Volunteers helped by DOC and Regional Council staff have just
completed planting 16,000 trees to restore a Manuka wetland in
Raumati South.
The wetland stretches from the intersection of Matai Road and
Poplar Avenue to an area several hundred metres to the south.
The Department of Conservation (DOC), Raumati South Residents
Association and the Greater Wellington Regional Council have been
working over the winter months to restore the area.
A DOC grant of $36,000 enabled Greater Wellington to buy 16,000
plants.
The wetland is considered a precious remnant of the swamp that
once stretched from Paekakariki to Foxton; and it’s one of
the few that is still in good condition.
Locals get stuck in. Chriss Bull, chair of the Raumati Residents
Association, says on average about 30 locals voluntered each Sunday
the work was done — but 100 turned up for the first
effort.
Ms Bull says it’s been a combined effort by the residents,
the Regional Council, Community Max, (a WINZ scheme that prepares
young people for the workforce) Te Ra and Raumati South schools.
Firms are also involved.
Final1300 plants go in with help from 50 URS volunteers (URS is
a company providing engineering and environment help to community
projects).
Plants included Pittosporums, Manuka, Cabbage trees, Kanuka, Toi
Toi, Flax, and Mahoe.
The native vegetation will reduce weed invasion, provide a
habitat for birds and minimize the runoff into the wetland.
.