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Testimonials
Philippa Barribal, Former District Mayor, Thames Coromandel District Council
Graeme Lawrence, Environmental Planner & Director, Lawrence Cross Chapman & Co Ltd
Dr P.L. Singleton, Soil Scientist
Current Resident at Silverstream Falls
Current Property Owner of Silverstream Falls
Overseas Investor
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7th August 2008
To Whom It May Concern
I first met Peter Kendall some years ago at a function and we got to talking about horses and nice places to ride. I heard about Silverstream Falls then, and Peter kindly invited me to visit and have a look around with Glenn.
The native bush dominates the site, flora and fauna abundant, creating another world which you cast your eyes out to stunning ocean and valley views. Islands glisten in a shining ocean from the Mercuries to the Aldermans , and all seemingly touchable. And you are surrounded by the sounds of a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, birds singing and the water flowing in the sparkling streams. The streams are what captivate me most of all - the waterfalls, the magnificent rock formations, and the kauri dam where men toiled to earn their living a century ago all telling the story that is Silverstream.
Even those years ago, when I first set foot on Silverstream, it was a place of warmth, beauty and peace. All of those qualities have strengthened in the years since. The sympathetic design, formed within ecological values, and the careful attention to sensitive physical works have resulted in the polished diamond we see today. From the moment you enter off the highway, it is like stepping back in time. Back to when Maori first walked on this land, where untouched native bush provides a haven for the many creatures indigenous to this beautiful land.
I am very proud to lead a District that has people with the vision and foresight to embrace our natural world to create a place where people can live in harmony with it. An investment in Silverstream is capital gain in dollar terms, and capital gain in lifestyle. By choosing to live here, you choose to make a differnce in this world. You take responsibility for your very own piece of paradise, your very own native bush areas, your very own birds that choose to live in your patch are protected by your pest control. And maybe, one night you will wake up to hear a Kiwi calling you... to say thank you.
Philippa Barriball, J.P.
District Mayor
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Former Thames-Coromandel District Council's Mayor, Philippa Barriball, and our Project Manager, Glenn Lees, near the Kauri Dam. |
 20th August 2008
Silverstream Falls Whenuakite Coromandel Peninsula
Silverstream Falls is Coromandel heartland. Located in the Whenuakite River Catchment of the Coromandel Ranges the land has aspects north and east. Higher land looks north down to Whitianga Harbour or east across to the Pacific Ocean and Alderman Islands. Hidden within are streams, falls, bush and relics or days when kauri was milled and gum was dug up here.
Through the foresight of Peter Kendall and his family, 180 hectares of the best bush and wetland has been brought under the protection of Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Open Space Covenants. More than 160 ha of the protected area contains regionally significant vegetation. It connects the indigenous coastal forest of DOC's Conservation Park at Lynch's Stream and Sailors Grave with the hill country forests already under QEII Open Space Covenant to the west and DOC Conservation Park on the ranges beyond and on down to the Firth of Thames.
As a result Silverstream Falls sites within a corridor of protection unbroken (except where State Highway 25 passes through on its way from Tairua to Whitianga) and stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the top of the Coromandel Ranges and down to the Thames Coast.
With careful attention to detail each parcel of land has been created to offer its new owners a place within this continuous indigenous habitat - a well-located house site served with sensitively positioned vehicle access. Each parcel offers a different area and configuration of open space for productive use or for further enhancement of the bush habitat according to owner preference. House sites will suit a variety of tastes - nestled into bush or in settings with views out.
The QEII Trust Covenant achieves aspirations of Ngati Hei ancestors as expressed by Reupena Tahura in 1872 when he told the Native Land Court that his relatives wanted to set aside land here for Native Reserve.
Silverstream Falls is a development that reflects the joy and enthusiasm of those of us fortunate to be part of its creative energy. It brings together the best of what Coromandel can offer.
Places are now available to fulfil dreams of new generations.
Graeme Lawrence
Environmental Planner & Director
Lawrence Cross Chapman & Co LTD
Land and Soil Type
The subdivision is on hilly land with flat to undulating slopes on the hill tops and on some hill sides. In places, steep slopes lead down to rocky bottomed streams which flow all year round. Vegetation ranges from pasture to scrub and to older bush. As a result the subdivision provides a variety of aspects to the sun and a variety of environments for growing. The slopes provide cold air drainage and the temperature is moderated by being relatively near the sea. These conditions suit the growing of temperate and sub- tropical plants.
Soil types on the flatter slopes are outstanding. They are the Whitianga silt loam and classified as yellow-brown loams (allophonic soils). This soil is formed from volcanic ash from Mayor Island and is about 60 cm of well drained, friable silt loam on moderately drained volcanic clay loam. These are similar to the soils sought after for the growing of kiwifruit and avocados. As a result of their excellent physical properties the soils can be used to grow a wide range of crops. Far more than can be grown on moderately or poorer drained soil types. Because of their excellent physical properties, these ash soils are also ideal for vegetable growing. Their soil structure is well suited to digging and cultivation even when wet. A soil test has shown that, as expected, they are low in phosphate but have adequate reserves of all the other major nutrients.
On the steeper slopes the soils can either be thin, silty ash on clay loams from older volcanic material, or clay loams.
Non-covenanted areas can be used to grow crops, either by planting within the areas of scrub so as to provide shelter, planting within the bush so as to reproduce the growing conditions of the plant's original habitat (e.g. avocados or macadamia nuts), or planting in the open.
It would be unusual to find a subdivision on the Coromandel which offered such a diverse range of environments and also had a highly versatile soil type. To the north
and on the west coast of the Coromandel peninsular the soils are more clayey, not so well drained and the aspect is often not as favorable. Anyone serious about growing or self-sufficiency should give this subdivision serious consideration.
Dr P.L. Singleton
Soil Scientist
Living at Silverstream Falls
I heard about Silverstream Falls from very good friends and one of the first residents who began to create a bush sanctuary and an ecological retreat for themselves.
When I experienced the vital native bush with its magic streams and waterfalls, the abundant birdlife and the inviting ocean and valley views I knew that I had found my new home and shelter where I can create like my friends... another bush sanctuary and ecological retreat.
As an ecological architect I have been involved in creating sustainable communities and eco villages in New Zealand over the past 30 years and this is now evolving here at silverstream falls in a more natural way - with less concept and more vision.
With the good infra structure provided by the developer I was able to create for me and my wife sustainable buildings for living, visitors, storage and workshops in less than a year, as well as water and energy systems, ecological wastewater and sustainable gardens and orchards...
With the potential of over 30 likeminded neighbors tucked in more than 1000 acres of foremost-protected native bush - the first of us live here in cooperation with nature and the people around us.
With my 96 years old mother in a retirement village in South Auckland we travel every week to the city for some bulk shopping and a dance or a stroll with her in less than 2 hours on good roads. And picking up friends from the Auckland airport is easy as well!
This is an oasis of peace a shelter of caring beauty walking lightly on the earth...
Reinhardt Fuchs
nz bioharmonic architect
http://www.goodcompanypacific.com/reinhard.htm
Current Property Owner of Silverstream Falls
I’m originally form Napier and now reside in Auckland. I was introduced to the Coromandel by Peter Kendall 25 years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Over the years, I visited Peter and his family at their Whenuakete farm and I got to know the Peninsula well. I loved blatting down the metal road from the farm to the main road and heading off to Hahei or Cathedral Cove to spend my days at these beautiful beaches.
A few years ago Peter took me for a look around Silverstream Falls. As we explored, taking in waterfalls, the Kauri Dam and the magnificent views, I knew instantly I wanted to buy land here. Owning such a large property on my own seemed a bit daunting but with Peter's advice and initial assistance with finances, I did a joint venture with a friend of mine and we now own a spectacular piece of land with bush, valley and sea views. Since then, another friend of mine has also purchased land at Silverstream Falls so it’s great to see a community developing.
We’ve built a small cabin, complete with all the mod cons - decking, a water tank and a long drop. I’m there a lot over summer since it’s only a 2 hour commute from Auckland.
Things I love:
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Waking to the sound of birds
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The natural beauty of pristine subtropical bush and the vast views over the surrounding valleys and out to sea
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Day trips to one of the many idyllic untouched beaches, such as New Chums or Opoutere, or Coromandel township
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Buying fresh organic veggies and grapes from the local retired school headmaster who lives nearby
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The fact that Tairua and the Coromandel Peninsula has never become touristy or commercial over the years. It’s still rural and yet I can get anything I need
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The friendly local yokels
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Cooking fresh fish at the end of the day and watching the sun go down with a G&T or a good Pinot Noir
What don’t I like?
I’ve known Peter for more than 25 years and I have seen and camped on other Coromandel properties he has developed over the years. Peter’s knowledge and expertise in this area is exceptional and he is completely trustworthy and a man of high integrity. Peter’s vision for Silverstream Falls has taken many years to complete and there is nothing else like it in the Coromandel.
Wendy Steele
Auckland, New Zealand
Overseas Investor
From the moment I first arrived at the Silverstream website homepage I was transported into the world of opportunity and possibility. The opportunity to own a piece of one of the most beautiful places on earth and the possibility to create a future that had always only been a dream. I was captivated.
I eagerly devoured the information on the properties and then progressed from the virtual to the real enter Peter Kendall.
Committed to a win-win for all parties, Peter and I have corresponded over a number of months as we explored every possibility to accommodate our requirements. Peter was tireless in ensuring that we had every piece of information and resource necessary to support us in our decision making process. And where personal circumstances presented challenges Peter was always open to exploring novel solutions. There was a keen sense that anything was possible.
What a pleasure to be able to partner with Peter and his team in this personal endeavour.
Lianne Sipsma
Perth, Australia
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