Pourewa Valley
The Pourewa valley is a hidden gem just 5km from Auckland's CBD, forming part of a greenbelt stretching from Orakei to Glen Innes. It is one of the few remaining areas of urban forest in Auckland. With the development of the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path, this beautiful and ecologically significant valley is now being enjoyed by hundreds of people a day.
As well as Selwyn Bush there are a couple of other bush reserves in the valley: Kepa Bush and St Johns Bush. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is also working on extensive plantings on their land which will enhance greatly the biodiversity in the valley.
Nga Kaitiaki Hapori o Pourewa
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 please see the Nga Kaitiaki Hapori o Pourewa website: www.pourewa.nz.
History of the Pourewa Valley
The Pourewa Valley has had a fascinating history and the esturary looked quite different when maori and then settlers arrived. One of the most striking differences was that maori and later on missionaries from St Johns college were able to navigate a significant way up the valley in canoes and boats. Unfortunately increasing silt and mangrove growth has led to a clogged estuary. For a comprehensive history of the Pourewa Valley please see this wonderful online book written in 2022 called, "The Pourewa Valley Story", by John and Sue La Roche.