Parahaki Island Planting Day

Te Kāuru-Hapū Collective is spearheading a project to restore Parahaki Island at the Ashhurst entrance to the Gorge, with all invited to don their gumboots for a planting day on May 31.

The Island was once well utilised by Rangitāne tīpuna as a Mahinga Kai site and work has been carried out over the past few years to clean up the significant area.

This work included a clean-up day in March 2013 where over 80 community members removed trailer loads of flood debris, general rubbish and junk from the Island that would otherwise end up in the Manawatū River.

Te Kāuru-Hapū Collective representative Hine Carberry says planting native plants along the River is an important part of restoring the Island to its former use.

“This project has been a fantastic opportunity to work together with the community, in collaboration with Horizons Regional Council and others with the overall goal being, the improvement and health of our River,” she says.

Te Kāuru-Hapū Collective has been leading the Parahaki project with the support of Horizons Regional Council and the Manawatū Gorge Biodiversity Project. It is a significant community project under the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord grants initiative, receiving funding from Central Government’s Fresh Start for Fresh Water Clean-Up Fund.

The upcoming planting will provide an opportunity for the wider community to get involved, with around 2,000 plants set to go in on the day.

The planting day starts at 9.30am with a welcome and karakia at the Gorge car park. Lunch will be provided and people are advised to come equipped with gumboots, gloves and spades.

Mrs Carberry asks that people are aware of the need to cross the River which may be around knee height.

“We will have a boat to help cross the River if required. However, due to the danger of river crossing and other hazards, this event is for those aged 14 and over only,” she says.

ENDS

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