The hills are alive with consultation

There will be lots more opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the five reserves on the western hills behind Porirua and Tawa under a new plan being consulted on by Porirua and Wellington City Councils.

The plan covers a 550 hectare area. It includes three areas managed by Porirua City Council; Spicer Botanical Park, Te Rahui o Rangituhi (formerly known as Colonial Knob Parklands), and Porirua Scenic Reserve, plus Spicer Forest, which is jointly managed by Porirua City Council and Wellington City Council, and Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve which is managed by the Department of Conservation (DoC).

The plan looks at track and entrance development, current and future recreation activities, landscape management and ways to reduce conflict between different uses.

Porirua City Councillor Denys Latham said the Councils want to hear from park users such as walkers, mountain bikers and families.

“Anyone who enjoys being out and about on our beautiful western hills has a chance now to say what they want to see happen in this stunning landscape.

“These areas are connected so it’s great our Councils and DoC can treat the area as a whole while respecting and protecting what is special.”

Councillor Ritchie, Natural Environment Portfolio Leader for Wellington City Council, added: “We are lucky to have such a great outdoor area on our urban doorstep.

“It connects to local, regional and national walking and mountain bike trails. It links, visually and ecologically, to Wellington’s Outer Green Belt, Porirua’s western hills and coastline.”

Under the plan:

• Spicer Botanical Park would be a gateway to the area and feature a space for outdoor events.

• Spicer Forest would see development to allow mountain biking, walking, horse riding and multisport activities.

• In Te Rahui o Rangituhi there would be separate mountain biking tracks and a BMX/dirt/ skills trail plus improved access to the summit for mountain biking and sightseeing.

• The two scenic reserves; Porirua and Colonial Knob, have high ecological values and a rigorous process would be followed before tracks were built. It’s proposed there would be track upgrades and some new tracks.

• Mana Cycle Group has proposed a network of mountain biking trails to cater for all riders. They are also involved in re-vegetation and slope stabilisation plantings in Te Rahui o Rangituhi.

Consultation starts September 21 and ends October 21. You can provide feedback at www.pcc.govt.nz/News---Events/Public-Consultation/Porirua-Outdoor-Recreation-Park

ENDS

© Scoop Media