Sign In / Register
More than 100 people made their way to the Okahukura Peninsula on Saturday, January 25 to celebrate the Tapora Land and Coast Care Group’s 25th anniversary and the official opening of its new native plant nursery.
After a powhiri at Tapora Community Hall, a number of speeches were made about how the organisation had started and its subsequent progress in pest management and planting over the years, not least by group patron and founding member Wally McConnell.
Then it was time to open the new nursery, Tipu Rākau (tree trunk), on land behind the hall, where hundreds of taonga species unique to the area are being grown from seed to support replanting and restoration of local whenua.
The day-long celebration, which was supported by Te Uri o Hau and Auckland Council, also featured performances by Tapora School students, a hangi lunch and a guided tour of a new wetland walkway on group president Earle Wright’s farm, with environmental insights from Fonterra ecologist Ben Herbert along the way.
The day concluded with a well-earned rest and refreshments at the Tapora Golf Club.
Land and Coast Care Group secretary Natalie McConnell said the event had been a resounding success and exceeded all their expectations.
“It was a special time to reflect on the group’s journey and to acknowledge the incredible mahi of our volunteers and community partners who have made it all possible,” she said.
“We are deeply grateful for the strong attendance from whānau, community members, supporters and sponsors. Their presence created a warm and connected atmosphere throughout the day, and so many people commented on how nice it was to be part of something that felt like an old school community.”
McConnell said feedback since had been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s clear the event has reignited enthusiasm and energy for the important work we have ahead.”
