Kia ora koutou,

Welcome to the first Port Hills restoration update of 2025.

The start of the new year brought some welcome rain to the Port Hills. This will benefit the young plantings, which were struggling after a relatively dry winter and spring. The rain also promotes the grass growth, which competes with the plants.

If you want to help restore native bush to the hills, why not try a treasure hunt this autumn. Search out the young plants to free them from the grass to prevent them from being smothered. Planting is just the beginning of the restoration process. Regular maintenance for the first few years after planting is vital for the plants to become established.

There are plenty of opportunities to help out in the restoration areas, starting with four autumn plant care days in March. The full schedule for 2025 Port Hills volunteering events is included at the end of the newsletter.

Keen to help native trees survive?

Volunteer plant care days run from 1pm to 3pm.

• Saturday 1 March - Barnett Park
• Saturday 8 March - Dry Bush
• Saturday 15 March - Barnett Park
• Saturday 22 March - Eastside Bush (Victoria Park), followed by BBQ

Barnett Park: Meet at the end of Bay View Road, Redcliffs. On-street parking. Please keep access ways clear for residents.

Dry Bush: Park at the top of Huntsbury Avenue and walk up Huntsbury 4WD track to site (1.3km approx. 25 minutes), or park on the Summit Road and walk down Huntsbury Track to Dry Bush (0.8km approx. 10 minutes). Look for the park ranger truck at the cattle stop next to the gate at the entrance to the bush. There is no parking on Huntsbury Track.

Eastside Bush: Meet in the car park behind the Victoria Park Visitor Centre, next to Park Ranger HQ. Come prepared for all weather and wear sturdy footwear for hill work. A limited number of hedge clippers and gloves will be provided by the rangers, but feel free to bring your own.

For more information, please visit ccc.govt.nz/port-hills-reserves-volunteer-days or contact Fiona Fenton on 027 506 1425 or fiona.fenton@ccc.govt.nz

Volunteers making a difference

It was great to have help from many enthusiastic volunteers during the spring maintenance season. Plants were found buried in grass then given a fresh layer of mulch. Cages that had blown over were staked back in. Several truck-loads of plastic cages were removed from trees that no longer required them. The cages are reused if still in good condition.

Thanks to all volunteers - your contribution is much appreciated!

Thank you from Fiona, Di and the Port Hills Ranger Team.