Monthly Archives: September 2018

Walkway update

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On Tuesday the 25th of September, thanks to Bevan Parker (Farm Manager on Pongaroa Station) a meeting took place with Michael Fay’s Management Team.　 The reason for this meeting was　to progress the discussion　around the walkway through the conservation area. Bevan explained how the walkway would bring a raft of benefits to the Mahia community in which the　team completely　agreed with.　　They were　impressed by the drive and passion of the community to get to this point so far and the international recognition received to date. We　discussed　the possibility of　a meat brand and how　the walkway would be the best way to share this story with the wider community and the overseas buyers.

The next step involves the landowners agreeing on　an easement to be surveyed and registered. From a landowner’s perspective, this is a huge decision and the WCMG acknowledges that. In the meantime, the group is　hopeful that other landowners are　going to　be　supportive of the concept　by jumping on board.

A big thank you to Bevan and to Michael Fay’s management team for　taking the time　to listen to　this initiative. Mahia would be grateful if they could partner　with us on　this journey to　create a walkway for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.

 

New entrance for the Whangawehi

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On Saturday the 1st September, the Whangawehi community banded together for a very productive working bee. The aim of the day was to spruce up the entry way into the conservation project alongside the Whangawehi bridge. There had been some dissatisfaction murmured amongst members that the gateway to such an award-winning conservation project needed to look much more impressive. That gave the six families and the army of children that turned up on the day- more than enough motivation to help create the right look for the entry way.

The weather played ball. Despite the amazing weather, the group underestimated how long it would take to remove the long agapanthus hedge (and its roots) next to the road side-even with the help of a handy tractor driver. The new post and railing fence built in its place more than justified the time lost because it looked very smart and impressive when it was finished. The school planting site was beautified with some much-needed weeding and the addition of a new access site. On the Pongaroa Station side of the river the weeds were taken to with a vengeance and old poplars removed with a chainsaw.

A huge thank you to the Whangawehi community that rolled up their sleeves for this working bee. The results achieved to date are linked directly to a small but passionate community and despite its size are producing huge results on a national and international level.

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