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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Update:
First and foremost, A BIG THANK YOU to all the volunteers that turned up to plant yesterday, Saturday 16 July 2016. There was an overwhelming number in support. You were all awesome, like one big machine, it was amazing. The turnout was beyond our expectations, given the cancellation of the first planting day 9th July 2016. We would like to acknowledge the people who were intending to turn up, to plant on 9 July. The volunteer representation on 16 July, came from San Rafael, California, USA, Wellington, Taradale, Napier, Gisborne, Frasertown, Wairoa, Mahanga, and Mahia. Your time and effort is most appreciated. It was beautiful to witness the passion that went into the planting.
A BIG THANK YOU to the community of Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, East Coast, and the rest of the country for your support in promoting the Group’s activities.
Outcome:
A wonderful successful day with happy volunteers and a happy WCM Group, some feeling rather stuffed at the end of the day, with a few finding it hard to stop. Awesome work everyone.
It is estimated that between five to six thousand native plants were planted.
A few sore muscles and scratches here and there. Parents and grandparents left with some excellent working tired children.
Another big step completed towards Restoring the Whangawehi Awa to its pristine condition.
Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou, nga kaitiaki o Papatuanuku.
Greetings to you all.
Update
The community planting day is all go for this Saturday 16th July 2016, just turn up.
If you are still available to attend the community planting this Saturday 16th July 2016 it will be great to see you there.
The plants are still healthy. All the holes are dug and the plants will be laid out so it will just be a matter of planting the native plants and ensuring that they are firmly in the ground. Saturday is forecast to be fine. We will be on site from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.
Meeting point is at the Whangawehi Bridge car park – just turn up.
Directions from Opoutama – Once you have arrived in Opoutama just follow the red arrows to Whangawehi Bridge. In Opoutama the first turn is right, over the railway crossing onto Ormond Drive, stay on this road which then becomes East Coast Road which will take you to the Whangawehi Bridge car park. Personnel will be there to direct you from there. It is not safe to drive vehicles down the hill to the actual planting site, so we will have transport down the hill or you may prefer to walk down the old road (about 10 minutes).
Late Arrivals – there is a plan for you too.
FeeI free to arrive and leave when it suits, if you arrive after we have left the Whangawehi Bridge Car Park, there will be arrows to direct you to Pongaroa Station, first turn on the right over the Whangawehi bridge, just continue to follow the arrows. When you arrive at the last gate where cars are not permitted to enter for safety reasons, you may have to walk to the site (approx 10 minutes down hill). Again it will be great to see you there.
Remember to bring appropriate clothing, footwear and your lunch, drinks and a trowl if you have one. Gloves are a good idea also.
Thank you all for your support. Take care and have a safe journey.
Whangawehi Catchment Management Group 