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A significant wetland at Whangaparāoa College is getting some care and attention thanks to Auckland Council, environmental group Restore Hibiscus and Bays, students and community volunteers.
Regular working bees are held to clear the area of weeds, with the next one to be held on May 5.
The wetland is heavily infested with moth plant, woolly nightshade, pampas grass, giant reed, Japanese honeysuckle and many more.
Restore Hibiscus and Bays ecological restoration advisor Deborah Colson says that, once restored, it will be a stunning piece of native habitat.
Since 2020, council’s Healthy Waters has supported the college to restore the grounds with the biggest chunk of work undertaken by a contractor. This included weeding, as well as planting and mulching native plants.
Restore Hibiscus and Bays has been involved since 2021, helping with weed removal and native planting through regular Year 7 student workshops.
Late last year, Healthy Waters, Sustainable Schools and Restore Hibiscus and Bays talked with the college and biology and Enviroschools lead Maria Sinclair about engaging the community in regular working bees at the school. The first one was held last November and this turned into community wetland working bees on the first Sunday of each month. These are run by Deborah and Maria and are open to students, their families and the wider community.
The Society Totally Against Moth Plant joined in last month’s working bee to tackle infestations around the school’s boundary.
This month, volunteers made a good start on a grove of large woolly nightshade trees and gorse, as well as more moth plant, within the wetland.
Deborah says the working bees are focused on tackling weeds.
“Native seedlings are abundant underneath the weeds, just waiting for their opportunity to grow into native habitat. As we work, we are serenaded by pīwakawaka and riroriro.”
Everyone is welcome at the working bees. No previous experience is required. Wear old clothes, with arms and legs covered (to protect from insects, scratches and moth plant sap), and sturdy shoes. Bring gardening gloves and drinking water. All tools are provided, as well as snacks at the end.
Meet outside Whangaparāoa College’s reception on Sunday, May 5 at 9am. Any questions, email deborah@restorehb.org.nz
