Purpose of group
The community’s overarching goal is to improve and preserve the ecology of this wetland area so it protects and supports biodiversity – mainly birds and wetland plants – and provides an area for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy.
This will require a focus on pest eradication, replanting and water management. Whilst this is a newly established project it builds on previous and current community activity.
About the group
One of our initial aims is to identify and engage with key partners to support us to acheive our goal - these include Koitiata Residents Committee, Ngati Apa, Department of Conservation, Rangatikei District Council and Horizons. We’ve benefitted from discussions with individuals who have been involved in restoration projects around the region and we’ve valued their advice. We have also been fortunate to establish a relationship with the Landbased Training team in Marton and they are using our project as the focus for their new Pest Management Course. We will work alongside their students to develop and implement plans over the next few months.
Whilst we are still busy on setting the project up the group also wanted to make a start so we’ve taken an initial focus on removing Purple Ragwort from the area. We’ve manually pulled over 20 trailer loads of these plants and in addition we have 30 large black rubbish bags full of seed head that are currently rotting down. Its been a bit of trial and error and we’ve learnt a lot along the way.
Next steps include getting a spray programme underway for those weeds that require this approach eg gorse.
Location of main site
Koitiata Domain Recreation Reserve
Koitiata, Turakina Beach
Name of contact person: Jo Anson
Email address: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] (preferred method of contact)
Telephone number: 0274463261