Citizen-led ecological restoration: a case study of the Wrights Hill Reserve Committee

Abstract

This research investigated the work of the Wrights Hill Reserve Committee's (WHRC) and their contribution to the ecological restoration of Wrights Hill Recreation Reserve between 1980 and 2002. The restoration work on Wrights Hill was a community-led initiative designed to reintroduce native trees to the hills of Karori, Wellington. The research provides an overview of the WHRC and their accomplishments over a twenty-two year period with particular emphasis on the planting effort, the needs and aspirations of the WHRC, and their relationship with the Wellington City Council (WCC). The research was conducted using a case study approach with site visits, interviews and documentation used to provide the information for analysis. A rapid vegetation inventory was conducted in two planted and one non-planted section of the reserve to compare species composition between planted and non-planted sites. The results indicate the WHRC was successful in their efforts to increase the ecological value of the reserve, by introducing late succession species. Presently kahikatea, karaka, matai, miro, pigeonwood, rewarewa, tawa and titoki can be found in the two planted sections investigated, and no late succession species are found in the non- planted section. Interviews and a review of documentation is used to determine the needs and aspirations of the WHRC and their relationship with the WCC. This includes a focus on the motivations, as well as skills and knowledge that were needed to undertake the restoration project. It was determined that the motivations for the group were based on improving the natural environment and working in a positive social setting. There were a variety of skills and knowledge to be gained in undertaking this work and this included the participants need to understand and learn about the natural environment, and ecological succession processes. The WHRC and WCC worked together managing Wrights Hill Recreation Reserve. When placing the relationship on the co-management spectrum discussed by Arnstein (1969), the relationship is considered a partnership with a high level of empowerment given to the WHRC. The wider management issues that face the reserve were managed by the WCC, with consultation from the WHRC. This was satisfactory for both parties as the WHRC want to focus on the restoration work and not be involved in the overall management of the reserve. The restoration project was administered by the WHRC, and they made the decision around this project including choosing the plants and planting sites, coordinating volunteers and increasing the local awareness of their project. The WCC provided advice to the WHRC and assisted them in the revegetation work by providing the materials, and services when requested. Overall the WHRC completed a successful project. They were increase the ecological and recreation values of Wrights Hill, and worked coorpertively with the WCC.