Forest of Peace, Remembrance & Community at Plimmerton Domain/Taupo Swamp
Planting Celebration – Forest of Peace, Remembrance & Community at Plimmerton Domain/Taupo Swamp – 10,700 plants and counting.
On a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, 26 June, we had a wonderful celebration of the first two years of planting of the “Forest of Peace, Remembrance and Community Forests” at Plimmerton Domain and alongside Taupo Swamp. Project co-organiser, Bill McAulay welcomed all and pointed out that we had representatives from Porirua City Council, local Rotary clubs, Rotary District and Rotary International.
We proceeded with a karakia from club kaumatua, Dexter Trail. This was a very timely connection with Matariki, planting and commencement of a new year. Unfortunately, Ngati Toa Rangitira Callum Katene was a last minute withdrawal due to Covid.
PCC Councillor (and club member), Euon Murrell talked about the connections between these plantings and the long-term riparian planting work being carried out by PCC, Sustainable Coastlines and Ngati Toa for the improvement of Porirua Harbour.
Club President, Kay Phillips acknowledged the many dignitaries attending the event and pointed out that we have planted 10,700 stems (trees, flaxes, toitoi, Carexes) since commencing in 2020 and expressed her appreciation of the amount of volunteer work done by Rotarians from the Plimmerton and Porirua Clubs.
She said “There is a strong environmental connection between the Taupo Swamp which bounds this Domain, the Taupo Stream beside us and the Porirua Harbour (Te Awarua-o-Porirua) – which are supported by Porirua City Council, Ngati Toa, our local iwi or tangatawhenua, Friends of the Taupo Swamp and the two Rotary Clubs in Porirua. Recently the Government committed $3m over 5 years to The Porirua Harbour Riparian Management Programme, to complement the $4.8 m already voted by PCC. This will be run jointly by Porirua City Council, Sustainable Coastlines and Ngāti Toa Rangatira over the next 16 years. As, Ngati Toa CE, Helmut Modlik says “Toitū te Marae o Tāne, Toitū te Marae o Tangaroa, Toitū te Iwi - protect and strengthen the realms of the Land and Sea, and they will protect and strengthen the people”.
Kay then introduced Dr Russ Ballard as chair of the Rotary Forests of Peace, Remembrance & Community Trust.
Russ traced the background to the formation of the Trust as a 2021 Rotary Centenary Project, the Trust’s wrangling of government financial support, the support role of Conservation Volunteers NZ, negotiations with local councils and described how the planting of this forest at Taupo Swamp fits with other planting projects around Aotearoa/NZ.
The next speaker was Dr Jessie Harman who is a member of the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast, Victoria and the first female Director to represent Zone 8 (Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea). Jessie talked about how many Rotary clubs have been involved in community planting projects and the recent changes with Rotary International having just set ‘Environment’ as another Rotary pillar. She then unveiled a commemorative plaque.
The next task was for six trees to be planted by Jessie, Russ, Kay, Denise (President-Elect), Kath Beattie (Area Governor) and Euon.
Finally, Mark Wheeler (District Governor) made a surprise Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Russ Ballard in acknowledgement of his contribution to the Rotary Centenary Forests Project.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% Other - I'll share below
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Don't overthink this riddle...
I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?
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