. In particular, the names of the various ridges and valleys that
make up the Outer Green Belt, could be given greater prominence in Wellington City
Council publications and maps.
Historical focal points
The main historical focal points should continue to be protected and further developed
as visitor attractions. For Old Coach Road in particular, this will be associated with
the provision of appropriate visitor facilities and management of the adjoining land
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following its recent acquisition by the Council. A development plan for this area is
under way.
Identification and recognition of secondary historical sites
In developing this Plan, many other less prominent historical and cultural features are
being identified and will receive recognition. This information is included in Section
5.
Examples include the sites of early settler houses (often marked by an old chimney
and a cluster of large macrocarpa trees); former gold mining excavations; logging pits;
old farming relics and remains; original native treestumps; stories of former
landowners and their relationship with the land; and so on. This information will be
useful in telling stories about each part of the Outer Green Belt.
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4. GENERAL OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
4.1 MANAGEMENT OF THE COUNCIL’S LANDS
4.1.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To manage Wellington City Council owned lands in the Outer Green Belt in a
manner that reflects their reserve purpose or proposed purpose, site values and the
Outer Green Belt vision, and explore opportunities for the enjoyment of suitable
parts for appropriate activities.
2. To enhance the coordination of administration and management of the many
Wellington City Council areas in ways which aid the achievement of the Outer
Green Belt vision without diminishing other administrative relationships.
3. To achieve an appropriate level and quality of overall management consistent
with the Outer Green Belt vision (page nine), and the Council’s wider priorities.
4.1.2 POLICIES
The following policies apply to all areas owned by Wellington City Council except
where otherwise stated within this Plan, or where the land is leased and under the day-
to-day control and management of another organisation. Please note this does not
include grazing licences.
4.1.2.1 Plan amendment and review
a) This Plan will be reviewed within 10 years and any review will be initiated by a
decision of the relevant Wellington City Council committee, following normal
process under the Reserves Act 1977.
b) Any of the existing plans for areas within the Outer Green Belt can be reviewed
by the same process, but will be done in a way which maintains or improves
consistency with the main plan.
Explanation
The Council may, under the Reserves Act 1977, advertise its intention to review this
Plan or a part of the Plan.
The Council may, in the course of a future review or before such a review, revoke an
existing management plan for any area for which it has full authority and bring that
area entirely under the policies in this Plan instead.
Alternatively, the Council may review any of the existing plans - but will do so in a
way that maintains consistency with the objectives and policies of this Plan.
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4.1.2.2 Definition of the Outer Green Belt concept
The Council will apply a specific (rather than a general) definition of the Outer Green
Belt concept area so that, so far as possible, any piece of land can be clearly
identified as either inside or outside this concept.
Explanation
The following physical criteria apply wherever possible. Exceptions in the application
of these criteria are explained in the relevant area plans. An explanation of these
criteria is in Section 2.1.5.
a) Landscape and landform: All parts of the ridge system to the immediate west
of the city that are within the ridgetop and hilltop values area derived from the
Ridgetops and Hilltops Report 2001 (and subsequent analysis) will be included in
the Outer Green Belt concept area.
b) Ecological features: Significant contiguous indigenous and important ecological
features or areas (including bush remnants and streams) that are not within the
ridgetop and hilltop landscape area, but are likely to be key elements in achieving
future ecological linkages, will be included in the Outer Green Belt concept area.
c) Recreational places and linkages: Significant recreational sites and linkages
that are not within areas established by other criteria, but that are (or are likely to
be) key elements in facilitating the use of the Outer Green Belt, or for establishing
the community’s connection to the Outer Green Belt, will be included in the Outer
Green Belt concept area.
d) Cultural and historic places: Significant cultural and historic sites or features
associated with the Outer Green Belt environment will be included in the Outer
Green Belt concept area.
e) Urban environment edge: Privately owned land zoned Outer Residential will be
excluded from the concept, unless the location and site values clearly make this
unreasonable. Areas currently zoned Rural on the eastern side of the main ridge
will be included or excluded according to their values and the relationships with
adjoining open and built areas.
f) Continuity and integrity: Further areas are included where they are needed to
achieve continuity and integrity. The Outer Green Belt also has northern and
southern limits. These are explained in Section 2.1.5.
4.1.2.3 Area based approach
The Council will use an area-based approach to manage the Outer Green Belt,
enabling both general and area-specific policy to be used together.
Explanation
This Plan identifies seven sectors and 16 Wellington City Council management areas
as the basis for managing of the Outer Green Belt. These sectors and management
areas are listed in Section 2.2 and in Section 5.
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4.1.2.4 Relationship with other management plans and Wellington City
Council policies
a) The following existing management plans for particular Wellington City Council
areas within the Outer Green Belt will remain in place until formally revoked or
replaced:
o
Otari Native Botanic Garden Management Plan, 1996
o
Wright Hill Fortress Conservation Plan, 1997
o
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan, 1997
b) Where any policy in this Plan is in conflict with a policy in an existing plan, then
the existing plan’s policy will take precedence unless this Plan specifically states
the intention to replace the existing policy - or until that policy is formally
revoked or replaced in a separate future process.
c) The following existing plans will be replaced by this Plan.
o
Wright Hill Reserve Management Plan, 1991
d) In addition to its purpose under the Reserves Act 1977, this Plan is also a general
policy of the Wellington City Council and will be used as relevant information,
subject to the provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the District
Plan, in considering resource consent applications for land use in the Outer
Green Belt.
Explanation
Other existing plans, either completed or in draft form, may be acknowledged in the
area plans along with information about their status and relevance for future
management.
Many other Wellington City Council policies will apply directly or indirectly to the
Outer Green Belt. Some of the policy statements contained in this Plan make
reference to other relevant Wellington City Council policy to avoid unnecessary
repetition.
The District Plan and the Resource Management Act will guide the use of this Plan as
relevant information in assessing resource consent applications.
4.1.2.5 Reserve declarations, classification and naming
a) The Council will identify all Wellington City Council properties in the Outer
Green Belt which should be reserves but are not, and in accordance with the
Reserves Act 1977 and the objectives of this Plan, undertake the necessary
reserve declarations, classification and naming.
b) Without limiting the consultation and classification process, it is generally
intended that all reserves in the Outer Green Belt will be classified as scenic
reserve unless there are particular reasons for using an alternative classification.
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Explanation
Where possible, this Plan suggests appropriate reserve classifications (refer Section 5).
It also explains why some lands should not be classified as reserves.
While the majority of existing reserves are classified as recreation reserves, scenic
reserve is considered to be the most appropriate status for the Outer Green Belt, except
in a small number of specific places. The main difference between scenic reserves
and recreation reserves is in emphasis. The emphasis of land management in the
Outer Green Belt is on the protection of landscapes and ecosystems. Tracks and other
facilities are provided primarily to enhance the public’s enjoyment of the natural
environment.
In recreation reserves, the emphasis is on recreational enjoyment. Scenery protection
and ecological management are secondary considerations.
4.1.2.6 District Plan zoning
The Council will identify all Wellington City Council properties in the Outer Green
Belt which should be zoned Open Space B or Conservation, and undertake the
necessary zone change process.
Explanation
In general, all parts of the Outer Green Belt are zoned as Rural, Open Space B or
Conservation. There may however, be exceptions where small areas of Outer
Residential land are included, where the land owner agrees to this.
A number of Wellington City Council properties managed principally for Open Space
are not yet zoned as Open Space. This Plan will identify any intended zoning
changes, and give reasons where the existing zoning is to remain.
This Plan does not prevent applications by the Council or private landowners for
changes to existing zoning, but consideration of the application should take full
account of the values of the land and the reasons this Plan includes it in the Outer
Green Belt.
4.1.2.7 Community involvement in land management
a) Wellington City Council will encourage appropriate community involvement in
the management of Wellington City Council Open Space areas in the Outer Green
Belt under the guidance and authority of the Managers, Parks and Gardens.
b) All initiatives and agreements must reflect the general or area specific objectives
and polices of this Plan.
c) Where necessary, formal agreements will be entered into to ensure clarity of
intent, define responsibilities, maintain standards and reduce risks.
d) Karori Reservoir (remainder reservoir land) will be leased to Karori Wildlife
Sanctuary Trust under terms approved by the Council.
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Explanation
There are many potential forms of community involvement in the management of
Wellington City Council lands within the Outer Green Belt – from informal
agreements for small projects to long term leases for significant areas.
4.1.2.8 Tangata whenua and iwi involvement in land management
a) Wellington City Council will seek to improve the management of the Outer Green
Belt by working in partnership with tangata whenua and by involving iwi where
appropriate.
b) Tangata whenua will be consulted in relation to any aspect of management which
relates to or may potentially affect Maori sites, historical associations and place
names.
4.1.2.9 Respect for waahi tapu (sacred sites) and other sites of significance
to Maori
All actions will reinforce the protection of and respect for waahi tapu and other sites
of significance to Maori which exist in the Outer Green Belt.
4.1.2.10 Utilities
The effects of utilities will be minimised by only placing those that are necessary to the
normal functioning of the city, and which cannot reasonably be located elsewhere.
The following guidelines will apply:
o
All utility structures must be sited to minimise their impact on existing natural and
heritage features, waahi tapu sites, visual amenity, recreational facilities and
vegetation.
o
In choosing sites for utilities the Council will, having regard to the nature of the
utility, give preference to areas not zoned Open Space and sites where there are
already utilities.
o
The Council will not allow the placement of utilities on the following ridgelines
and hilltops (as defined in the District Plan or any review of this definition) which
are at present free from such structures:
The Crows Nest
Johnston Hill
Kilmister Tops.
o
All utility structures (that involve pipes, cables, lines or similar equipment) shall
be placed underground except where this is not practicable.
o
The location of utility structures should not unduly compromise recreation uses or
future facilities and landscape restoration works.
o
The applicant is responsible for any reinstatement of natural ground, vegetation or
infrastructure to the council’s satisfaction.
o
The utility structure must be accurately mapped and documented with plans
supplied to the Council.
o
All costs arising from an application for a utility lease or easement are the
responsibility of the applicant.
o
All utility companies having structures on Wellington City Council land will need
to negotiate an agreement with the Council - setting out the terms and conditions
of access and maintenance, where these details are not already provided in a lease
or licence document.
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4.1.2.11 Motorised vehicle access for service / emergency purposes
Apart from the normal use of built public roads passing through the Outer Green Belt,
motorised vehicle access on Wellington City Council land in the Outer Green Belt is
restricted to:
o
Appropriate and necessary management purposes under the authority of the
Manager, Parks and Gardens. This will include Wellington City Council staff as
well as individuals or organisations hired or otherwise engaged by the Council to
carry out work in the Outer Green Belt.
o
Approved or existing legal access by utility companies subject to terms and
conditions agreed between the utility company and the Manager, Parks and
Gardens.
o
All emergency or civil defence services.
Explanation
Some motorised vehicle access for management purposes (Council, utility owners,
licensed graziers, emergency response, etc) is essential – but this must be monitored
and managed. Vehicular access for recreational purposes is addressed in Policy
4.5.2.3.
4.1.2.12 Leases and licences
a) Leases and licences may be established to facilitate good management of
Wellington City Council lands, consistent with the land’s legal status and the
objectives and policies of this Plan.
b) Leases and licences for grazing will reflect the landscape objectives and policies
for the affected area and should not be longer than five years.
Explanation
The Wellington City Council may establish leases and licences for appropriate uses
and activities on its land in the Outer Green Belt, consistent with the Reserves Act
1977, the Council’s Leases Policy for Community and Recreation Groups, and this
Plan. All leases of public land require final approval by a Wellington City Council
committee or sub-committee.
4.1.2.13 Land acquisition process
a) In considering land acquisition opportunities, the Council will give priority to
land that forms part of the main ridgeline and land on the eastern side of the
main ridge.
b) The assessment and reporting of any land acquisition opportunity in the Outer
Green Belt will follow normal Wellington City Council procedures, but taking
account of this Plan and the size and likely cost of the acquisition.
Explanation
Evaluations of land acquisition opportunities are required to look at other potential
methods for protection, and apply these wherever practical or reasonable. Evaluations
generally seek to weigh up the likely cost of acquisition and ownership against the
potential of the land to contribute to the achievement of the Council’s objectives. Site
values are assessed in terms of ecology, landscape, cultural or historic heritage, and
recreation.
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4.2 PRIVATE LAND IN THE OUTER GREEN BELT
4.2.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To advocate to private landowners and the wider community the vision for the
Outer Green Belt as contained in this Plan.
2. To foster interest and involvement by private landowners in the achievement of
the Outer Green Belt vision.
3. To provide practical advice and, subject to the availability of Wellington City
Council resources, appropriate assistance to private landowners for work which
directly contributes to the Outer Green Belt vision.
4.2.2 POLICIES
4.2.2.1 Council relationship with adjoining landowners
a) The Council will endeavour to maintain good relationships with all adjoining
landowners in the Outer Green Belt.
b) To achieve good relationships with other land owners, particular attention in land
management will be given to avoiding, remedying or mitigating boundary issues
(pest management, access management, fire risk management, fencing, etc).
4.2.2.2 The role of private land in the Outer Green Belt vision
a) The Council will promote awareness that the Outer Green Belt concept, and the
values upon which it is based, spans private as well as public land, and the
positive role private landowners can play in achieving the Outer Green Belt
vision.
b) The Council will maintain a list of all private landowners within the Outer Green
Belt concept area and keep these landowners informed about significant issues
and opportunities regarding the Outer Green Belt.
c) Landowners will be encouraged to use and manage their land in ways which
contribute to the achievement of Outer Green Belt objectives for landscapes,
ecosystems and recreation access.
d) The Council will work with other agencies, including Greater Wellington, The
Department of Conservation and QEII National Trust to help landowners get
information about, access to, the various forms of assistance which may be
available for conservation initiatives on private land.
Explanation
Landowners often have a deep and long held affection for their land and are
increasingly aware of its importance for biodiversity and other environmental
qualities. What they sometimes lack is knowledge of the sorts of assistance that may
be available for improving conservation management and protection on private land.
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4.2.2.3 Uses of private land
a) Sustainable pastoral uses which respect landscape and ecological values, and any
land use that either protects or improves biodiversity, will be encouraged on
private land.
b) Plantation forestry on the upper slopes, ridgetops and hilltops, and within the
stream environments of the Outer Green Belt will be discouraged.
c) The construction of buildings on ridgetops and hilltops within the Outer Green
Belt will be discouraged.
d) Land uses which involve significant modifications to landform, particularly on
ridgetops and hilltops within the Outer Green Belt, will be discouraged.
e) The removal of known primary and secondary bush remnants will be discouraged.
Explanation
Many areas of private land will continue to be farmed and this has been proven as a
sound and sustainable use of some parts of the Outer Green Belt (aside from the loss
of the original indigenous ecosystems). Other more localised land uses can have both
positive and negative effects.
There are many examples around New Zealand of pastoral or agricultural uses mixed
in with conservation (and in some cases public access), providing comprehensively
sustainable land use patterns.
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4.3 ECOLOGY
4.3.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To establish a continuous band of indigenous vegetation mainly on the eastern
slopes and including remaining bush remnants and natural stream courses.
2. To protect species of threatened plants, and protect and enhance indigenous
ecosystems and sites or features of ecological importance within the Outer Green
Belt.
3. To recognise and enhance the ecological connections between the Outer Green
Belt and other parts of the city and the region, based on sound ecological
principles and data wherever possible.
4. To achieve environmentally sustainable land uses in all parts of the Outer Green
Belt.
4.3.2 POLICIES
4.3.2.1 Identifying and establishing a continuous band of indigenous
vegetation
a) The Council will discuss with individual private landowners opportunities for a
partnership approach in achieving ecological connections across private land,
this may be particularly important for or near significant areas of native bush.
b) Planting in existing key native ecosystems and open areas of the Outer Green Belt
will be prioritised according to a city-wide framework and priorities for
ecological restoration.
c) Community interest groups involved in planting within the Outer Green Belt will
be consulted on planting priorities and programmes.
d) The Council recognises the important role individuals, community-based
organisations, landowners and private businesses play in restoring the indigenous
ecosystems of the Outer Green Belt and will support community initiatives with
advice and, where possible, plants and other materials.
e) The Council will work with other agencies such as the Department of
Conservation, other territorial authorities and Greater Wellington Regional
Council in achieving the above policies.
Explanation
This Plan seeks to define areas of Wellington City Council land which will form part
of the vegetation corridor. Refer Section 5.
4.3.2.2 Protection of forest remnants and other important vegetation
a) The Council will protect all forest remnants and other important vegetation on
Wellington City Council land in the Outer Green Belt. Bush remnants are those
identified in the survey and report by Geoff Park in 1999. All other areas of
indigenous bush to be managed as part of the natural ecosystems of the Outer
Green Belt will be protected for this purpose.
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b) Through this Plan and other means the Council will seek the protection of all
bush remnants on private land.
4.3.2.3 Protection of streams
a) The Council will protect all streams and natural water courses on Wellington City
Council land in the Outer Green Belt with particular emphasis on stream
headwaters.
b) Through this Plan and other means the Council will seek the protection of all
streams and water courses on private land.
c) Riparian planting will occur as resources permit on Wellington City Council land
and be encouraged in all areas to enhance stream ecosystems and water quality
(indigenous species will be used where practical).
Explanation
Streams in the Outer Green Belt have particular significance as the headwaters for all
the major streams of the city. If these headwaters are protected and restored to a
healthy condition and a catchment-wide approach is taken, there will be significant
downstream benefits.
4.3.2.4 Plant and animal pest management
a) Plant and animal pest management will be carried out in accordance with the
relevant policies and priorities set out in the Council’s Bush and Streams
Restoration Plan and any future Pest Management Strategies.
b) The Wellington City Council will work closely with the Greater Wellington
Regional Council to ensure both statutory and strategic requirements are
achieved in terms of pest management in the Outer Green Belt.
c) Darwin’s barberry will be monitored and managed vigorously to ensure it does
not impede forest restoration or threaten existing vegetation or open areas.
d) Recognise and manage the risk that ecological corridors also provide a conduit
for pest species as well as indigenous species.
Explanation
Existing pest management priorities include:
o
Key vegetation remnants
Removal or neutralisation of pest threats in at-risk primary remnants
Removal or neutralisation of weed threats in advanced secondary regrowth
areas associated with primary remnants.
o
Stream corridors
Containment and suppression of weed threats along the Kaiwharawhara
catchment, stream corridors and associated parks and roads open space (areas
of road reserve not part of the road carriageway).
o
Darwin’s barberry is recognised as the most significant plant pest in the Outer
Green Belt.
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4.3.2.5 Biodiversity research and monitoring
a) Biodiversity will be monitored in accordance with the Council’s city wide
monitoring programme.
b) As far as possible, future monitoring will coordinate with biodiversity monitoring
in Karori Sanctuary, recognising the sanctuary’s important role in achieving
biodiversity outcomes.
c) The Council will encourage and, if possible, assist in the use and study of the
Outer Green Belt for biodiversity research by other organisations.
4.3.2.6 Management of fire risk
a) To minimise the threat of fire risk, open fires will be strictly prohibited on
Wellington City Council lands in the Outer Green Belt.
b) Fire resistant plants will be planted in high fire risk areas.
c) Information about fire risks will be included where appropriate on signs and
other Outer Green Belt information.
d) A fire plan for the Outer Green Belt will be developed in conjunction with the
Wellington Emergency Management Office.
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4.4 LANDSCAPE AND LANDFORM
4.4.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To recognise and protect the ridgeline and hilltop landscapes which characterise
the Outer Green Belt.
2. To recognise and protect the indigenous forest and scrubland landscapes which
are also part of the Outer Green Belt and will become an increasingly important
element as the vision is pursued.
3. To achieve a sustainable balance between the maintenance and enjoyment of open
ridgeline and hilltop landscapes, and the ecological restoration objectives for the
Outer Green Belt.
4.4.2 POLICIES
4.4.2.1 Protection of ridgetop and hilltop values
a) The Council will (so far as possible) protect the ridgetop and hilltop landscapes
of the Outer Green Belt, using all appropriate means, including Reserves Act
classification.
b) In areas where reserve classification is not possible or appropriate, the policies of
this Plan will be used and reflected in other management plans for these areas.
c) This Plan will be used in support of other Wellington City Council policy and in
the application of the District Plan to protect ridgetop and hilltop values.
d) Ridgetop and hilltop landscapes are a blend of open and forested areas. Parts of
the main ridgeline which are presently in open pasture will mostly be retained in
this condition. Priority areas for the regeneration of native bush will be gullies
and the lower eastern slopes (refer Policy 4.4.2.2)
Explanation
The definition and description of ridgetop and hilltop landscapes of the Outer Green
Belt is that which is contained in Wellington’s Ridgetops and Hilltops, Boffa Miskell,
2001, supplemented with additional information in this Plan.
4.4.2.2 Defining areas to remain open and clear
a) Area plans describe those parts of the ridgetop and hilltop areas owned by the
Council which will be kept in an open grassed condition, and those which will
have a cover of native vegetation restored. Management decisions will reflect this
pattern. More detailed patterns may result from landscape plans for particular
areas.
b) Areas to be kept open and clear will generally be those which are already
maintained as economically useful farmland. In some areas there is room below
these areas for ecological restoration and the creation of a significant band of
vegetation.
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4.4.2.3 Use of grazing as a management tool for open areas
a) Grazing will continue to be used as a management tool for the maintenance of
specified open areas.
b) Grazing should not unduly affect recreation access, and grazing agreements will
not allow closure during lambing/calving or the erection of structures which
unduly restrict recreational movement.
c) The grazing of cattle should only be in areas where their presence will not create
a significant impact on the landscape, the ecosystem, tracks and recreational
access or heritage values.
d) Formal agreements for grazing will be in the form of a licence, with a term not
exceeding five years.
4.4.2.4 Plantation forestry
a) Existing plantations, pine shelter belts and lone pines within existing or future
reserves will be removed over time to reduce their impact on the landscape and
ecosystems, unless there are compelling reasons to warrant their retention (for
example recreational, heritage or slope stability considerations).
b) Where plantation forestry is needed as a management tool (for example at the
landfill or for amenity purposes), it will be confined to slopes with a suitable
gradient, below ridgelines and away from riparian areas.
Explanation
Mature pine forests can be highly valued for recreation because of their open
character. The sites of former dwellings is often indicated by small clusters of mature
macrocarpa. However, many lone pines, and pine plantings have little value and look
incongruous in an otherwise natural bush landscape.
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4.5 RECREATION AND ACCESS
4.5.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To increase recreational opportunities of the Outer Green Belt principally through
the establishment of an interconnected network of paths, tracks and routes.
2. To provide or allow for recreational activities in the Outer Green Belt which are
environmentally and socially sustainable, and based principally on active or
passive enjoyment of the Outer Green Belt environment.
4.5.2 POLICIES
4.5.2.1 Appropriate forms of recreation
a) The Council will allow and mainly provide for types of recreational activity
which, whether active or passive, are based on the quiet enjoyment of the natural
environment. This mainly includes:
o
walking and tramping
o
mountain biking (subject to Mountain Bike Policy)
o
running
o
sight-seeing or scenery viewing
o
wildlife viewing
o
nature study (educational and recreational)
o
picnicking.
b) The Council will consider allowing recreational activities which are not part of
the above list, in specified areas following analysis of the benefits and effects and
subject to reasonable conditions.
c) Where necessary, guidelines will be developed for the approval and management
of activities which have significant risks or effects on the Outer Green Belt
environment and other users.
d) The Council will discourage and not provide for types of recreational activity
which unreasonably damage the environment, recreation facilities (including
tracks) or affect the enjoyment of the Outer Green Belt by others.
e) The Council will, in general, discourage the erection of club or recreational
buildings and ensure structures are appropriate for the use and consistent with
the principles of this Plan.
f) The Outer Green Belt will not, in general, be used as a place for locating those
activities which, because of their effects, are unable to be accommodated
elsewhere.
4.5.2.2 The access network
a) The access network will be designed and managed in accordance with any future
Wellington City Council track policy.
b) The following guidelines will apply in the design, establishment and maintenance
of the Outer Green Belt access network:
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o
The primary access network will cater for a wide range of skill and fitness
levels and abilities.
o
Tracks will be available for shared (ie. pedestrian and cycle) or multiple use
wherever this is practical and appropriate.
o
There will be easy access to key destinations from main entrances, where
possible.
o
The access network will be integrated with the wider city and regional track
networks.
o
New tracks will be physically sustainable and have minimal environmental
impact.
o
The access network will cater, where appropriate, for pest control, emergency
services, and general management purposes.
o
Tracks will be signed and maintained to defined standards, with hazards
identified and / or mitigated.
o
All tracks are closed to horses except where declared open.
o
All tracks are closed to motorised vehicles except by special permission on a
case-by-case basis (Refer Policy 4.5.2.3).
c) Access to Wellington City Council land in the Outer Green Belt is free and
unrestricted subject to the following exceptions and conditions:
o
Entry to Karori Sanctuary is controlled and subject to an entry fee.
o
Access for recreation is closed in the operational area of the Southern
Landfill.
o
Access to Spicer Forest is controlled by the Greater Wellington Regional
Council until a management agreement is established between the two
councils.
o
The Council may, from time to time, restrict access to any specified area for
appropriate management purposes in accordance with the Reserves Act.
d) The Council will seek to establish the Skyline Track as a continuous dual or
multiple use track spanning the entire length of the Outer Green Belt following
the main ridgeline wherever possible.
e) The Council supports the establishment of the Te Araroa Walkway through the
Outer Green Belt following parts of the Skyline Track and the Northern Walkway,
or any agreed alternative, and will provide practical assistance in its
implementation and submitted to the relevant Council Committee.
Explanation
The access network includes entry and exit points, roads and motorised vehicle tracks,
paths, walking tracks, multiple use tracks, special purpose tracks and routes. This
ordering does not imply a hierarchy of importance and the choice of track design
partly reflects the type of setting and recreational experiences being provided in each
area.
4.5.2.3 Recreational motorised vehicle access
a) Motorised vehicle-based recreation, other than driving on existing formed public
roads, will be discouraged in the Outer Green Belt, except in accordance with
the policies of this Plan and the operational guidelines. Subject to the further
area specific policies in Section 5, requests for motorised vehicle-based
recreation access, will be considered on their merits, based on a city-wide view
of the facts.
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b) Generally, vehicular-based recreation must be properly organised and
conducted by an appropriately qualified person or organisation to warrant
consideration for approval.
c)
Commercial motorised vehicle-based recreation or tourism activities will require
a concession permit from the Council approved by the Town Belt and Reserves
Curator. Any licences or permits longer than one year in duration require
approval of the relevant Wellington City Council committee.
d) Commercial concession applications for motorised vehicle-based activities will
be assessed in accordance with this policy and any general guidelines or policy
for commercial concessions including Policy 4.5.2.7.
e)
Detailed guidelines for the assessment and management of recreational
motorised vehicle access in the Outer Green Belt will be developed by the
Manager, Parks and Gardens.
Explanation
These policies are subject to further policies in Section 5 which, in respect to
particular management areas, may impose a blanket ban on recreational motorised
vehicle access.
4.5.2.4 Mountain bike access
a) Mountain bike access is in accordance with the principles contained in the
Council’s Mountain Bike Policy, including the principle that all tracks are open
for mountain biking unless declared closed, and riders should give way to walkers
on shared tracks.
b) Makara Peak is a special management area which gives priority to the needs of
mountain bikers. Mountain bikers are not asked to give way to walkers within
this area and signage warning walkers about this and other characteristics of the
area will be provided.
c) Any review of the existing policy or the development of a city-wide track policy
will take account of the special needs and issues within the Outer Green Belt.
4.5.2.5 Provision of recreation facilities
a) Recreation facilities will be provided by the Council only where they are essential
for the public’s enjoyment of the Outer Green Belt.