One person can make a difference

July 3, 2007

A Beach Haven resident has proved one person can make a difference in her neighbourhood.

Mandy Osborne lives next to the Kahika Stream and her grit, perseverance and effort in looking after the stream and its banks, which form part of her back garden, has earned her an award and funding.

North Shore City Council’s environmental programmes co-ordinator, Jo Harrison, says with almost 70 per cent of North Shore City streams in private ownership, contributions such as Mrs Osborne’s are very important. Mandy had plenty of vision but didn’t know where to start with the seemingly overwhelming task of looking after the stream and its surrounds, she says.

“Setting up a one woman Wai Care group and starting to monitor water quality in the stream’s mid-catchment area was really the catalyst for Mrs Osborne.

“This year her efforts were recognised when she received the regional Wai Care award for ‘Excellent Action Planning and Forward Thinking’,” says Ms Harrison.

Mrs Osborne says that looking at the ecosystem around the water was important and led to her to contacting Nature for Neighbourhoods, an advisory service (funded by North Shore City Council) available to Shore residents who have properties with or bordering a stream. She turned her attention to the daunting task of clearing her large steep bank, which is only accessible on foot, of Tradescantia (Wandering Jew), and a large stand of ginger growing well above head height. After clearing many of the smaller weeds, Mrs Osborne knew outside help was needed with the ginger.

“I was determined to put my plans into action. When I heard about the ARC’s Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) I decided to apply as if I were successful, I could use the funds to cover half the costs of cutting and treating the ginger.

“My application was successful and the ginger is now in a pile rotting down. The next step is to remove it from the site and I will apply for EIF funding again to assist with that difficult and labour intensive job,” she says.

Applicants need to apply to the ARC EIF by 5pm on July 27. The fund was set up to assist people in the Auckland region care for their local environment. Voluntary groups and individuals can apply for funding to take on practical projects that enhance, restore and protect aspects of Auckland's natural, cultural and physical environment. Applicants need to contribute at least 50 per cent towards the total project cost. This contribution can be financial, and/or through volunteer labour and materials. More details are available at www.arc.govt.nz

Residents wishing to know more about Nature for Neighbourhoods can contact the Kaipatiki Project on 482 1172 or Jo Harrison on 486 8600. The popular programme does have a waiting list.

ENDS

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