Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park underway

Canterbury’s newest Regional Park is now well underway.

On Environment Canterbury owned land, the Ashley Rukahuri Regional Park extends up both sides of the Ashley/Rakahuri River from the Ashley Estuary to the confluence with the Okuku River, 9km west of Rangiora.

The area will include three new picnic areas in the park north of Rangiora and new tracks for cycling and walking. This work is due for completion during summer 2012-2013.

Environment Canterbury’s Team Leader Parks & Forest, David Owen says works will make these areas more attractive to visitors, decrease the vehicle damage to stop banks and reduce noise levels.

“Changes that visitors to the river will notice include new signage, new fences and gates and new grass in areas that were previously very rough,” he says.

The idea of the Park grew from the community’s desire to have the river and berm land better managed and more widely available for people to enjoy. The community’s vision was captured in the Ashley River/Rakahuri Management Strategy, a collaborative effort between a Community Advisory Group and Environment Canterbury.

Mr Owen says the Community Advisory Group represents a wide cross section of community views ranging across commercial interests, recreation and environmental protection.

“Te Ngai Tuahuriri Runanga and the Ashley River Care Group are key stakeholders in the development and management of the Park. A matariki from a tuku tuku panel at Tuahiwi Marae is included in the Park’s branding.” he says.

Planning for the new park started in July last year and with continuing support from the Community Advisory Group and Te Ngai Tuahuriri Runanga, construction started in June this year.

“Rangers are now in the Park regularly and are looking forward to interacting with park visitors to promote healthy recreation and foster protection of the river environment.”

Rangers will be working with members of the Ashley River Care Group to assist with the group’s work promoting successful breeding outcome for endangered braided river bird species.