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The Dolbel Reserve |
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Dolbel Reserve is a passive Council Recreation Park of some
18ha on the Western Hills of Taradale. Our Club's
involvement as a Save Planet Earth project dates from 1992 and in the decade since has planted some 3,500 native and more than 500
exotic trees. The earlier plantings are now well
established, and the exotic trees in the lower valley
memorial block make a beautiful display. |
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Other groups such as Napier West Rotary and
Pakeke Lions were active in earlier years and various school groups continue to help. The
ongoing development is directed by Taradale Rotary in co-operation with the Napier
City Council. Groups such as Forest and Bird and Keep Napier Beautiful are now also
actively supportive as was the Hawke's Bay Regional Council. A great deal of work
continues to be done by the Club's weekly working bees. Memorial trees are often
donated. |
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A major 5 year plan has been established and
its implementation is well under way. Over $20,000 has
been earmarked for future development with a major share going towards the erection of the Dolbel Memorial gates and retaining stone
wall, and the landscaping of the main entrance. This
was completed in 2003 and opened in July by Mayor
Barbara Amott. The Greenmeadows Rotary Club is now associated with the Colenso Block. Substantial grants of Charity Fair proceeds have been made
in the last two years.
The gate project
cost $51,455
Funding sources
were
Taradale Rotary
$20,000
Dolbel Family
$10,000
Pub
Charity
$6,955
E&C
Community Trust $5,000
Lions
Club of Taradale $4,500
Napier
City Council $4,000
Donations
$1,000
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The park is gaining in public recognition,
and the Club has already gained two Environmental
Awards. Frequent users are local daily walking groups, visitors from overseas, members of organised Garden Tours, youth groups and children of
all ages, and touring groups of garden enthusiasts. |
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During a 3 Minute Talk in 1998, John
Burrell was reported in the Bulletin as follows;
 "John gave a
very concise and informative talk on the Dolbel name and its origins. Philip Dolbel was
born in Jersey in 1827 and became a seafarer with a shipping business. Arrived in NZ in
1855 and eventually moved to HB and opened a general store in Clive with brother Richard.
He brought Springfield Station in 1865 and later Redcliffe. The brothers farmed both
properties, and this land included what is the Dolbel Reserve. Philip also farmed the
Maungahararu Station at Tutira, but suffered property loss during the Hau Hau rebellion,
and sold. By 1891 he had a flock of 25,000 sheep. He served his province in national
government, and also represented Puketapu on the HB County and Harbour Board. He died in
1901- a bachelor." |
 "To honour the Rotary
Theme "Preserve Planet Earth", in 1991, Ron Ward
suggested to members that the Club should take on a tree planting project.
Kel Tremain suggested they might like to start with some of his land which
was barren and so a group including Bob Knappstein, Club President at the
time started. Shortly after they were approached by Don Bell, Parks and Reserves
curator for the Napier City Council to see whether the group would like to apply
their energies to the Dolbel Reserve. They completed the Tremain project and
then turned their attention to Dolbel.
"Initially a large scrubby area
had to be cleared, and this was done with the help of various groups. Taradale
High School pupils (Patricia Weston and Libby Cox
shown right) got involved and they planted the first block at the bottom
in autumn coloured trees. In 1992 2000 nurse trees, provided by the Dept of
Conservation, were planted with the help of PD workers. Native trees were then
sort through donation, many in memory of loved ones. The Club was asked to
donate trees and Ron got these at discount prices.
"In the early days Ron ran the
group on an ad hoc basis to start with with Bob Knappstein, Bob Twaddle, Greg
Gear, and Arthur Stafford working when available. More recently a properly
constituted committee has been established by the Club, and a yearly allowance
is available. This group works very closely with the Napier City Council.
"The Dolbel Estate owners offered to assist with
building gates. About $50,000 had to be raised for this project with Club
contributing $23,000.
"The Reserve is now used
extensively by the community diverse activities such as weddings, BBQ's or just
plan walking and strolling.
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Ray Burney (Convener)
Iain Angus, Ian Atkins, Selwyn
Dyet, Neil Kittow, Bob Knappstein, Brian Neilson, Ross Ross-Taylor, Des Stephens,
Ron Ward
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November
6th 2004 -Dolbel Team win Environmental
Award
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Recently
the Taradale Rotary Club's
Planet Earth Project team were rewarded for their work with recognition by the
Hawke's Bay Environmental Committee who awarded them the Community section of
their Awards. |
Ray Burney presents the
Award to President John Aikman |
The Dolbel reserve
is located at the end of Dolbel Road off Puketapu Road and has become a
wonderful and popular park for families, joggers and picnickers. It even has an
area which the team encourages, for children to enjoy grass sliding.
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Selwyn Dyet fires up his weed eater admired by Ray
Burney, Bob Knappstein, Eric Lamb, Neil Kittow, Brian Neilson, Iain Angus, and
John Forty
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