"TAWA BUSH TELEGRAPH"     Newsletter No 17 of the   FRIENDS OF TAWA BUSH RESERVES Inc.     July 2006

Our President writes …

The increased interest in the special character and value of New Zealand’s natural environment has led to many exciting initiatives.   The release of Kiwi into parts of the Rimutaka Forest Park and at Pukaha Mt Bruce are examples of learning how we can control parts of the environment to reintroduce species long lost from them.   In other cases possibly small changes in the environment have given the tui and kereru new habitats where they have learned to thrive.   The Karori sanctuary with its pest proof fence provides a different example.   In all these cases human actions have led to exciting changes.   It is not a return to the environment which existed prior to the arrival of humans in these islands.   The character of these places in the future is determined by a new ecology which involves the actions of those who value them and care for them.   Many features of our reserves will be different because of our actions.   The balance between what we would like to do because it enhances human activity, and what we should do to conserve features from the past may be seen differently by varied segments of our community, but should always be in our mind in making decisions about the ways in which we alter these areas.

- Fraser Jackson.   President, Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves.

Something special for Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves (and their friends)……

Tree Removal from the banks of Porirua Stream.   Your committee noted with some concern that trees on the banks of Porirua Stream to the north of “The Bucket Tree” had been removed and replaced with a hybrid pohutukawa.   On checking with WCC Parks and Gardens we found that these trees are in a recreational reserve (not a bush reserve) which has specifications for trees which include the pohutukawa species (“Maori Princess”) which has been planted here.   This is acceptable to FOTBR.

“Dear Friends of Tawa Bush, Thank you for giving us money for tools for our garden project.   The class has learnt about being safe with the garden tools … … Thank you so much.   From Tawa School Montessorie R 13”

FOTBR has had funds from Wellington City Council to provide help to two local schools to encourage young people to become involved with conservation of the native bush reserves.   Tawa School and the Seventh Day Adventist school at the northern end of Tawa have taken up the challenge.

FOTBR member and hard-working conservationist, Norm Robertson, has been going to both these schools to talk with those involved with this project.   His help and encouragement has done much to enthuse the young conservationists.

Your conservation society, Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves, says a VERY BIG THANK YOU to all the members who have paid their 2006 Subscriptions, and many added a few dollars as a donation which was wonderful.   If you are one of the 9% who have yet to get around to writing and posting a cheque our Treasurer asks, “Could you do that now?”   Not always easy to do but greatly appreciated when it is done!