Unlikely Beauty

March 6, 2017

Doing it natures way...


I accidentally discovered the Lincoln Wetlands while test flying my new Mavic Pro over the weekend. Who would have thought storm water treatment ponds could be so darn beautiful? 130 thousand natives were planted just five years ago, they've now taken hold and transformed the drainage area into a wetland sanctuary that performs an important function for the resident's of Lincoln township, while at the same time providing a new protected habitat for local birdlife. It's a win - win! 

Pictured in the background you'll see the Port Hills which suffered so badly during the recent fires, yes very different terrain and ecosystems, but we should take heart because what has been lost can be replanted and will eventually regenerate thanks to the help and hard work of such wonderful groups as Trees for Canterbury, the Summit Road Society, The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, and of course the local City council and other government agencies. Much has been lost but perhaps there is a silver lining, a growing sense of shared responsibility for the future protection and regeneration of what remains of our bush. It's reported that 90 percent of what was destroyed was privately owned land, including reserves.

By John Sellwood June 7, 2026
For generations, the ancestral rock art of the Arowhenua people has been owned by others, with the land and limestone caves held in private ownership as part of a Gould family farm. Now after more than 170 years, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua has purchased back the land and full access and ownership of their ancient taonga.
By John Sellwood June 2, 2026
Sit across the table if you're able from that person that you harmed and disarmed listen leave defences at the door and do nothing more than listen.