Celebrating 20 years of restoration at Pharazyn Reserve

Friday 12 June marked a significant milestone for the Kāpiti Coast celebrating 20 years of partnership to transform Pharazyn Reserve into a thriving natural habitat for native plants and birdlife. 

Located north of Waikanae, Pharazyn Reserve was originally home to a sewage treatment plant. The area has now been transformed into a recreation and wildlife reserve through a long-term environmental effort led by Kāpiti Coast District Council, the Pharazyn Reserve Focus Group, and local schools. 

Over two decades, students from Waikanae and Kapakapanui schools have worked alongside community volunteers and Council staff to replant and revitalise the site. With more than 40,000 native plants supplied by Council over the 20 years, and planted largely by school children, the reserve now flourishes with harakeke (flax), tī kōuka (cabbage tree), kānuka, mānuka, ngaio, ake ake and māhoe.

Each year to mark Arbor Day between 1,500 and 2,000 native plants are added to the reserve on the annual planting day. This year more than 150 children took part with an estimated 2,000 involved since the programme began. 

Waikanae Ward Councillor Jocelyn Prvanov has been involved with planting and the management of the reserve over the 20 years and says the anniversary is a testament to the power of community collaboration. 

“This incredible 20-year effort shows what can be achieved when we work together towards a shared vision. Once the Pharazyn Reserve Focus Group was set up, I was very keen to involve the two local schools so the children could have a long-term physical connection and affinity for this reserve. Not only has this been achieved but the Pharazyn Reserve has been transformed into a vibrant natural haven that supports biodiversity, inspires learning, and strengthens community connection with the environment.” 

The Pharazyn Reserve Focus Group has played an important role in guiding and sustaining the project, helping coordinate planting efforts and championing the long-term vision for the reserve. 

Creation of the natural habitat has seen a resurgence of birdlife. The reserve is now a stronghold for the New Zealand dabchick and attracts species including tūī, fantails, swallows, shags and royal spoonbills. 

The annual planting at Pharazyn Reserve is the largest single-day event in Council’s wider planting programme, which sees around 20,000 native plants established across the district each year.