Planting is proceeding well with completion of the northern section of the Ramaroa site. Holes were again pre-dug (Yeah!) and the 11th was a magnificent day to be working on the land. It was a good turnout of 30 people aged 2 to 88 and we were helped along by Janet’s yummy fruit cake at morning tea. The Mountain Bike Club changed the time of their Sunday ride so members could take part thanks for their support.
An extra 430 plants were purchased from Nga Ururora using the tail end of our grant from the Ministry of the Environment, these introduced some additional species to the block. In addition, the Titoki Nursery Trust workers braved horrible conditions to deliver and plant their donation of 150 flax and carex under the guidance of Steve Saunders. Thanks to them.
Trustees this week met Marc Slade from WWF-NZ to show him the Ti Kouka Stream riparian protection project site. This is exciting as it will be the first stream to be protected within the grazing zone. A number of other streams will need similar management over future years.
Final preparations for developing the new entrance to the farm are happening, the contract for building work has been let and this week NZTA and DoC hope to finalise details for the Waterfall Rd extension.
There are administration changes affecting DoC; the Kāpiti and Wellington offices have been amalgamated. The new area manager is Rob Stone. Ian Cooksley is moving to a different role. We thank him for his contribution to developments at Whareroa and look forward to working with Rob. Wayne Boness and Colin Giddy will continue to be our local contacts at DoC Waikanae.
We are distressed that sheep are still getting into restoration areas we have made strong representations to DoC. They put at risk both our 2009 plantings from many hours of your voluntary work and 4 years of regeneration with seedlings such as matai in two key areas of covenant bush.
Work continues on the development of a Strategic Plan for Whareroa. It is a complex but fascinating exercise, looking ahead 10 years. The draft will be circulated to supporters and be available to the public before completion.
Many thanks to planting volunteers on July 11th, and to those popping in at other times: Theo Barsanti, Peter Davis, Jason Bohmer, Jonathon, Alex & Riley Waterworth, Tony & Helen Griffiths, Bob Zuur, Cherie Ruscoe, Steve Lewis, Sue Blaikie, Alexander McManus, Richard Bell, Ben Drinkwater, Jennifer Ramshaw, Anthony Dreaver, June & Fred Rowland, Julie Lines, Shane Gaskin, Jean McCallan, Grant Nichol, Bernard Cammack, Joe Wilson, Julie Midgley, Jan Nisbet, Dawn Bush, Ann Evans and Janet King.
