New section of land added to Wellington's Outer Green Belt

The Outer Green Belt is a green corridor of reserves from Tawa to the South Coast that offers Wellingtonians many open spaces to explore. The new area, next to Huntleigh Park and Silverstream Road Play Area, is ideal for nature play and connects walking routes between the Skyline Track and the Crofton Downs community and railway station. 

The land was originally gifted to GirlGuiding New Zealand (GGNZ) in 1952 by a local developer, Arthur Hunt, for the purpose of a bush reserve and camping site. 

Between 1973 and 1975 GGNZ built the Huntleigh Guide Centre to use for Guiding-related purposes, such as weekly meetings, camps, events, training and educational sessions. 

After more than seven decades of good use by generations of Guides and other community groups, the building no longer met building and safety standards and would have been uneconomical for GGNZ to repair and maintain. 

GGNZ Chief Operating Officer Angela Reeve says the plan was always to offer the land in accordance with the wishes of the original benefactor. 

“The original benefactor, Mr Hunt, asked for the land to be offered first to Scouts Aotearoa and then the Council to purchase for public use, should GirlGuiding New Zealand ever choose to sell.”

The sale and purchase of the land was completed at the end of 2024, after the building was demolished. 

The area will be classified as Scenic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 to protect its natural and recreational values for the public, which aligns with GGNZ’s values and Mr Hunt’s desire to see the native forest protected and enhanced over time.

“The Council will manage the area as part of the Outer Green Belt, for public enjoyment and to protect its biodiversity values. It will be part of the adjoining Huntleigh Park and Silverstream Play Area and public walking access up to Huntleigh Park Way will be maintained,” says Sherilyn Hinton, Council’s Manager Open Space and Recreation Planning.

All the forested hillside area is a Significant Natural Area with primary forest remnants and threatened-species habitat, including a kākā nesting site. Below, are attractive streamside grassy areas suitable for picnicking and nature play. 

Wellington City Council Biodiversity Specialist Anita Benbrook has developed a plan to restore the demolition site and streamside areas. 

“We identified where picnic areas and tracks would go and what areas would remain in mown grass. Then there is a mix of restoring stream banks and planting up some of the currently grassed areas. We looked at what weed pest control was required first; lots of blackberry and other pest weeds. 

“Once we have good control of the weedy areas, native plants will be planted over the next couple of years during the winter months.”

A Crofton Downs resident and member of the Ngaio and Crofton Downs Residents Assocation, Andrew McLellan, says he is planning on volunteering his time to improve the area for his community.

"It was great to see the purchase of the Girl Guide land next to Huntleigh Park, securing protection for some of Wellington's best mature native forest. I'm looking forward to the Ngaio and Crofton Downs community rolling its sleeves up with the Council and neighbouring landowners to add to that forest with two community restoration planting days at the old Girl Guide centre site."

There is also a plan to rationalise and develop public access, says Wellington City Council Trails and Reserves Specialist Tim Harkness. 

“The old section of tracks with steep stairs down to the former GGNZ building has been closed. A new bridge has been built to replace a derelict one that was demolished, so the public can access the northern side of the stream. 

“The new bridge provides a short loop walk that can be done along the stream side and allow for easier and more efficient maintenance of the grass area on the north side of the stream.”

Anita believes that restoring the area and providing a place for people to enjoy will bolster and protect the Outer Green Belt.

“This is just one of many restoration sites across the city, aimed at increasing the green corridor. It will provide protection of the bush remnants and improved habitat for flora and fauna.

“The aim is to protect the stream and the forest but still provide a place for recreation.”

Read more about the Outer Green Belt on our website.