Around 50 people came along to the Te Hoiere Project Field Day recently to learn more about the Project.
Te Hoiere Project Programme Manager Rachel Russell said the field trip was a great opportunity for the Project team and the wider community to see first hand what was happening in the catchment.
"We were thrilled to have such an awesome turnout and to be able to share with all those who came along both the fantastic mahi already underway in the catchment and some future aspirations."
Attendees gathered on a sweltering hot morning near the Havelock Cemetery before visiting the Havelock/Motuweka Pathway wetland, Havelock Causeway and Te Hoiere Motuweka estuary.
Havelock Community Association's Don Pointon and Dan Moore from Moore and Associates spoke about the planned wetland restoration adjacent to the Link Pathway. This small wetland and stream feeds into the Motuweka estuary and planned restoration efforts will include planting the surrounding area.
Marlborough District Council Katohutohu Hononga ā Iwi Ruihana Smith also shared many insights into the cultural significance and history of the area including the name 'Motuweka' which refers to the technique early Māori used to catch weka.
Te Hoiere Project Catchment Care Coordinator Aubrey Tai spoke about the Havelock Causeway, the largest planting project undertaken by Te Hoiere Project, where 48,308 native plants are now in the ground. It’s importance as a transition zone between the salty waters of the estuary and the lowland valley floor was explained by Council Environmental Scientist Peter Hamill.
Oliver Wade, Council’s Principal Coastal Scientist, and Matt Hippolite from SoluCom also discussed the legacy project underway to develop a restoration plan for the wider Motuweka estuary with engagement from multiple stakeholders including the community.
Finally, following a hangi lunch at Pelorus Bridge provided by Rourou Tāwara (the food truck run by Ngāti Kuia) participants visited the Ngā Tai Pūrua native plant nursery to learn more about this Ngāti Kuia venture which includes the restoration of nearby wetland, Whenua Haumako.
