Kauri Glen and Cecil Eady Reserves have a long history of volunteer input.
Local volunteers have played a large part in the continued restoration and maintenance of the Reserves, following on from the initial petition by 200 residents to establish the reserve in 1911.
While management was initially with the Northcote Borough, the management of this and three other Kauri reserves was placed under a North Shore Scenic Board in the 1950s. The Board had little or no funding but through the work of volunteers, further tracks were developed, and maintenance was undertaken.
When the North Shore City Council was formed in 1989 with the amalgamation of the five former territorial authorities in the area, the North Shore Drainage Board and the North Shore Scenic Board were also absorbed into the new City administration. When the greater Auckland Council was formed, it took over their jurisdiction.
The Kauri Glen Bush Society was incorporated and formed in 2015 by the Rotary Club of Northcote, at the suggestion of local volunteers. It has partnerships with the Kaipātiki Local Board and the Council to participate in projects and to provide community input into the management of the Reserves. The Society regularly provides information to over 50 partner organisations in the community.
The significance of the Reserves is recognised for the rare vegetation species, particularly kauri with some trees over 200 years old. In recent years, the Council has played a more active role in the management of the reserves to increase the protection of kauri from the pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease.
Whereas the Society was involved regularly in weeding programmes and maintenance of hygiene stations at the entrances to the reserves, this work has been reduced by the kauri dieback concerns. Many of the tracks have been closed or are still under temporary closure by the Council. New hygiene stations have been upgraded to eliminate weekly checks and the Council and Local Board, with input from the Society, have realigned some tracks to avoid passing near kauri roots.
The main route between Tui Glen/Raymond Terrace and Kauri Glen Road, which links two neighbourhood catchments, is the latest project due for completion next month. The Society and volunteers will then be able to access more of the reserves to help with weed and pest control. The Society has also prepared draft interpretation signage to be installed pending the Council’s approval.
Photo: mature kauri tree in Kauri Glen Reserve