Otaki TodayA Freshwater grant from Horizons Regional Council has got a planting project off the ground for the Waikawa Beach Environment Group.
The riparian planting project is on a section of land along the Waikawa Stream. Group spokes-person Debra Betts says the project has also been made possible thanks to the support of Ngāti Wehi Wehi and local landowners Te Roera Puna and Caroline Beaufort.
Volunteers planting out at Waikawa Beach. Photo supplied
“They have generously opened part of their property for the restoration planting,” Debra says.
The Horizons grant has allowed WBEG to buy a range of native plants specifically suited to riparian restoration.
“It’s an investment that will help strengthen streambanks, improve shade, and enhance habitat over time.
“Riparian planting is one of the most effective and practical ways communities can care for waterways, and we’re grateful to be working alongside our local iwi and landowners to support this shared goal.”
A community site preparation and planting day was held on Saturday morning, December 6, during which about 700 plants were dug in.
The volunteer group also got funding through Horizons’ Kanorau Koiora Taketake – Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant earlier this year for its work in restoring and maintaining indigenous plants at Waikawa Beach.
“Waikawa Stream is an important taonga for our community,” Debra says. “This project is a chance for locals, landowners, and Horizons to come together to enhance an area that has wide-ranging benefits – for people, plants, birdlife, and the wider environment.”
• For more information, look for Waikawa Beach Environment Group on Facebook
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