29 August 2011
Harakeke Waterway Planting Day Success
The local community planted 2800 plants alongside the new Harakeke Waterway last Saturday (27 August) between Maraenui
and Marewa in Napier.
About 100 people from the local community turned up, including a large number of keen school children who had already
done some planting with their schools during the week.
“It is a great response from the people who turned up and volunteered to plant. They can be proud of their hard work
which has contributed a huge amount to the transformation of this area, and we couldn’t have done it so efficiently
without them,” said Patrick Whitesell, Regional Council’s environmental engineer.
The new Harakeke Waterway is a transformation from the old, straight sided drainage ditch known as Plantation Drain.
It has been reshaped into a more natural waterway and now pathways and recreation areas will be further developed for
the local neighbourhoods to enjoy. The planting day had been postponed due to bad weather in June and July which held up
the earthworks.
It is expected that Napier City Council will complete their part of this successful joint project, by installing
bridges, a paved pathway and more trees by December.
ENDS