Selwyn Bush
Selwyn Bush is an area of regenerating native bush in a small valley at the back of the Barfoot & Thompson Stadium in Kohimarama, Auckland. The land sits within the Pourewa Valley, a unique green corridor that runs through the eastern suburbs of Auckland and is only 5 km from the city center. As well as being a significant ecological area of Auckland the Pourewa Valley is also an important bird corridor for bird populations as they spread from the pest free islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
Nga Kaitiaki Hapori o Pourewa - The Community Guardians of Pourewa
The Pourewa Valley is a very special environment so close to the centre of Auckland city. With an intact main stream, creek and estuary as well as two main native bush reserves of Kepa Bush and Selwyn Bush plus the historic StJohns Bush with a mix of native and old exotic trees. There are a number of groups restoring and protecting this unique environment including a large restoration project and community gardens developed and run by the local iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The Pourewa Valley Integrated Plan was adopted by the Ōrākei Local Board in September 2020. Individuals, local community groups and partners including Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have co-designed the Plan, and have delegated administrative responsibilities for the Plan’s implementation to “Nga Kaitiaki Hapori o Pourewa – The Community Guardians of Pourewa”. Membership is comprised of individuals from these groups. The purpose of the Plan is to document and deliver a community-led vision for the long-term holistic management, ecological restoration and improvement of the Pourewa Valley.
For further information on the Pourewa Valley Integrated Plan and see the progress of the Plan so far, please see their website: www.pourewa.nz
Above: Key reserves, parks and stakeholder groups in the Pourewa Valley Integated Plan - map provided by NKHoP
History of Selwyn Bush and the Pourewa Valley
Selwyn Bush was originally coastal forest and then cleared for pasture around 1890 until 1955 when Selwyn College was built. There was some remnant bush in the lower steeper areas of the valley but generally the majority of Selwyn Bush is regenerating bush.
For a comprehensive history of Selwyn Bush please view this wonderful online book, "The Pourewa Valley Story", written by John and Sue La Roche. The link will take you to the Pourewa Integrated Plan website which has sections of the Pourewa Valley Story.