GUARDIANS TO LAUNCH A RANGE OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS
The Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet were blown away by the massive community response to their annual Photographic Competition in February-March. Through 2007 they will be launching a range of other projects to build on this goodwill toward the Inlet as the heart of our community.
GOPI's biggest drive, in late 2007, will be to get 100+ volunteers for the triennial cockle count. The probable date is the week end of 18-19 November, and they ask friends of the Inlet to note this date in their diaries now.
'It is a valuable and valid measure through time of the health of the Inlet,' says GOPI Chair John Wells. 'It will be supported by funding from Greater Wellington and as usual the results will be processed by NIWA.
'We value the support from our friends of all ages in past years. We are looking for another splendid turn out in November. It will be a great opportunity for community involvement in working for the health of the Inlet.
'In the meantime our committee is seeking to launch other more local projects. In particular, arrangements are well in hand, in cooperation with Porirua City Council, and with hundreds of plants from Greater Wellington, for tree planting on the Camborne Walkway on Sunday May 6, or if wet, May 13.'
A mail box drop will alert Camborne and Mana residents to this opportunity for community action, with the rendezvous at the Water Ski Club car park on Gray's Road at 10 am. The trees will be ready, laid out and waiting. Volunteer planters are asked to bring spades and stout shoes, and drinks, snacks and lunch as appropriate.
'Help for half a day, or a whole day, will be very welcome,' says coordinator Alastair Harray of Motukaraka Point. 'Camborne resident Wanda Tate, of the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve Management Committee, will be providing the specialist planting advice. Planting will reduce sedimentation that damages the Inlet.
'We expect our volunteers will plant five to ten plants an hour, depending on the terrain. With 600-plus plants promised, we will need a sizable commitment from our Camborne friends and families. But supporters from all round the Inlet wanting to join in on May 6 will be equally welcome.'
Further information may be had from phoning Alastair Harray on 2336648 or Guardians' Secretary Ken Rae on 2339614.
Alastair Harray is also building a local group in Motukaraka Point with a view to their taking responsibility for ongoing care for the walkway being extended eastward from the point.
Thirdly, Guardians Chair John Wells has been asked by officers of Greater Wellington to meet with their scientist adviser who has been contracted to survey the whole of the Inlet in order to identify 'Take Care' projects for local groups. John Wells believes the salt marsh at Shell Point on the Golden Gate peninsula is a key possibility for restoration by a group of local residents. He will report developments, and any further opportunities for community projects, to the May meeting of the Guardians' Committee.
