Give a little – gain a lot

Excitement is not the normal reaction to receiving a Visa bill, but last month one entry on my account was a great source of pride and pleasure.Along with 39,248 others, I donated money through Give a Little towards the successful purchase of a beautiful piece of land at Awaroa in the Abel Tasman – and there was the proof, on my Visa bill. There were many reasons why I decided to contribute, not least because this is my favourite part of the country. However, the main one was the potential that this crowd funding initiative opens up for future purchases of land that the community values and chooses to hold onto.As a gardener, I had an alternative vision for the Peninsula Golf Club land in Red Beach, which was sold to developers and is in the process of being carved up for 500-odd homes. The potential for the site as botanical gardens seemed like a no-brainer (in my mind, at least), but the millions needed – $12 million plus a replacement golf course – were not readily to hand!

Crowd funding could have been a major part of the answer – admittedly the Abel Tasman land was bought for $2 million so $12 million would have been a big ask, but if a few big benefactors who shared the dream were on board, or only part of the 44ha golf course was purchased, it could have worked (Auckland Botanical Gardens is 64ha). A partnership between a Trust and Auckland Council could have seen the process move forward.

The land already had more than 500 trees on it, parking, and a clubroom building that could be converted into tearooms, a shop, somewhere to hold functions and an information centre. The facility at the Auckland Botanical Gardens is a standout example of this.

Low lying areas on the Red Beach site would have made wonderful wetlands, attracting wildlife and providing picnic spots with tranquil views. Planting the gardens themselves would have provided biodiversity, beautiful places to walk and areas for children to play and explore. As space for our homes and gardens gets smaller, so the chance to wander in a public garden becomes increasingly more desirable and valuable for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Local jobs are another spin off from botanical gardens, as well as training opportunities for those with an interest in horticulture. Add some outdoor artworks, with maybe an annual exhibition for local artists, or light up one of the natural amphitheatres at night for musical and other performances: turn it into an outstanding amenity and people will come from far and wide to see it, bringing money to spend.

This was nothing more than a dream, but one I still think of every now and then as I drive past the land and see diggers at work.

Around us now, in areas such as Dairy Flat and Wainui, there is a lot of land banking going on. In future, this is going to be as urban an area as Silverdale, Orewa or Whangaparaoa.

Maybe this community should consider putting its hand in its pocket if a suitable piece of land comes up? Before it’s all gone.