Client name: Auckland Council
Site: Kauri Glen Reserve, Northcote, Auckland
Project overview:
Thomas Consultants was commissioned to deliver an ecological assessment for Auckland Council on this popular walking track. Due to the presence of Kauri dieback, new tracks and an 18 metre high bridge was developed so visitors could enjoy this natural space without endangering native plants.
Kauri Glen Reserve has one of the highest concentrations of the species in New Zealand with some of the trees aged 300-400 years old.
The track renewals was staged over a number of years and consisted of:
- Repairing and improving (including widening where necessary) of 5905m of existing track
- Constructing 490m of new realigned tracks
- Decommissioning 526m of track.
Goal:
To assess the impact of building a boardwalk and new tracks as well as mitigating the spread of Kauri Dieback disease. Make recommendations of how the community can enjoy this important site – home to a large number of Kauri and other native species.
Kauri Glen Reserve contains an important urban forest remnant that has been identified as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) in the Auckland Unitary Plan. Some vegetation removal was inevitable for track development, though most clearance was of common understory species and small seedlings.
Recommendations
Provided that the report findings are adhered to, along with arborist recommendations, the proposed track renewals would have a small and temporary ecological impact.
The Onepoto Stream and side tributaries run through Kauri Glen Reserve. The vegetation in the reserve has added ecological value by shading the stream, stabilising stream banks to prevent erosion, filters contaminants from water flowing overland, and provides debris used for habitat and food for stream dwelling animals. Wetland areas are also present along the Onepoto Stream.
Services provided: Ecology
The value that Thomas Consultants team added:
Our Ecologists prioritised the health of the environment during the impending track renewal. They planned the vegetation clearance to minimise impact, ensuring a sustainable future for this beautiful area. The extensive report outlined key factors such as:
- Native and weed species
- Fauna Impacted By Proposed Track Work
- Vegetation clearance recommendations
- Effects of track development
- Impact of realigned tracks
- Ecological values of site
- Ecological Management
Outcome
The boardwalk and new/or improved tracks opened in April 2024 and has been enjoyed by thousands of locals. The new boardwalk gives visitors a glimpse into the life among the treetops while protecting fragile environments.
Project completion:
Impact report complete in August 2017
Boardwalk and track completion (by contractors) April 2024
