Got a question about our low-mow meadow trial that isn't here? Email us at pito_onelandings@huttcity.govt.nz
It’s important that lots of our parks and open spaces are regularly maintained. Places like playgrounds and sports fields will always be mown. If the trial is successful and extended elsewhere we would make sure the locations are suitable for the low-mow approach.
As part of the Hīkoikoi Landing project we’re working on improvements in this area. The spaces chosen for the trial have low foot traffic and are not next to any residential buildings.
From November 2024 to March 2025 (through spring and summer). The space will be mown at the end of summer once the grass and plants have dried out. We’ll assess the trial and see if it should continue or be expanded in the area.
This small no-mow meadow is the start of a two-year trial, the aim being to adjust the type of plants growing in the meadow over time to make sure the meadow feels like a nice place to visit.
Green spring grass tends not to pose a fire risk. The area will be monitored regularly by mowing contractors as they continue maintenance of the surrounding area. As the grasses dry out towards the end of summer, they will be mown to ensure the area does not become a fire hazard.
To make sure the area feels cared for we will continue to mow a clean border around the edge of the meadow.
Meadows are a different experience from a short lawn and community response in other places where this has been tried has been overwhelmingly positive about the more natural feel of longer grass.
To maintain the grass in this area now, Council must mow roughly every three weeks. Establishing a low-mow meadow could cut this down to once or twice per year which in the long-term could significantly reduce mowing costs across our city.