Category Archives: Conservation- Native bird specie- Indigenous project-Habitat restoration- Pest control

Farmers meeting to progress the Whangawehi covenant

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Local farmers involved with the Whangawehi Project gathered today on Okepuha Station to progress the Covenant started a few years ago. This covenant is unique as it has been developed by our landowners who felt uncomfortable using other types of Covenants. After todays’ meeting, the group is confident and  comfortable with the last changes requested and indicated that it was ready for signing. This is a major achievement for the project as this covenant gives protection to the investment made by funders for 25 years. Well done to you all. Signings will take place later on in the spring.

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Birds experts at Whangawehi

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On the 16th of August, Tamsin Ward Smith and Kay Grifith, both environmental consultants from Hawkes bay came to Whangawehi for a short site assessment study. Over the past 4 years, the Catchment Group has allowed the retirement of favourable habitats for a number of bird species. In parallel, our pest control activities have grown to allow the bird life to recolonize these protected habitats. The report that will follow this field study will help the group better understand what bird species are likely to come back naturally, which ones are likely to thrive in the habitats available at present time and the steps to follow if we decide to translocate a specific bird specie back into the catchment.This scoping study will give us an insight on what to expect and the nature of the work required ahead of us.

Bird study at Whangawehi

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On the 16th of August, Tamsin Ward Smith and Kay Grifith, both environmental consultants from Hawkes bay came to Whanagwehi for a short site assessment study. Over the past 4 years, the Catchment Group has allowed the retirement of favourable habitats for a number of bird species. In parallel, our pest control activities have grown to allow the bird life to recolonize these protected habitats. The report that will follow this field study will help the group better understand what bird species are likely to come back naturally, which ones are likely to thrive in the habitats available at present time and the steps to follow if we decide to translocate a specific bird　 specie back into the catchment.This scoping study will give us an insight on what to expect and the nature of the work required ahead of us.

 

Financial Sustainability workshop

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A few weeks ago, Gerard Quinn and Will Allen helped the group find ways of becoming financially sustainable. This facilitation work was funded by Hawkes Bay Regional Council, thank you to Campbell Leckie and Nathan Heath for supporting the group.

Gerard’s report is now available so enjoy the reading : WCMG Funding Sustainability Report

 

Kathleen Mato welcomes the Green Ribbon Awards

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Last week, Pat and Sue O’Brien paid Kathleen Mato a visit in Gisborne. Kathleen was very proud for the group to have received the Supreme Award at the Green Ribbon Awards. Kathleen received quite a few Awards during her time as the Leader of the Group. Well done Kathleen for the Legacy you leave.

 

May water monitoring data

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Water monitoring was carried out at Whangawehi. Faecal contamination is bellow acceptable limit for recreational purposes which is surprisingly good. Water sampling was done after a long rain event and it is good to see that our riparian strips and fences are doing a good job. During the sampling, we observed quite a few geese dwelling in several tributaries. Surprisingly enough, these tributaries had higher than average E Coli levels. The geese population will have to be controlled if we want to reduce our faecal contamination in the waterways.

May2017

Press release for the project

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The has been fortunate to have some very good media coverage over the past few weeks. You can follow the links or browse via the Communication tab. Happy reading.

WairoaStarRibbonAwardsJune2017

WairoaStarJune2017-Green RibbonAwards

OurPlaceJune2017

Hon Dr Nick Smith- Press Release

Green Ribbon Awards

HBTodayJune2017-Green RibbonAwards

Gisborne Herald June2017- Green Ribbon Awards

HBRCreleaseJune2017

Planting day going ahead

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Hi all,

The planting day on Okepuha Station is going ahead with some good weather hopefully.

Date : 17th of June 2017

Location : Okepuha Station 1782 Mahia East Coast Road

See flyer attached : WhangawehiPlanting2017

Please give me a call if you need any more information.

Thank you for your support.

Nic

068388527

Whangawehi Finalist at the Green Ribbon Award

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“The Green Ribbon Awards recognise the recognise outstanding contributions by individuals, communities and organisations to protect and manage New Zealand’s environment”.

The WCMG has been selected as a finalist to the most prestigious environmental awards in the country, it is a privilege and a significant recognition for our landowners, community and Marae. It is the 4th time in a row that the group competes but this year, the WCMG was able to demonstrate for the first time via HBRC input that the work done was improving significantly water quality. This is unique in Hawkes Bay and we hope that the hard work achieved by all our volunteers will be recognised and awarded by a winner prize in the “caring for our water” category.

Well done to you all.

We will keep you posted.