When Jeremy Busck and Pamela Winter decided to turn a swampy, weed-filled, mangrove-fringed wasteland into a wildlife reserve, naysayers thought it a classic case of hope springs eternal.
But "springs" and "eternal" are the essence of the successful private conservation project called Dragonfly Springs Wetlands, in Onerahi.
The site is now a well-planted nature reserve where fresh water springs, drainage helping to process run-off from the Church St ridge above the site, and a pond system support birds.
The replanting of appropriate native trees and grasses complement the park-like, privately owned reserve that Mr Busck and Ms Winter occasionally open to the public to show and share what can be done with hope and hard work, and a willingness to throw money at the project.
At a recent open day, more than 200 people visited, even though there were at least three other public events being held in Whangarei, Mr Busck said.