The history and development of Pioneer Park

Abstract

For various reasons and under various auspices, tracts of land have been gifted to the people of New Zealand to be used as public domains. Many of these are included within a city or town boundary and have been developed according to the requirements of the community eg. Sports areas, play-grounds. Domains away from the urban areas are, more often than not, situated around areas of scenic interest. Set on the back roads of South Canterbury is a relatively unknown but historically interesting Public Reserve called Pioneer Park. Originally part ofRaincliff Station, Pioneer Park was so named in 1959 in recognition of the Pioneer Settlers of the area. A set of gates at the entrance to the Park bear the inscription: This Park has been preserved for posterity primarily through the vision, generosity and zeal of Major P.H. Johnson ofRaincliff who has dedicated it to foster a love of the Country. To the care and preservation of our Native Birds and Trees and as a grateful tribute and living memorial to our Pioneer men and women who, leaving all they held dear in their homeland set forth with Faith and Courage and laid the foundations of this New Nation. non sibi sed posteris (Not for ourselves alone but those who shall come after.) Through the gates, a broad avenue of Betula pendula takes the visitor over a ford and into a large park fringed with native bush. Situated within the park environs are a large camping area, complete with running water, toilets and barbecue areas, and the historic remains of Burke's hut. Michael John Burke was one of the original runholders of the South Canterbury region. From both Burke's Memorial and the camping ground tracks lead into the Native Bush. The whole reserve covers 504 hectares, consisting of Reserve 4948, (formerly Reserves 3592, 3724, 4428, 4449, 4557, 4599, 4823, 4824 and 4854) Block 12 Tengawai:9 Opihi SD (refer Map 1). The majority of the forest was planted in exotic trees which are mostly inaccessible from the public areas. The intention was not to infringe on the enjoyment of the indigenous bush. When the exotic plantation was originally planted it was envisaged that revenue earned from the sale of timber could be used in the maintenance and development of the native bush and amenity areas. Another portion of Raincliff Station worthy of recognition is the nearby Raincliff Forest. This was the first planned exotic forest in New Zealand. Consisting of approximately 80 hectares, the forward thinking of the original horticulturalist is evident in the enriched appearance of the landscape although poor initial planning has not produced good quality timber from the plantation.