The "No Mow" pilot in Auckland

A “no mow” pilot programme is being run at Auckland’s Grey Lynn Park to improve biodiversity outcomes.

Local residents have championed the project, and are working alongside Auckland Council to manage the pilot areas on the park’s grassy slopes. Advocacy group

The Wild Initiative says mowing destroys insect, butterfly and moth habitat and is causing a “crisis for Auckland’s biodiversity.

The No Mow pilot is being run at Auckland’s popular Grey Lynn Park.

“Some are needed by plants to fruit and flower. They’re also needed by our birds and animals for food. The plants growing here are good habitat plants, many are medicinal, they are Mother Nature’s way of bringing a balanced habitat to our insects, butterflies and moths.

The initiative hopes that by not mowing the pilot areas in the park, soils will regenerate, restoring a healthy ecosystem.

The Waitematā Local Board is funding the project, with a long term planting plan being worked on.

The team behind the initiative hopes soils will regenerate, restoring a healthy ecosystem.

Board chair Richard Northey says the pilot supports key priorities of environmental protection and enhancement.

“We look forward to seeing the pilot areas in the park return to wilderness, providing richer habitat for birds, bees and other insects. 

The longer grass makes it perfect for hide and seek.

The board’s Parks, Sport and Recreation portfolio holder, Adriana Avendaño Christie, says the pilot areas in the park are well suited for native plants to regenerate and the improved ground cover will help with stormwater management. 

“The no mow approach has so many benefits in terms of the environment and parks management. We’re excited to watch the progression of this pilot and hopefully roll it out through all our parks and reserves.”

The Wild Initiative hopes the pilot at Grey Lynn Park will lead to further “no mow” trials across the Waitematā Local Board area.