Teaming up for a healthier harbour
Thousands more plants were put in the banks of Porirua Stream last week as part of a project to reduce silt and contaminants entering Te-Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.
Dozens of community volunteers joined Word Wide Fund for Nature and Porirua City Council staff to plant native trees and plants below Kenepuru Drive. The school holidays brought a number of children with their families down to help, in warm and overcast weather.
Carex, flax, toitoi, lemonwoods and other plants were put in the ground as part of Project #ReBlossomNZ, a collaboration led by Botanica by Air Wick and WWF, working with Ngāti Toa and Porirua, Wellington City, and the regional councils.
All up, about 6600 plants have gone in to provide shade and help prevent pollutants from the nearby roads and state highways enter the stream, which flows into the harbour. The stream supports six species of native fish: longfin and shortfin eels, giant kōkopu, inanga, redfin, and common bullies.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said it was great to see the turnout last week and was confident of continuous community involvement.
While the recent lockdown and current alert levels curtailed some public participation, there will be ample opportunities in the coming five years for people to get their hands in the soil.
“We’ve set aside $600,000 for riparian planting in our recent Long-term Plan, so this is important for our Council and our city,” Mayor Baker said.
“These plantings are a big step towards rejuvenating our precious harbour and, with many more harbour-related projects in the pipeline, I’m sure the community will help us along the journey.”
Ngāti Toa Treaty and Strategic Relationships General Manager Naomi Solomon acknowledged the significance of the waterway to Ngāti Toa, having historically been used for mahinga kai (food gathering areas).
“The collective planting efforts will go far in providing protection for the stream bed and raising awareness in the community around kaitiakitanga of our natural environment,” she said.
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Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Age Concern Wellington presents Emotional and Mental Wellbeing workshop
A collaboration between Age Concern Wellington Region and the Catholic Social Services.
To strengthen the emotional and mental wellbeing of adults who are adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief in their lives.
Small group programme.
Suggested donation: $15 to help cover materials. Spaces are limited.
Age Concern Staying Safe Refresher Course - 18 March 2025 at Summerset Aotea
Staying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. Age Concern runs these workshops in partnership with Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The workshop aims to maintain and improve safe driving practices and increase the knowledge of other transport options available to help senior road users remain safely mobile.
The free interactive workshop runs for around 4 hours between 10am and 2pm. You do not need to be a resident to attend this course as it is run by Age Concern Wellington.
Morning tea and a light lunch provided. Spaces at each workshop are limited so please register using the website link below or call 04 4996646.
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