Waterways

Parks

Restorations

Lower Frees Creek

Rehua Marae, 79 Springfield Road, St Albans, Christchurch

Background

Many years ago Frees Creek had important cultural significance to local Maori as a water collection area. Large springs were located close to the current site of Rehua Marae. However, more than 100 years of drainage works has seriously threatened the existence of the creek.

In 1996 the Council and Marae took the opportunity to realign and naturalise the creek through Marae grounds. Both the Council and Marae teams are proud of the results. From a drain that was formerly deep, straight, and timber-lined, Lower Frees Creek has been restored to a natural, meandering waterway with habitat that is attractive to birdlife.

Partnerships

The work was acheived in partnership with the following teams:

Christchurch City Council: Jeff Weston, Howard Simpson, Rachel Barker, Ken Couling, and City Care team including Brian Keown, Hunter Morton and Sue Jacobs.

Rehua Marae trustees led by Monty Daniels, Terrry Ryan and whanau.

Private property owners at Rehua Lane, Berry Street and Springfield Road.

Project details

Project started:	1996
Year planted:	1997-1998
Area/size:	250 lineal meters overall.
Contributions:	Development costs met by Christchurch City Council. Marae Trustees made land available for the restoration, and purchased an adjoining property in Springfield Road so that realignment of the entire reach to Springfield Road could be completed.
Plants:	Over 1300 ecosourced plants used. A variety of wetland and swamp forest large tree species were selected (including kahikatea, matai, pokaka, hinau and totara) to provide habitat, and species such as flax and toe-toe for cultural use.
Maintenance:	Monthly maintenance by City Care (banks and channel) and Marae (plant watering and grass mowing).
Stream flows:	Because flows are minimal in summer and the upper reaches of the creek bed can dry up, low flows have been enhanced. This was achieved when an existing capped artesian bore was unearthed on site and used to simulate spring water (relayed upstream in a PVC pipe) to maintain summer flow.
Construction:	Three bridges were built: Two wide foot bridges lead visitors onto the Marae, while a third bridge is located adjacent to the Wharenui (meeting house). All have a traditional red paint finish. Weathered telegraph poles have been used as bollards. Design detail is simple and bold. Future adornment with teko teko (traditional carvings) is planned by the Marae.

Results

Ecology:	Improved habitat and naturalised creek banks, restored natural heritage and biodiversity.
Heritage:	Springs recognised, heritage of site acknowledged.
Culture:	Raw plant material available for traditional cultural use.
Landscape:	Enhanced landscape setting for day to day, formal, cultural and educational Marae activities - as well as improved public visibility of creek (public view point at Springfield Road).
Recreation:	Opportunities to enjoy naturalised creek.
Drainage:	Enhanced drainage capacity from regraded banks and wider stream corridor.