Over the past few weeks Tasman Bay Guardians and our mighty volunteers have been busy supporting flood-affected planting sites across the Tasman district. From re-standing plants and replacing damaged guards, to clearing silt and debris, we’ve been working alongside farmers, landowners, and hapori to restore damaged sites.
At one flood-affected property in Ngatimoti, farmer Ed joined us in the mahi, sharing his knowledge and stories of the whenua (land) and awa (river). His history of the area was as rich as the planting itself – we could have stayed for days just listening! At another site we worked with 9 rangatahi from the Hei Whanake – Introduction to Horticulture program to rescue some mature trees in Wakefield.
Spotlight on Onekaka
A recent highlight was the two days TBG members and volunteers spent planting along the Ōtere Stream in Mohua (Golden Bay), continuing a restoration project that Onekaka locals have been dedicated to for more than 20 years.
- Around 1,800 native plants were planted out along the riparian strip, from mountains to moana.
- Volunteers helped to repair damage from the July storms, filling gaps and strengthening earlier years’ plantings.
- Native grasses were established throughout an īnanga spawning site, helping to protect this important habitat.
- A great mix of locals, TBG staff, and rangatahi (youth) – free on the secondary teachers’ strike day – joined the mahi.
This long-term project shows what persistence, community effort, and kaitiakitanga can achieve.
Photos taken by Meret Weiss
Want to Volunteer OR Need help on a property?
Flood recovery has left many restoration sites across Tasman in need of care. If you’d like to VOLUNTEER and lend a hand at a working bee, or if you (or group) have a planting site that’s been damaged and is in NEED of SUPPORT, we’d love to hear from you. Email Rosalie at [email protected]
Look forward to mucking in!