Calls for Hastings Business to Go Green for Roys Hill
What was a barren, rock capped landfill will soon be a luscious, green park for families to enjoy, tourists to witness stunning views from and a venue to host world-class events – with help from the business community and volunteers.
Stage One of the Roys Hill Restoration Project started last year as a joint initiative between Council and the Landmarks Trust.
- Download the Landscape Plan on this brochure (PDF 628kB)
Council paid for earthworks and 2500 plants, while the Landmarks Trust organised more than 100 volunteers for a successful planting day in September 2009.
Hastings Landmarks Trust member and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says Roys Hill is elevated 20m above the world famous Gimblett Gravels wine-growing terrior and provides 360 degree views.
“In January, the reserve proved its potential when it hosted the Harvest Hawke’s Bay wine & food festival - thousands enjoyed the views across the Heretaunga Plains. Equally, when there’s not an event, members of the public will be able to visit the site, walk their dog or picnic there – we just need your help to see the project completed.”
Stage Two relies on local business to sponsor plants to complete the restoration.
“Businesses can make a connection with this environmentally-friendly project by involving staff in team building planting days, companies can off-set their carbon footprint to ease their environmental conscience and be seen as a business that supports a worthy community project,” Cr Bowers says.
Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages are available, and all those who contribute financially will have their support recognised on the reserve entrance sign when the reserve is opened to the public.
Fulton Hogan has come on as the first gold sponsor and Hawke’s Bay Branch manager Charlie Fergus says getting behind the Roys Hills restoration was an easy decision.
“As a local company Fulton Hogan wants to support projects that benefit Hastings. What better way to improve our environment and support our community than by taking an old rubbish tip and turning it into a usable place where locals and tourists alike can relax.
“And Fulton Hogan staff and families will be coming along to the planting day to lend a hand,” Mr Fergus says.
The next planting day is at 10.30am on Sunday, August 29 so volunteers armed with spade and gardening gloves are invited to help.
“We welcome gardening groups, schools or sports clubs who want to have a part in this special place – they can say years from now that they made Roys Hill a place for people.”
Anyone wanting to get involved in volunteering or sponsorship can contact Parks and Property Assets Manager Colin Hosford on ph. 871 5031.
Background
In 1954, Hastings Borough Council established the former quarry as a rubbish dump and in 1988 it was closed. Until 2000 hard fill was dumped on top to form an impermeable cap as a condition of its Hawke’s Bay Regional Council consent.
The plateau is elevated metres between 15m and 20m above the riverbed below and provides 360 degree views of the Gimblett Gravel vineyards, Heretaunga Plains across to Te Mata Peak in the East and the Kaweka Ranges in the West.
For several years the site was simply grazed by stock but in 2009 HDC staff contoured and grassed the site and planting began.
For more information:
Erin Harford
Communications Manager
(06) 871 5056
027 275 5205
