This group formed in September 2016 with the intention of getting rid of invasive weeds from local coastal reserves and then remedial planting with native plants. They are a member of the Upper Harbour Ecology Network and an invitation to join them has been circulated to all households throughout Whenuapai RRA local area.
They have already held several weeding bees (like removing tree privet from under pōhutukawa to improve the popular Waimarie Beach Reserve) and plans are underway to start a community predator control programme supported by Gecko, targeting both rats and possums.
Members of the group are excited about the possibilities of working together, and are very pleased to have had the support and guidance of a Gecko facilitator in both the technical and social aspects of getting a group off the ground. “Without you I wouldn’t have had the confidence to get the group going, being an absolute beginner,” says Group Coordinator Paul Herbert who, inspite of personal health challenges, is consciously making positive life choices. The working group hasn’t been slow to exploit the social possibilities of getting to know each other at working bees and have already discovered that an after work ‘Wine and Weeds’ session attracts a greater turnout than a Saturday morning.
If you’d like to support them in their efforts contact their Group Coordinator Paul Herbert paulh0411@gmail.com
With support and funding from Upper Harbour Local Board and the Upper Harbour Ecology Network