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Another splendid Awhitu Landcare walk was enjoyed by over 50 people yesterday.  Many thanks to Richard Craig, owner of the farm we were walking over, and David Craig his brother (a founding member of Landcare) who led the walk and kept us entertained with many fascinating stories.  David started by pointing out all the ancient Maori pa sites which were visible, naming each in turn, and the ridgeline used as a main thoroughfare from east to west coast in centuries past. 

As far as European history is concerned, this Tasman coast property has been farmed continuously by a number of the oldest Awhitu families since the mid 19^th century.  We traipsed up and down pohutukawa-dotted hills and stood in sheltered valleys, viewing the sites of old houses, tennis courts and orchards, long since destined to the pages of history.  Views down to the coast were ever present.  The massively deep silo pit (60’) was a particular point of interest, a feat of early engineering.  We marvelled at David’s stories of other feats as well – it seemed nothing daunted these early European settlers.  The challenges of day-to-day living were great.  (And we think we’re ‘stressed’ today?!)

Naturally an Awhitu Landcare walk always encompasses environmental points of interest and all the revegetation work that the Craig family has done on this beautiful farm is most impressive. Many areas have been fenced off and planted – now reaching the stage where nature has taken over and self-sown native seedlings are flourishing.  These have been placed under QEII covenants, meaning they are protected forever.

Richard explained that they have been amazed how much difference the planting has made in preventing damage from ‘flash floods’ which used to occur in the water catchment areas after heavy rains. The planting now controls that to a great degree … another example of nature knows best…

Funding was obtained for some of this revegetation work, but much of the cost, and all the hard labour, has been courtesy of the Craig family.  The Awhitu Peninsula is indeed lucky to have such environmentally conscious people caring for their land.

Click on a photo below to view as slideshow.