Looking after our parks

The Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan is a combined plan for our regional parks and forests. It provides directions for the use and management of parks under the Reserves Act 1977. Parks and forests included in the plan are:

• Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
• Belmont Regional Park
• East Harbour Regional park (including Northern Forest, Baring Head and Parangarahu Lakes)
• Queen Elizabeth Park
• Akatarawa Forest
• Pākuratahi Forest
• Kaitoke Regional Park

The Plan was approved by Council in 2011 and there were amendments in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The Reserves Act requires that management plans are kept up to date so an overall review is now underway. 

Find out more about the plan

Management of most parks is through the Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan. 

Whitireia Park has a separate management plan developed over a period of two years with extensive input from the community and others with an interest in the park. Read the Whitireia Park Management Plan. 

We closely monitor the environment within parks and forests to determine the health of the communities of plants and animals living in the parks and forests.

Surveys are also regularly conducted to help us to learn more about the indigenous ecosystems in these areas. Monitoring techniques used include assessments of bird abundance, tree growth, seedling growth, changes in forest composition, flowering and fruiting abundance and the impacts of pests. 

Surveys for introduced insects and pathogens are done regularly, as the forests are close to international transport routes. Pest numbers are also monitored to determine the success of pest control operations. 

Research projects are also undertaken to help our management of the indigenous ecosystems.

See Environmental Monitoring & Research data for the latest air quality, climate, groundwater levels and water quality.

The Local Government Act (2002) allows Regional Councils to create and uphold bylaws in relation to forests, parks and reserves and other Council owned land such as water collection areas.

Greater Wellington Regional Council's Toitū te Whenua Parks Network Plan provides guidance for identifying the activities which should take place in our regional parks and the broad parameters for park management.

Bylaws enable enforcement of the rules identified in our Parks Network Plan. They assist in providing protection from damage or loss through human activity to natural and cultural values, as well as safe enjoyment of parks, reserves and other areas. They enable formal enforcement of authorised officers when other methods of park visitor management have not been effective.

Find out more about the bylaws.