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.

As a working bee it was a success, but as a day to get together with friends and family and meet new people, it was great. Both of our local newspapers sent reporters to record it and we received good coverage from the Horowhenua Chronicle and the Otaki Today.

We were blown away by the support we got from you all. As you can see from the pictures, 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 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, so we're keen to help them survive and thrive. The removal of pest plants such as Marram, Lupin, Pampas, Blackberry, Tropical Horseweed and Coastal Sea Wattle is a vitally important part of the work we all do.

Rumour has it we'll have even more Spinifex and Pingao plants next time round, so please keep an eye out for updates on this site, along with the Manakau and Waikawa Beach community Facebook pages and the Waikawa Beach community notice board.

Thanks again to all who took part and we hope to see you at there next 'working bee'.

Photos kindly provided by Jan Jordan.