Lydia Wevers Scholarship
Hannah Merrett-Kaufman is the 2025 scholarship recipient.
Hannah Merrett-Kaufman
Lydia Wevers Scholarship Recipient 2025
Reconnecting Ghost Streams—Research for Wellington City regional landscape
Research Abstract:
Globally, an estimated 385–472 million hectares of abandoned agricultural land exist (Campbell, 2008), predominantly in high- and middle-income countries (Yang, Yi, et al., 2020). Agricultural intensification has significantly altered landscapes, impacting biodiversity, trace-gas emissions, water quality and flow, soil health, and climate (Wade, Gurr, et al., 2008). While abandoned agricultural lands can contribute to carbon sequestration through natural vegetation recovery, this process is often slow or incomplete without active intervention, leaving some landscapes degraded for decades (Yang, Yi, et al., 2020).
This design-research thesis investigates the application of ‘design by fire’ restoration strategy to transform the 3,500-hectare Belmont Regional Park in Aotearoa New Zealand from a peri-urban landscape into a thriving recreational ecosanctuary. This park is undergoing a significant land-use transition as historical agricultural leases are set to expire in 2026. The park was established in 1986, under the name Waitangirua Farm, operating as a sheep and beef breeding farm (Preserve Belmont Farm Park, 2022). However, the grazing license is due to change to phase out farming without renewal in January 2026.
This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for ecological restoration and community conservation. The study explores a restoration strategy globally known as design by fire. In Aotearoa indigenous knowledge and skills of Māori and fire use (te ahi) had an important role in the conservation and protection of the natural environment (Stone, Langer, 2015). This approach, combined with strategic community conservation, can transform Belmont Regional Park’s post-agricultural land into a recreational ecosanctuary. Creating regeneration, restoration, revitalisation, and resilience.
Campbell, J. E., Lobell, D. B., Genova, R. C., & Field, C. B. (2008). The global potential of bioenergy on abandoned agricultural lands. Environmental Science & Technology, 42(15), 5791–5794. The Global Potential of Bioenergy on Abandoned Agriculture Lands | Environmental Science & Technology
Wade, M. R., Gurr, G. M., & Wratten, S. D. (2008). Ecological restoration of farmland: Progress and prospects. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1492), 831–847. Ecological restoration of farmland: progress and prospects - PMC
Yang, Y., Chen, B., Varga, D., & Xu, M. (2020). Restoring abandoned farmland to mitigate climate change on a full Earth. One Earth, 3(2), 176–186. (PDF) Restoring Abandoned Farmland to Mitigate Climate Change on a Full Earth
Belmont Farm Park Preservation Society. (2022.). Preserve Belmont Farm Park. https://preservebelmontfarmpark.co.nz/
Stone, G. A, & Langer, E. R. (2015). Mäori use of fire: Traditional use of fire to inform current and future fire management in New Zealand. Mai Journal (1), 16-28. *MAI_Jrnl_2015_V4_iss1_online_final.indd
Kia ora, I am a Master's student in Landscape Architectural Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. I chose to study Landscape Architecture because it combines everything that I am passionate about. It is a combination of complex problem solving both creatively and analytically, and it is where I see myself being able to make a positive impact in the world. I am passionate about the bridge between people and nature, and how this connection can appear in many forms.
My thesis work explores “How can Belmont Regional Park be transformed from post-agricultural landscape into a recreational ecosanctuary through design by fire?”. Diving into the fire ecologies of invasive species and the evolutionary adaptations of Aotearoa’s native flora to fire. Through this, I aim to develop an adaptive design strategy that looks ahead for a 100-year vision of the site, one that supports long-term ecological health and renewed public connection with the land.
I’ve had the privilege of exploring these ideas through both national and international platforms. I was a finalist in the NZILA Student Awards, and my speculative design work was awarded the Vectorworks International Scholarship in 2023. I was also part of the winning team at the CERF Student Design Competition in Portland, Oregon, where we proposed nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Following that, I gained valuable international experience at Louisiana State University’s Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio, working on interdisciplinary strategies for climate adaptation. These experiences continue to shape my commitment to designing landscapes that are ecologically attuned, culturally grounded, and responsive to the challenges of the future.
Hannah Merrett-Kaufman