Restoring Papanui Bush back to its roots

The once mighty Papanui Bush stood proudly as a 30-hectare remnant of the Canterbury Plains.

Dominated by tōtara, mātai, kahikatea and kānuka, the bush provided a haven for various birds including kererū, kākā and paradise ducks.

The area was one of only two patches of natural forest remaining when European settlers arrived in Ōtautahi Christchurch – standing alongside the treasured Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush.

While 7.8-hectares of the original Riccarton Bush remains today, Papanui Bush was completely felled within the first five years of European settlement.

In recent years, restoration has been underway to recreate the native forest, with the same trees that once stood being replanted to restore a piece of Canterbury’s natural heritage.

Community volunteers, Rotary and local school students have planted thousands of native trees over the past seven years - including retired Papanui High School teacher Denis McMurtrie who has been a key force from the community in the restoration project.

“So many people have worked incredibly hard to achieve what we have,” Mr McMurtrie says.

“Of course, the area that Papanui Bush originally covered was huge, and we have been focusing on a smaller space called Bridgestone Reserve, just off Langdons Road in Papanui.”

Bridgestone Reserve is a stormwater management facility designed to improve flooding capacity and water quality before water is discharged into natural waterways.

Each year since 2018, hundreds of native trees have been planted to recreate the wetland and forest ecosystem that once defined the area.

“The work is as much about healing the land as it is about educating future generations on the value of native biodiversity,” Mr McMurtrie says.

“The continued involvement of volunteers is not just about conservation but also about restoring identity, memory, and belonging.”

Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Rupert Bool says it’s fantastic to be able to support the community-led restoration project.

“Areas within Bridgestone Reserve are well-suited for native forest regeneration, and it’s incredible how far the area has come since regeneration efforts began,” Mr Bool says.

“This year, the Council will be supplying hundreds of native plants for volunteers to put in the ground, and other operational support where possible including providing mulch, plant guards, tools and ranger support for volunteer events,” Mr Bool says.

Update: The Papanui Bush Community Planting Day has been postponed until Saturday 14 June from 9am – 12.30pm, due to the forecast weather.  It was originally due to be held on Saturday 7 June, two days after Arbor Day.