Next stage for Spa Thermal Park tidy up

29 July 2014

Tree stumps and broken branches are being removed from Spa Thermal Park to make way for the planting of new native trees.

About a hectare of pine trees were cut down at the site in June last year as they were damaged and unstable following a violent storm in April 2012. The tree stumps are now being taken out and broken branches removed so the area can be restored.

The area affected is located on the river side of the track that leads toward the bridge that accesses the Huka Falls track. A small area around the site will be cordoned off for safety reasons.

Council's district manager of parks and public spaces John Ridd said the area would be replanted with native trees including totara and matai in the next few months in partnership with Greening Taupo. We want to turn this bank into an attractive native forest that the community can enjoy, he said.

Greening Taupo Project Coordinator Nina Manning said, it is exciting to get the community involved in planting this popular Taupo reserve that is enjoyed by so many locals and visitors alike. We are working closely with the Council in identifying areas we can jointly green together in improving the Taupo environment for people and native wildlife.

The community will still be able to access most of the park. Work is due to take about a week.

Similar work is also being done at Owen Delany Park during this time, but this is unlikely to affect those using the park.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz