Over fifty visitors, both local and international turned out for the third guided walk this summer.  Due to previous request, the day started at the Mahia Beach Waste Water Treatment Plant.  Jamie Cox, Manager of the Wairoa District Council Engineering Department, allowed the group to specially access the site and also gave a comprehensive explanation of the whole system and how it functions.  The group then traversed the forest where Leon Symes,  Treasurer and one of the original foundation members of the W.C.M.G. spoke about the significant sites for local Maori.  Arthur Bowen, Cultural Health Index Co-Ordinator, explained the life cycle of the Whitebait in the Catchment and underlined the positive impact that the Restoration Programme is having on this rare fish species.  The day ended at the Whangawehi Bridge where Malcolm Smith, DOC ranger, talked about the Blue Penguin Restoration Programme and the many other birds that are returning to the area.  We thank all the visitors who have supported these guided walks and welcome them in the future for any new guided walks or community planting days.

Next guided walk Friday the 15th of January