The transcript is a conversation about the Hinewai Reserve, a conservation project located in the southeast corner of Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. The project was initiated by Hugh White, who is also the day-to-day manager of the reserve. The conversation covers the history of the project, the challenges faced, the methods used, and the impact of the project on the local community and environment.
The Hinewai Reserve was established by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, which aims to restore the native forest and biodiversity of the region. The project began in 1987 when Hugh White and Maurice White purchased 109 hectares of land, which was later expanded to 1,500 hectares. The project is based on the principle of minimal interference management, allowing nature to regenerate the native forest on its own.
The project faced initial skepticism from the local community and farmers, who were concerned about the potential impact on farming and the economy. However, the project has been successful in regenerating the native forest and biodiversity of the region. The project has also been a source of inspiration for other landowners who are now closing off uneconomical land and allowing the bush to grow back, creating corridors for wildlife.
The project has also had a significant impact on Hugh White's life. He walks to work every day, which is about a two-hour journey. He also does all the paperwork involved with Hinewai, writing letters, submissions, and more. Despite the hard work, Hugh White is passionate about the project and believes in its importance for the future of the planet.
The conversation also touches on the broader issue of global warming and the need for change in the way we use energy. Hugh White emphasizes that while forests are part of the solution, we also need to change the way we use energy. He encourages everyone to do their best to contribute to the solution, regardless of the scale.
1. The speaker has been working on the Hinewai Reserve for 31 years.
2. The Hinewai Reserve is located in the southeast corner of Banks Peninsula, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
3. The reserve is managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust and covers 1,500 hectares.
4. The reserve's goal is conservation, with a focus on restoring the native biodiversity and the native forest.
5. The reserve is accessible to the public, with many walking tracks available.
6. The speaker's house was damaged in the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.
7. The speaker's work involves a lot of paperwork related to the Hinewai Reserve.
8. The speaker has a fascination with plants and botany, which led to their involvement in the Hinewai Reserve.
9. The speaker was introduced to Maurice White, who set up a fund to purchase land for conservation purposes on Banks Peninsula.
10. The speaker and Maurice White purchased the original part of Hinewai, which is 109 hectares, in September 1987.
11. Four years later, they bought Otanerito Station, which made the reserve 10 times bigger.
12. The local community was initially suspicious of the speaker's work on the reserve.
13. The speaker uses gorse to help regenerate the native forest, despite it being considered a weed by many.
14. The speaker believes in minimal interference management, allowing nature to regenerate the native forest.
15. The speaker has a low-tech lifestyle, with no cell phone and using public transport when necessary.
16. The speaker's biggest fear is fire, which has been a significant concern due to the dry conditions on Banks Peninsula.
17. The speaker has experienced a major fire in 2011, which resulted in a significant amount of damage to the landscape.