Two experts at Whangawehi

Posted on November 15, 2016 by whangawehi

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On the 12th and 13th of November, two well renown consultants came to Whangawehi to assess the work done and provide expertise and advice on how to better manage the protected ecosystems and increase their biodiversity. A report will follow but both were most impressed by the work done by the group. Guidance was given on water management in the wetlands in order to create more favourable habitats for wetland species. Water levels and diverse margins or ecotones are key to the success.

A big thank you to John Cheyne and Hans Rook for their help and support.

Monitoring programmes update

Posted on November 15, 2016 by whangawehi

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Water monitoring :

Water analysis from the November run is now available, please follow the link november2016.

Insect monitoring :

The French students are still deploying their insects traps and collecting their data from the field. The sites monitored during this study will be part on our monitoring programme. The data collected will be available on the blog once the study is finished.

This first study is a bench mark that will allow the community to better measure the impact of the restoration programme on several bio indicators or “sentinelles”. The French students will train the community and leave resources on how to carry out the insect monitoring programme in the future. The methodology was designed for community groups with limited knowledge in Entomology, so it is accessible to anybody. For more info, please check our Insect Monitoring tab.

The students have also created Weta houses for ongoing monitoring of this specie. The houses will be installed in different areas and will be checked once a year as part of our invertebrate monitoring programme. Lizards hides will also be installed.

A flax collection at Whangawehi

Posted on November 4, 2016 by whangawehi

Sue O’Brien recently established a flax collection along the river. 12 rare specimen donated by Landcare and Research were planted around the Whare. The idea will be to provide a high quality supply of different types of flaxes and develop, with the community, weaving activities around the whare.

We will keep you posted. Thank you Sue

Water monitoring run

Posted on November 4, 2016 by whangawehi

On Thursday the 3d, Arthur Bowen carried out a water monitoring run and observed a lot of changes along the river. The most encouraging observation was a school of 200 white baits swimming in the stream up in the forest. White baits were observed in the Mangatupae stream as well…the project is working! The river banks are also starting to grow abundant crops of water cress…indicating that the Mahinga kai is definitively returning. Water clarity was extremely good with no alguae growth observed yet.

Meeting on the Taharoa Trust

Posted on November 1, 2016 by whangawehi

Last week, Fenton Wilson, Mike Adye and Nathan Heath from Hawkes Bay Regional Council came to the Taharoa Trust to meet with Pat O’Brien (Chairman of the WCMG) and Nic Caviale (Project Coordinator). All parties gathered around the table to share ideas and options on how to sustain the work carried out by the group in the future.

On behalf of the WCMG, I would like to acknowledge HBRC’s support and commitment to find innovative ways of supporting our community initiative.

Nga mihi nui ki a koutou

French Interns

Posted on November 1, 2016 by whangawehi

Two French Interns from the ENSAT (Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique de Toulouse) are currently helping the group develop a community based insect monitoring tool. This simple tool will be implemented every year with the idea of strengthening our ability to measure the impact of the conservation work carried out. Lucie and Louise are also helping out with our bird monitoring programme, pest control, water monitoring and blog development. We wish you all the best in Wairoa.

Edward’s unveiling

Posted on October 17, 2016 by whangawehi

On Sunday the 16th of October, family and whanau gathered along the Whangawehi bridge to unveil Edward Hammond’s plaque. Eddy was part of the water monitoring team, he also took part to the cultural survey carried out by Mana Cracknel. He was closely involved with Te Mahia school where he provided and transferred his knowledge to the younger generations. Edward had a special connection with the kids and took great satisfaction in teaching them what he knew. Edward was a doer always looking at interacting with the kids in a positive and constructive manner.

Edward’s plaque stands amongst his legacy, hundreds of native trees, blue penguin boxes and a beautiful Totara tree planted by the school students in remembrance of him. Eddy helped the group establish “te kakano” the seeds for a better future and a better community. Edward was a private and humble person and the unveiling was an opportunity to discover the community Man he was.

Nga mihi nui kia a koe Matua Edward, we miss you. The seeds you have sown are growing and your legacy will long last.

A big thank you to Tuahuru Marae, Rae, Toria, Trixie, Janice and all the whanau for their great sense of hospitality.

Trust Power Community Award

Posted on September 27, 2016 by whangawehi

The Whangawehi Catchment Management Group was the runner up in the Heritage and Environment category at the Trust Power Community Award. Rae Te Nahu received a certificate and a $250 price. 3 years ago the group won the Supreme award for the District and it was pleasant to see that the enthusiasm hadn’t faded away. Well done Rae.

An amazing planting campaign

Posted on September 16, 2016 by whangawehi

On Tuesday the 13th of September, two local men planted the last trees for the 2016 restoration campaign. The native plants came from the Whakaki nursery.

A huge amount of work has been carried out by the Whangawehi team and contractors in the most challenging weather conditions. 64 000 trees were planted which brings the total number of trees established since 2014 up to 134 000 trees. 8 km of river are now fenced off, retired and will be covenanted in the next few month cumulating a total of 42 ha. 5 ha of bush block have also been fenced off and retired.

A big thank you to the Whangawehi volunteers, landowners and sponsors for their support.

The project in entering now in an active monitoring and maintenance phase including release spraying, weed control and site maintenance. The pest control programme is also gaining momentum.

Te Mahia School planting day

Posted on August 30, 2016 by whangawehi

Te Mahia school students came along the Whangawehi to continue their planting project initiated 3 years ago. They established 150 trees and laid out their Blue Penguin nesting boxes built earlier on in August. A korero on pest control was given before returning to school. A big thank you to Jenny Scothern, the parents, teachers and Whangawehi volunteers for their help and support. The small forest (600 trees) is growing and it is nice to see our tamariki grow and learn at the same time. Well done to you all.