Planting group’s mission has begun

VISION: Planting group volunteers aim to ultimately improve water quality in the Mangawhai Harbour.

 

Mangawhai Riparian Planting Group volunteers with gorse choppers, chainsaws and loppers in hand, descended to the creek edge on Kyoko and (the late) Tich Gayford’s property on Sunday morning, August 11. The first big work day for the group was underway. After two hours the gorse was chopped, the stumps were treated and another group of volunteers arrived to bolster numbers for the planting.

The forecast wet weather held off as 150 healthy plants were placed in their new holes among the double sprayed kikuyu. With the plants well heeled in and covered with dead grass mulch, a pair of paradise ducks were pleased to see us leave their territory. Hopefully they will act as a pukeko deterrent and the plants will be well established within the next two years.

The Mangawhai Riparian Planting Group’s vision is to have all riparian margins and gullies in the Mangawhai Harbour catchment planted in native, woody plant buffers. These buffers will assist with stream bank stabilisation and erosion prevention – they will filter run-off, thereby lessening the silting up of the estuary; they will also enhance the shading and protection of fish habitats and ultimately improve water quality in the harbour. 

The group would like to acknowledge the support received from the Kaipara District and Northland Regional Councils in the form of advice, weed spray and plants to get the project started. If you are a landowner with a riparian margin that is not yet planted, and you would like help with manpower or advice please contact Jane Vaughan on 431 5828 or email janevaughan@orcon.net.nz.