My favourite place to visit in Howick is the Mangemangeroa Reserve with its variety of landscapes, including coastal native bush, salt marsh habitat, farmland and a unique estuary. Such a succession of ecosystems is found nowhere else in East Auckland. I am grateful for the work that has been done in the last 20 years to make it such an asset for Howick. In April this year I become the Chairperson of The Friends of Mangemangeroa and it is a privilege to be able to assist in the upkeep of the Reserve for all the community. The history of how we got to have the reserve is a tribute to all those involved and an interesting part of the history of Howick.

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In 1984 Manukau City Council first released a Structure Plan for the block of land and a campaign was started by Betty Harris of Forest and Bird with a submission to Council that the block be purchased for passive recreation. In 1987, the owner, Archie Somerville requested council rezone the land for residential development. There were many submissions by local groups and a hearing followed in 1990 which retained the proposed reserve designation. An appeal in 1992 by Archie Somerville resulted in the Environment Court upholding the Council's decision. There was jubilation in 1994 when Manukau City Council announced the purchase of the Mangemangeroa block for a reserve for all to enjoy. The first stage of the walkway was completed and opened in October 2000. At this time the informal group of friends who had been involved with the development of the walkway, formed The Friends of Mangemangeroa Incorporated Society. The second stage extended the initial walkway and was opened in November 2003 followed by stage three the Rotary Loop. In 2000 restoration of the Mangemangeroa Valley began with replanting of 350 native trees. In 2019 The Mangemangeroa Valley's Restoration Plan was adopted by Auckland Council and it is the blue print for the continued restoration of the Reserve. The Friends of Mangemangeroa continue working with Auckland Council and restoration to date has seen the bush edge extended through planting of eco-sourced seedlings for in-planting of canopy trees. To date between six and seven hectares have been restored, with an estimated total of 100,000 plants. If you haven't been to the Mangemangeroa Reserve please take the time to go on one of the many tracks you won't be disappointed.