Koitiata Recreation Reserve Other Publication
- Author
- Stowell, Laurel
- Year
- 2007
- Pages
- 44
- Species
- Ficinia spiralis, pingao, pikio, golden sand sedge, Desmoschoenus spiralis, Spinifex sericeus, kowhangatara, spinifex, silvery sand grass, Libertia peregrinans, iris, New Zealand iris, Mazus pumilio, Sebaea ovata, Pimelea arenaria, sand pimelea, Isolepis basilaris, Pygmy clubrush, Centipeda minima, sneeze weed, Selliera rotundifolia
- Keywords
- Koitiata, community, weed dump, lagoon, changing river mouth, Rangitikei
- Summary
- Koitiata Recreation Reserve Rangitikei .District Grid reference: NZMS 260 S23 930225 Altitude: all less than 20m above sea level In 1917, 165 coastal acres (67 hectares) were set aside as a place of recreation for the people of Rangitikei. About 7ha has since been subdivided for housing, with the remainder a 3ha mown flat area (the domain), approximately 1ha mown and with amenities such as a campground and children's playground, and the remaining 56ha undeveloped wetland and dunes. Though undeveloped the 56ha has been changed by human activity - introduced animals and weeds, excavation of ponds for firefighting and sewage oxidation, being traversed by vehicles and being used as a rubbish dump. Its dunes and wetland still have substantial natural values - values appreciated by some of its visitors. This wild end of the reserve receives a minimum of management from the Conservation Department, Rangitikei District Council and Horizons Regional Council. Local Maori tribe Ngati Apa also has an interest in it, as does the Wellington Fish & Game Council. None of these groups is willing to take full responsibility for it, however. Mostly, it's a kind of "no man's land". Sooner or later the growing demand for coastal land and growing appreciation of nature will make people value this piece more highly. But by then it will probably be more degraded as well. A group of conservation volunteers, with some input from authorities, could halt the decline at least partially - but this may never happen.