Bostock New Zealand leads efforts to clean up Karamū Stream

Bostock New Zealand Karamu restoration project manager Lisa Arnold gets planting on the banks of the stream. Photo / Supplied

People are being encouraged to bring their spades and join Bostock New Zealand in a bid to clean up the Karamu Stream.

Bostock New Zealand had four orchards next to the Karamu Stream, and owner John Bostock said it was time landowners and community groups took action to help it clean it up.

To that end he had started the Bostock New Zealand Karamū Restoration Project.

"We have committed to fencing and voluntary planting almost 1km of the stream. We need to take ownership of different areas of the Karamū stream and work together to restore this beautiful waterway."

Bostock planned to pay for the fencing costs along the stretch of land owned by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, while the council would pay for some of the native plants, including kakatea, totara, manuka, cabbage trees and miro.

"With our Karamū Restoration Project, we are focusing on planting native species that will shade the stream and lower the water temperature for the habitat. It will also keep stock away," said Bostock.

The plan was to complete the work as sustainably as possible.

"All the fence posts we are using are recycled from our organic vineyard. We haven't used any chemicals or sprays to prepare the area for planting and we are using hay mulch as fertiliser," he said.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham welcomed the initiative.

"It's outstanding to see Hawke's Bay companies and community groups getting in behind us to help clean up our waterways. Restoring the Karamū is doable, but we can't do it alone."

The first native planting day involving Bostock New Zealand staff, family and friends would be held on Sunday, June 17, and the public was invited to join in.