Mon Jun 29 2009

Sanctuary developed at Wairakei International Golf Course -NZ

A unique $2 million ecological restoration project being undertaken at Wairakei International Golf Course, north of Taupo, is the first of its kind in the country.   

The development was prompted by golf course owner Gary Lane's desire to create a unique environment where golf and the natural habitat work in harmony.

He says the opportunity to work with ecological experts and create a "pest free" environment that will enhance the natural beauty of the golf course and surroundings has enabled the vision to become a reality.

"Being able to provide a haven for plant and birdlife will give golf at Wairakei another dimension by adding to the visual experience without impacting on the course," said Mr Lane.

As part of the first phase of the project Rotorua based company Xcluder Pest Proof Fencing has been employed to construct a five kilometre fence around the perimeter of the 150 ha property in the Wairakei Tourist Park.  The two metre high Xcluder fence is designed to prevent predators entering the property and has been used successfully around New Zealand in the last 10 years to protect stands of native bush on reserves and privately owned farmland.  It is the first time the company has used the fence to completely enclose a golf course. The fence is under construction and is due for completion in October 2009.  Any remaining predators can then be removed.

An ecological and restoration plan that will guide future development of the sanctuary is currently being prepared by Rotorua based Wildland Consultants in conjunction with Mr Lane. Ecologist for Wildlands Dr Tim Day said the removal of predators from the property would allow existing bird species like tui, bellbird, pheasant and quail to thrive and may create habitat suitable for the reintroduction of wetland birds or other species. He said the landscape at Wairakei also meant that the owner's desire to consider other species like fallow deer, could add to the aesthetic appeal without compromising golf or protection of bird and plant life.

Dr Day said the project presented a "unique opportunity" to blend recreation with restoration and conservation. 

"At Wairakei you have a highly managed, beautiful, mostly exotic landscape within the golf course where people primarily go to play golf, relax and enjoy themselves.

"The owner is adding to that by enhancing the ecological values and natural features of the site through permanent exclusion of predators and complementary native restoration and habitat enhancement.

"The restoration activities will add a new dimension to the experience for a group of people who might not otherwise be exposed to this sort of project or its benefits." 

 "It is a magnificent landscape with obvious potential" said Dr Day.

In preparation for the restoration phase the existing lake on the 18^th hole of the golf course has been extended to allow for development of wetland areas.  Blackberry and broom on the perimeter of the course are also being cleared ready for planting. 

ENDS

For further information contact: Wairakei General Manager  Kevin Park Ph: 07 378 4152

June 2009

·        An ecological restoration programme is being undertaken at the Wairakei International Golf Course north of Taupo

·        Golf course owner Gary Lane is seeking to create a pest free environment on the property that will provide a haven for plant and bird life and enhance the visual experience for golfers and visitors   

·        The project involves: 

§        construction of a specially designed pest proof fence – Xcluder – around the perimeter of the 150 ha golf course property. The fence has been proven to keep out all mammalian pests including small juvenile mice, rats, rabbits, hedgehogs, stoats, weasels, possums and feral cats.

§       removal of any remaining pest animals once the fence is completed   

§       enhancement of existing wetland areas including expansion of the existing lake on the 18^th hole at Wairakei and wetland vegetation plantings   

§       additional plantings of pockets of native vegetation to enhance the habitat and food sources for native birds like tui, bellbird and kereru (native wood pigeon), as well as for pheasants and quail

·        The specially designed five kilometre fence around the perimeter of the property is being constructed by Rotorua based – Xcluder Pest Proof Fencing Company

·        Since its formation in 1999 Xcluder has tested and built fences for clients in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and Mauritius

·        This includes the construction of more than 100 kms of pest fencing in New Zealand on private property, reserves, wildlife and bird sanctuaries and zoos

·        Xcluder fences are the only pest proof fence designs in Hawaii and New Zealand that are proven in research trials and in the field to exclude all mammalian pests 

·        It is the first time that the company has constructed an Xcluder fence that completely encircles an 18 hole golf course 

·        The two metre high fence follows the Wairakei boundary and will run a short distance alongside State Highway One

·        Complete eradication of pests from within the fenced area is expected to take around 12-18 months to achieve

·        Rotorua based ecologists, Wildland Consultants Ltd, has been contracted to prepare and implement a re-generation and restoration plan

·        Some aspects of the plan – e.g. restoration planting, wetland development  – will get underway once the fence is completed   

·        In addition to enhancing and protecting the Wairakei Golf Course property, the project has the potential to benefit neighbouring areas as bird populations increase and disperse

Wairakei International Golf Course Backgrounder

·        The privately owned 150 ha property is set in a valley in the Wairakei Tourist Park and includes the 18 hole international golf course   (around 60 ha) and exotic plantings, pine and larch plantations, tracts of native bush and grassland habitat 

·        The golf course was built in the 1960s by the Government owned Tourist Hotel Corporation. It officially opened in 1970 and is New Zealand's first internationally recognised course   

·        The course was designed by a leading English golf course architect the late Commander John Harris, English professional golfer Michael Wolderidge and Australian golfer Peter Thomson , a five times British open winner

·        It was purchased by Japanese interests in 1989

·        In 1997 it returned to New Zealand ownership when it was purchased by three Auckland businessmen – one of whom was   current owner Gary Lane   

·        The same year the owners embarked on a $4 million upgrade to bring the golf course and facilities back up to international standards. That included re-contouring of some golf holes, a new lake and water hazards, redesign and addition of bunkers, new cart paths and golf course  irrigation

·         In December 2008 Gary Lane took full ownership of the property  with the intention of developing a sanctuary on the property 

ENDS