Boost for river restoration

A community planting day to help stop sediment flowing into the Mahurangi River and harbour will take place on Sunday, July 8.

The day is part of an effort to plant 6500 native plants and trees along 510 metres of a tributary of the Mahurangi River, near Hepburn Creek.

Plants will predominantly be manuka, kanuka and coprosma, but will also include smaller numbers of trees such as kahikatea, puriri and titoki.

It’s expected the planting will reduce sediment and nutrients flowing into stream from the land.

The planting day is a joint project between local landowners, the QEII National Trust and the Million Metres Streams Project – an effort by a group of businesses dedicated to accelerating riparian restoration.

QEII National Trust regional representative Chris Floyd says it’s an exciting collaboration that will enhance local waterways.

“It will be another small step to improve the water quality of the Mahurangi estuary and the Hauraki Gulf that is a playground and food source for residents in the Warkworth area,” he says.

The tributary is home to a number of rare species such as long-fin eel, freshwater crayfish and freshwater mussels.

The project site is owned by the Simperingham family, who have already fenced and planted many of the streams on their property.

So far, more than $12,000 has been raised for the planting project and while enough has been raised to go ahead with planting this winter, further funds are required to ensure the completion of the project.

Local business Scrub Growers has donated more than 3000 native plants to support the effort.

To participate in the planting day, meet at 52 Hepburn Creek Road, Warkworth. Bring gloves, boots and a clean spade. Morning tea and lunch provided.

Info: Contact Chris Floyd, cfloyd@qeii.org.nz; 021 066 2165.  To see a video go to millionmetres.org.nz, search ‘projects’ for Mill Stream Restoration.