Our philosophy of regeneration has guided our every step during the process of developing this subdivision.
At The Highlands we have started the journey to return this landscape to native bush and we invite you to continue to help it flourish.
Native plants regenerate over successive stages. Six years of targeted native planting, wildling control, fertiliser, structured pest control and managed natural reversion has produced an indigenous ecosystem rich in diversity. Some of the natives we have regenerated into the forest and around the building platforms include flax (harakeke), mānuka, kānuka, native grasses, cabbage trees, coastal tree daisy, whitey wood, karamū, pittosporum (karo), broadway mint, rimu, kahikatea, kauri, taraire and tōtara.
Continuing the Restoration
We’ve made a start and encourage all of our new landowners at The Highlands to continue working to regenerate the natural landscape we’ve created. Currently zoned for rural production, each lifestyle block has indigenous forest that is free from QE II, council or any designation or prescribed restrictions to use.
The Highlands’ own covenants prevent the planting of exotic trees, however, fruit and nut trees are provided for around the house and gardens with a maximum permitted height of 3m. Grazing by animals is also prohibited. Cats and dogs must be managed so they do not predate birds; while rats, possums and rodents are controlled with an active pest management plan.
We have worked hard to ensure our covenants recognise and protect the natural values of The Highlands as well as ensure the owners’ freedoms to manage and shape their own paradise. For our new landowners this may be:
- Establishing QE II covenants for permanent protection.
- Enhancing regeneration and biodiversity with additional planting and species.
- Replacing native species to future-proof views or privacy.
- Planting of native trees for essential oil extraction.
- Creation of walking tracks to streams, waterfalls, kauri groves and other special places.
Returning Flora and Fauna
Through intensive native planting we have restored under-canopy species and shrub hardwoods. This planting creates the perfect environment for canopy species such as kauri and rimu to germinate with seed carried by wind and birds from the pockets of remnant hardwoods within The Highlands and surrounding on three sides. It also forms natural habitats for native wildlife including kiwi and other birdlife.
Kiwi Rehabitation
Between 2013 and 2020, Kiwi Coast volunteers have released 50 kiwi into the neighbouring Maranui Reserve and have been closely monitoring their progress. Kiwi are known to travel for many kilometres in search of suitable habitat and so have been breeding and moving in around The Highlands. Continued participation with the local Waipu Kiwi group along with The Highlands own active pest control program will ensure that The Highlands remain a haven for all native flora and fauna.
Bees
Our on-site beehives not only provide natural honey to our residents but ensure that a healthy bee population exists in The Highlands landscape to pollinate the newly regenerated mānuka, kānuka and other native flowers, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.