146ha bush block on Port Hills sold for $1

A large area of native bush on Christchurch's Port Hills has been preserved after a $1 sale.

Philanthropists Grant and Marilyn Nelson, trustees of the Gama Foundation charitable trust, have transferred ownership of the 146-hectare Omahu Bush reserve to a preservation group, the Summit Road Society, for a gold coin.

Grant Nelson said the trust bought the land, between Gebbies Pass and the Sign of the Bellbird, in 1997 because it felt the large and accessible block of native bush close to Christchurch should be open to the public.

"We just felt there weren't many areas of native bush left in Canterbury and it was important that they were preserved for the benefit of future generations," he said.

Volunteers had helped create tracks, and animals that had damaged the bush had been controlled.

"When we took over there was little regeneration in the bush due to the presence of goats, pigs and fallow deer.

"We brought in shooters and replaced fencing, but have still had to have a shooter regularly visit the property," Nelson said.

Maintenance demands meant it was time for the society to take over, he said.

"We just got to the point where we had too much to do and we couldn't do everything. We just needed more help."

The society has appointed an honorary ranger and intends to establish a Friends of Omahu Bush group. Last December, the Gama Foundation donated 450ha in Geraldine and Waimate to the Department of Conservation.

- © Fairfax NZ News