1955 days ago

Locals band together to tackle pests and litter in Manukau bush

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

A Manukau woman is being awarded for her efforts in trapping pests and cleaning up rubbish in the Totara bush.

Katherine Clayton has organised a regular meet up of locals to tend to the 20 bush reserves in Totara Heights which suffer from litter and pests.

“There are big problems with rubbish that blows in, and rats and possums also live here,” she said.

“There are pest plants that smother the ground so that new seedlings can’t come up.”

Clayton said she was “blown away” by the news she had won in the local hero category in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful awards.

“I was speechless, I didn’t know I had been nominated,” she said.

“It’s just something I’ve got a passion for and it’s been really fulfilling.”

Clayton has always tended to the bush around her own property, which she has lived at for 22 years.

But she believes if the community binds together they can have a larger impact.

“Let’s come together and focus on a couple of areas of bush,” she said.

“We’ll get the rubbish out and the weeds up and talk about predator control.”

The next clean-up day will depend on lockdown restrictions but is booked for September 26.

Locals who are interested in helping out can contact Clayton through the Totara Heights Bush Guardians Facebook page.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Create a Stunning Stain Feature Wall with Resene Colorwood

The Team from Resene ColorShop Onehunga

Transform your living room into a work of art with Resene Colorwood wood stains. Find out how to create your own stain feature wall with these easy step by step instructions.

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4 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.7% Complete
  • 20.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.3% Complete
812 votes
M
10 hours ago

Age Well Kiwi

Mabel from Hillsborough

We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.

With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.

We meet on the first Saturday afternoon of the month in Mt. Roskill. Our next meeting will be 3 Jan 2026.

If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.