Community involvement
The Waikawa Beach fore-dune environment hosts a number of plants endemic to this area, such as Spinifex and Pingao, which help stabilise the dunes against wind and storm erosion. It's also a favourite nesting area for some local and migrating birdlife, so providing plant cover for them hopefully keeps them out of harms way.
The removal of pest plants such as Marram, Lupin, Pampas, Blackberry, Tropical Horseweed and Coastal Sea Wattle is also vitally important part of the work we all do.
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Our May 'Working bee'
In May this year, we invited members of the Waikawa Beach community and visitors to a weeding and planting day on the beach. The weather didn't let us down and we not only had a very enjoyable time but, with all the extra help, we achieved far more than we could have hoped for.
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As a working bee it was a great success, but as a day to get together with friends and family and meet new people, it was a lot of fun. Our local newspapers sent reporters to record it and we received good coverage from the Horowhenua Chronicle and the Otaki Today.
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Everyone got stuck in...​
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We were overwhelmed by the support of 50 or so enthusiastic helpers​
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Some welcome coverage by the local news media
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This work is very important so we were blown away by the support we got from all who supported us. Eager volunteers included young and old, mums and dads... and plenty of kids. It was a lively day, full of welcome enthusiasm and enjoyment. Who knew that picking up a spade and digging holes in the sand could be so much fun? Well, the kids did I suppose.
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The next 'Working bee'
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Thanks again to all who have taken part in this project so far. Please look out for updates on Manakau and Waikawa Beach community Facebook pages and the Waikawa Beach community notice board for the next weeding and planting day. This is likely to take place on the northern walkway of Reay Mackay Grove, and is usually scheduled from 9.30 am 'til midday.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: Unpredictable weather postpones community working bee again...
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Wow, what a spring it's been so far. Wild, windy and wet! Who would have thought lol. We apologise on behalf of the weather for the series of delays to our much anticipated planting days. Very disappointing, as it is important to get stuff bedded in and well established during early spring so that it has the best chance of survival over a long, dry summer. Coastal environments can be tricky!!!
Check here for further updates, or go to https://www.facebook.com/WaikawaBeachEnvironmentGroup/ and other community facebook pages.
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We hope to see you there.
T​op photos kindly provided by Jan Jordan.
Newpaper article from Otaki Today
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