Events Blog | Friends Of Pukekura

Newsletter -May 2025

pukekurafriends
May 30

Updated: 18 hours ago

Reinwardtia indica - Yellow flax bush. In flower near the entrance to the Fernery — *Reinwardtia indica* - Yellow flax bush. In flower near the entrance to the Fernery

Events Programme June 2025

3rd Wanderers’ walk – Lead Derek Hughes

Leaving from the Zoo carpark at 10.30am.

Derek Hughes, talented photographer and artist sees the Park through a different lens to most of us. His skills in showcasing colour, shapes, shadows and light will be shared with us as he focuses on the changing autumn colours, giving valuable photography tips along the way.

10th - Committee meeting

17th Curator's Walk

Leaving from Bellringer Pavilion at 10.30am.

Sheryl Clyma (curator) will take us on a walk explaining recent activity in the Park from NPDC point of view. The last walk was pre the drilling exploration of the earth dam – perhaps there will be some feedback!

This is always an interesting behind the scenes morning.

26th - Thursday evening meeting

Citizens Advice Bureau, next to the Y.M.C.A. - 7pm

Thursday’s speakers are Jayne Bright and Barbara Hammonds, from Seed Savers Taranaki.

Review of May's Events

May 6th - Wanderers' Walk

A fascinating morning was spent by 15 of us following Alan Metcalfe as he traced the history of some of Pukekura Park. It is definitely an area too large to explore in one outing!

As you will be aware, Alan has just published a book “The History of Pukekura Park”.

It was a stunning day and we ventured into both hot sun and coolish shade with amazing autumn colours forming a backdrop wherever we went.

The tour started at the Cricket ground where we learned about the removal and draining of the swamp, the small field initially and its gradual expansion.

The entrance on Fillis St was also fascinating – how the bank had to be climbed to get to the Park, its eventual removal and the similar removal of the bank at the lower end of Fillis St (the gate leading to the palm garden).

We progressed along Gilbert St to the entrance there then onto the very end entrance, up the side lane. The Rhind gates there were originally the main gates but were moved when the Sanders art deco style Gates were erected at the main entrance in 1938.

Along that way we looked at the Whau tree then the Parapara (bird catcher). Both so interesting and significant in their own right.

Finishing at the Band Rotunda and drinking fountain, we then rewarded ourselves with coffee and lunch at the Tea House.

This was a really memorable walk – if only my brain could hold as much as Alan’s!

Thanks Alan

May 20th - Wanderers' Walk

A good number of wanderers turned up on a nice fine Tuesday. After introductions we headed off towards The Tea House. As the walk featured trees of Gondwanaland the first curly question Cliff faced was “what was Gondwanaland”? He was able to answer this in some detail. We stopped at the Australian hoop pine Araucaria cunninghamii, which is grown as plantation timber in Australia. It is very similar to the Norfolk Island pine and both are relatives of our own kauri tree. Another interesting question for Cliff was “why is it called Hoop Pine”? He was able to tell us that it related to the distinctive bark which sheds in a hoop shape.

On the walk up towards the TSB Stadium we were shown a fine specimen of Paratrophis smithii, the Three Kings milk tree, which only grew on the Three Kings Islands. This tree was reportedly named in honour of Stephenson Percy Smith. As well as his other achievements Smith was on the Parks Board from 1902 to 1918 and came up with the name Pukekura Park. Further around at the eastern hill area we stopped to admire the fine specimen of Libocedrus plumosa, kawaka (NZ cedar). We continued down and around the lake and up onto the Victoria Road plantings. Sue pointed out the Golden Totora planted by the friends to commemorate King Charles’ coronation. This was a well-paced walk and talk.

May 22nd Evening Meeting

Planning and logistics of events and future needs, in Brooklands Park particularly

We were pleased to meet the senior officers from the NPDC, and Cllr. Bryan Vickery who gave their evening to discuss the planning for Pukekura Park and external events which affect the managment.

Attending were Gareth Green (CEO), Sarah Downs (General Manager Operational Excellence), Conrad Pattison (Manager Parks and Open Spaces) and Chade Julie (Manager Venues and Events). Apologies from Renee Davies.

Our 20 members were keen to see this get-together become an annual event to update us on the projects in hand, and better understand the complexity of the council decisions. We appreciated their insights and understanding the need for proposed developments and changes to work through the Park Management Plan.

Some highlights:

· All the officers regard the Park as an extremely special place, with the natural beauty, accessibility and space for wonderful plants as well as an entertainment venue. The Bowl of Brooklands is in the ‘top 5 of the top 25 venues in Australasia’.

· The ‘Concept Plans’ that were discussed in 2024 during the LTP await a better financial position to implement. Developments like the Bellringer are on hold. If external funding was available this would help. The Active Hub at the racecourse was considered more important. Small projects can be implemented through annual funds and approved in the Management Plan. 400 new car parks at the Active Hub will help event parking needs. The Active Hub will have permeable surfaces, rain-gardens and other features to ensure the water runoff is managed and not eroding into or flushing the lakes.

· Lakes cleaning and improvements - this project budget is expected for 2032 - 2033.

· The Zoo development is underway with construction phase over the next few years.

The zoo has 140,000 visitors each year. There is TOI Trust funding for educational signage and plant lists.

· The question of a toilet at the Zoo/Gables after hours was discussed, as was the issue of parking at Brooklands.

· Conrad Pattison discussed the impact of events on Brooklands’ lawns and gardens. This years’ events have seen less wear and tear on the grounds. There has been great respect and appreciation from the events who use the venue. Events pay for post-event restoration, and there is a large team of specialist Park Department staff who coordinate with project managers, and NPDC teams.

· Traffic management and bicycles were discussed, with new signage about to be deployed to encourage “walk your bike” in the Park. The council is also working on attitude-changing messaging to cyclists to respect the Park and walking visitors.

· Weed control by volunteers is appreciated, and the need for better management of bush areas is recognised. TRC is involved – with the Key Native Ecosystem management. The council now does have a ‘spray resource’ specialist employee, which should help the district weed control.

If Friends would like to raise questions or have suggestions about any of these matters or more, please get in touch.

From the Zoo

Article by Gemma Andrew – Brooklands Zookeeper.

As the temperatures are getting cooler and the days shorter, our Brooklands Zoo residents are preparing for winter.

Our scheltopusik, Marcella, and blue-tongue skink Kaawa, are heading into brumation which is the reptile version of hibernation.

As reptiles are ectothermic and rely on outside heat for energy, in the wild they would not survive the winter temperatures and limited food options. During brumation, they can shut down their bodies to conserve energy during the coldest period of the year. They will not eat, drink, defecate or move for several weeks at a time.

Over the last few months, they have been eating well to help prepare them for the next four to five months. On occasion, they may be out on a warmer winter’s day, but typically they will stay asleep.

While we do check on our brumating animals once a week, we avoid disturbing them as much as possible during this time. Marcella likes to bury herself deep under the soil while Kaawa prefers to curl up in a corner covered with dried leaves or straw.

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