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, Fleabane and Coastal Sea Wattle is also vitally important part of the work we all do.
Our 'Working bees'
Every year, we invite members of the Waikawa Beach community and visitors to help out with weeding and planting on the beach. We not only have a very enjoyable time but, with all the extra help, we also achieve far more than we possibly could on our left to our own devices.
Recent working bees have been a great success and, as a day to get together with friends and family and meet new people, it's always a lot of fun. Our local newspapers often send reporters to record the event and we have received great coverage from the Horowhenua Chronicle and Otaki Today.
Everyone gets stuck in...
We are always overwhelmed by the support of so many enthusiastic helpers
Some welcome coverage by the local news media
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.
The next 'Working bee'
Thanks again to all who have taken part in this project so far. Please look out for updates on the Waikawa Beach Environment Group Facebook page, Manakau Facebook page, Waikawa Beach community Facebook page and the Waikawa Beach community notice board for the next weeding and planting days.
Top photos kindly provided by Jan Jordan.
Newpaper article from Otaki Today