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A Te Arai landowner has transformed a former grazing block into an environmental legacy and hopes others may do the same.
Hamish Alexander has been working closely with Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) for the last few years and has overseen the planting of 70,000 native trees and 30,000 redwoods on his 125-hectare block on Ryan Road.
The land, which was previously used for cattle grazing, is Hamish’s way of acknowledging the damage that intensive agriculture can cause to the natural environment and an opportunity to look towards the future.
“Being from a farming family, I want to acknowledge how much the primary sector has boosted New Zealand over the decades and continues to. However, I am fully aware of the damage agriculture has done to the Kaipara in the form of silt buildup. So, for us, this is a pay-it-forward project for past damage,” Hamish said.
KMR has supported the project with 6500 native plants, contributing to planting across hillsides and riparian margins. Additional support from Kaiwaka-based plant nursery Rural Design has also played a key role.
Established stands of native bush on the property have been doubled, with fencing installed to exclude stock and protect waterways. Wetlands and stream edges that were once grazed have been replanted, helping to significantly reduce sediment runoff.
“We have planted all the wettest land and stream edges with natives. The quality of runoff water is now equal to that coming out of our original native plantation,” Hamish says.
When complete, around 110 hectares of the property will be covered in native bush and redwoods, with approximately 10 hectares retained as pasture for access and light grazing.
Beyond environmental restoration, Hamish is also focused on accessibility. Tracks are being developed across the property, with plans to provide four-wheel-drive wheelchairs so people with disabilities can experience the landscape, creating an even greater legacy beyond the KMR kaupapa.
“We are looking to have the property available to those with disabilities to access in the future and enjoy,” he says.
Further planting is planned, with 700 metres of additional stream edge to be restored this year.
Hamish hopes his project will encourage other landowners to consider similar initiatives and believes that working together is the key to restoring the health and mauri of the Kaipara Moana.
“We have all benefitted as landowners on the land that drains to the Kaipara. At some stage, we all have to acknowledge that and be prepared to put back into the land and protect the future of the harbour.”
While he acknowledges large-scale planting is not practical for everyone, Hamish says even small changes can make a big difference.
“I am trying to create an example of what can be done by those who can afford it, simply to pay back what we have benefitted from in life from this land. It is important to me, and my focus is on the benefit to future generations.”
Hamish encourages other landowners wanting to do the same to contact KMR.
For more information, visit kmr.org.nz
