Introduction
Where three cities meet there is a little-known valley, lying towards the
sun on the north-western slopes of the Belmont Hills. There are two little
lakes, and a tiny stream which has carved out a wide valley down from the
tops.
Once, this valley was full of trees and birdsong. Hidden here, there still are
some fine native New Zealand trees - Tawa, Kohekohe, Pukatea, Kahikatea, white
Rata and Nikau palms, with many tree ferns. Halfway from the heights of Cannons
Head (390 m) there is a deep gorge which the stream has cut through a ridge.
Panoramic views of the nearby city and the Tasman Sea can be seen from there,
for those who venture across country. Yet the valley, between the cities of Porirua,
Wellington and Hutt, is little known as yet.
In early settler times, virgin forest here was milled and burnt, and farming
was attempted. But the stripped soil was poor; farms failed, and land reverted
to the Crown. Now the valley has been retired from farming; but gorse soon
found the old pastures, possums and other pests took over bush and grassy clearings,
while rats, stoats and feral cats took over the birds. Neglect in all its
forms reigned supreme. Then fire in the gorse became the biggest threat, with
severe burns in 1981, 1997 and 2003, killing mature trees.
The biggest problem of all is that a main highway is to cross this valley
one day. A 300 meter long viaduct will be built across the gorge. Streams,
hillside, gorge and forest trees will be in danger from roadworks and the
traffic that follows. The valley will change for ever but - what has been
damaged can be restored, with the commitment of those who care.
Because
the area is part of Belmont Regional Park, Greater Wellington Regional Council
has a responsibility for it. Because the valley has three different owners,
they do too. And because a group of people from Porirua City and Tawa,
Wellington
set up a restoration and development society to bring the public on board,
things are beginning to happen. Read on, to hear our story.
