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Green scene blog
Follow our blog to find out what’s new in the bush around Ngaio and Crofton Downs at this time of the year.
Find out where our Ngaio plantings are and what other groups are doing.
Plantings
Ngaio Progressive Association has undertaken a number of planting projects over the past ten years or so. These enhance our suburb and make it a more attractive place to live in. Wellington City Council supports us in this work.
Every winter we plant native trees, shrubs and grasses from WCC’s nursery in Berhampore. We weed, water and mulch these plants though out the year.
You are most welcome to join us.
Cummings Park
Our first project was improving Cummings Park.
Over a couple of years we planted the small area on the left of the entrance to the park from the car park and the bank below the service station. This planting is now quite mature. We also built the v-shaped seat on the left inside the entrance and were instrumental in the installation of the Primordial Ancestors sculpture by the bridge. The sculpture was donated by the Wellington Sculpture Trust.
In the mid-90s we encouraged the Council to upgrade the park. They built a new playground, new bridge and entrance gates. We now have one of the loveliest small suburban parks in the city.
Khandallah Road trees
About 2002 we began planting what was a wasteland adjacent to the lay-by on Khandallah Road. At the same time, we installed three NGAIO signs at each entrance to the suburb.
We have added to the planting nearly every year since, assisted by local residents. It is now nearly complete.
Khandallah Road grasses
Around 2003 we planted Carex Sestasia grasses beside the footpath between Tarikaka Street and Ngaio village. We regularly weed and maintain them and they have become a much-appreciated feature of Ngaio.
Ngaio Railway Station Car park
A few years ago the bank by the Ngaio railway station car park was a weedy wilderness. We planted the flaxes that are now flourishing there.
Silverstream Road
Since 2005 we have been planting natives in the streamside area behind the Play Centre. Local residents and a group of volunteers from the ANZ bank have assisted us, and the work is progressing well. There were further plantings in 2010 and 2011.
This is another transformed wilderness.
Other environmental groups in Ngaio
Three other groups are restoring Council parks and reserves in Ngaio:
Trelissick Park Group
Toi toi in Trelissick Park
This band of volunteers, with Council support, has transformed Trelissick Park into a wonderful and much-used reserve.
Ngaio Progressive Association has been involved in two projects in the reserve and is very supportive of the valuable work this group is doing. NPA has donated two seats for people to use and planted one area.
The group is always looking for volunteers to:
- adopt a spot in the park for restoration
- participate in bi-monthly working bees
- help with the running of the group
- propagate plants
- roam around the park weeding and planting
- help with botanical advice.
Bell’s Track Group
Bells' track
Bells Track goes through reserve land from the end of Awarua Street up to the ridge line overlooking Ohariu Valley.
This group has been active for several years in improving the track, but really needs more helpers.
It now has an ‘adopt a spot’ programme.
Makererua Street Reserve Care Group
Signpost in the snow
The Makererua Reserve Care Group is restoring this long-neglected small but valuable reserve. It contains several impressive remnants of original bush.
An enthusiastic group of local volunteers put track through the reserve linking Makererua and Orleans Streets. This has a side path leading to a fine Pukatea tree.
Volunteers needed
The Association’s projects require ongoing work until newly planted areas mature and can look after themselves. Anyone willing to help in any way could contact:
Trevor Lloyd on 4795438
Trevor has contact names for the other groups too.
