Western Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand.
Maketu Ongatoro Wetlands group scoops top award
The Maketu Ongatoro Wetlands group won the top award at the Dunes Restoration Trust of New Zealand annual conference in Ohope last month.
The 2011 Best Coastal Restoration Project award was given to the group of volunteers for its work on the Maketu Spit.
For the last two years members have worked on weed eradication, native planting, monitoring and pest control. This work has resulted in a healthier ecosystem and an increase in breeding birds particularly the endangered New Zealand Dotterel.
The conference was attended by 26 working groups from New Zealand and was funded by Coast Care, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Whakatane District Council and Naturally Native New Zealand Plants.
The immediate problems of coastal and dune management were discussed as well as the importance of empowering coastal communities to adapt to climate change.
Delegates learned detail of the Coastal Policy Statement, the use of spinifex and pingao in dune formation, the challenges of weed infestation and the management of pests.
Work continues in the Katina wetlands and the borrow pits (inning habitat restoration) to help the area combat the challenges of agriculture, water pollution, global warming and introduced pest species.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council congratulations the Maketu Ongatoro Wetlands group for its fantastic success.
Council also acknowledges the community-wide effort that supports the group in protecting the unique Maketu Spit – with special thanks to the pupils of Maketu School in whose hands the future lies.
The Dunes Restoration Trust of New Zealand award for The Best Coastal Restoration Project 2011
Photo; Group members from left Jayne Ivied, Glenn Ayo, Rebecca Hughes, Julian Fitter
Maureen Burgess, Gus Canton and Peter Ellery
For futher Council & Library information go to: http://www.westernbay.govt.nz
