Well I must have been having fun, because the five months since the last Update have really flown. The main thing is that the plants in the nursery are overall looking really good, most of our mainstay flax Manuka and cabbage trees would be big enough for them to be planted out now except for the dry conditions. Hopefully there will be enough rain to be able to make a start on planting in late May. Last season the adequacy of our dam water supply for the nursery was a real concern, but I am confident that we will make it through the Autumn now.
The other big news in the nursery is that with some help from our friends Hans de Man (aka Spiderman), Jim Rowlands and Grant O’Neill we have replaced the plastic roof over the potting-up area. This will be very beneficial in the changeable Spring weather when we have potting-up working bees.
Last November we were part of a presentation to landowners in the Paparoa Stream catchment regarding opportunities to support them streamside rehabilitation in the catchment. Beef&Lamb, NZ Landcare Trust, the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group and the Northland Regional Council were also involved. Time will tell if this comes to bear fruit.
I have in recent times had meetings with two people relating to different aspects of the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme. I am hopeful that we are sufficiently in their thoughts that our funding needs will be met in future.
Finally, if anyone wants to contact us by land line, we have a new number now that we are wireless broadband – 09 946 9827.
Nga mihi,
Mark