Ōtanerua Reserve Eco-Neighbourhood

The Ōtanerua Reserve Eco-Neighbourhood Group is a grassroots initiative dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Ōtanerua Reserve. 

The group’s core activity is their monthly Sunday working bee, where members remove invasive plants to support the growth of native species.

“I think we’ve achieved a lot in the bush. There were lots of monkey apple trees, and once we cleared those, the sun hit the forest floor, and all the native plants germinated.”

A significant achievement for the group was installing “no fishing” signs in the reserve to protect the reserve’s eel population. “They’re 60 years plus, so they are really important for the breeding life cycle; they have to get to Tonga. We all love the eels.”

Beyond their work in the reserve, the group has connected with other environmental initiatives, participating in spotlighting events with Whitebait Connections and joining Pest Free campaigns. Their involvement in EcoFest has also helped raise awareness and attract local residents to their cause. Being an established Eco-Neighbourhood has enabled the group to access other resources to build on their work.

“Because we’re an engaged and established group, we can access funding and support to get eco-contractors in to deal with the weeds that the volunteers can’t handle”.

In an area with limited communal spaces, the group’s activities have provided an opportunity for neighbours to connect. “It’s been a really nice way to meet neighbours. We don’t have a shop, a hall, or a pub. Unless you have a dog, you don’t meet anybody.” The group’s social events, including a Christmas party with Restore Hibiscus and Bays, have further fostered community cohesion. 

In recent months, a core group of members has been meeting to discuss the strategic growth of the Eco-Neighbourhood. What began as a gardening initiative has evolved into a focused effort on reserve restoration, with plans to expand their impact across the community. “We’re now looking to see other streets take part and create their own eco-neighbourhoods so that they can have their own focus but still connect with us.” Upcoming activities include community weeding, sourcing fruit trees for the area, and exploring the potential for a community garden. The group is also considering resilience-building opportunities, particularly in light of recent flooding in the valley. Recognising the need to appeal to a broader audience, the group aims to diversify its activities.