St Paddy’s Day a fitting occasion for stream clean

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

For St Patrick’s Day this year, the Waikanae Stream clean-up crew invite volunteers to go green by helping weed native shrubs planted near the awa at the Grey Street Skate Park on Sunday between 1pm and 3pm.

Organising team member Jason Akuhata-Brown said it was sheer chance but fitting that the work session has been set up for St Paddy’s Day, which is closely associated with the colour green.

Clearing weeds and litter from native shrubberies seeds a great Tairāwhiti way to celebrate, he said.

“The frequent rainstorms last year restricted the amount of work we were able to do on this project and we’ve had an excellent growing season this summer.

“The native shrubberies are looking great but the weeds are also very healthy, so there’s plenty to do,” Mr Akuhata-Brown said.

The Waikanae Stream project started in 2011 with a litter clean-up organised by Mr Akuhata-Brown and has continued with regular maintenance and continued planting.

Plantings help filter water flowing into the awa and provide habitat for native species.

“The work is suited to all ages and abilities and includes jobs like rubbish collection, weeding and loading greenwaste on to trailers. We will finish off with a sausage sizzle, which is a good chance for us to share korero after the mahi,” Mr Akuhata-Brown said.

Volunteers interested in weeding should bring gardening gloves.

Light gloves, rubbish bags and hand-sanitiser will be available for people wanting to collect litter.

Participants should wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for changeable weather conditions.

Te Ora Hou, the Department of Conservation, Gisborne District Council, Women’s Native Tree Project Trust, Tairāwhiti Environment Centre and Judds Ltd are some of the many businesses and organisations that have supported work at Waikanae Stream since the first rubbish collection 13 years ago.

• For further information contact Jill Hudson on 027-814-1812 or email hudsonmara7@gmail.com