Porirua residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves and help plant 1,800 native trees and plants at Bothamley Park as part of this year’s Matariki celebrations.
The community planting day will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, July 18, and forms part of the ongoing effort to protect and restore Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.
The event supports Porirua City Council’s riparian streamside management programme, which began in 2022 and aims to establish more than six million plants along the 588 kilometres of streams that feed into the harbour by 2041.
Mayor Anita Baker said Matariki is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and plan for the future.
“Harvesting, restoration and environmental stewardship are important tenets of Matariki,” she said.
Baker said planting around waterways improves freshwater quality and the health of local streams and the harbour while helping bring the community together.
“A planting day builds connections between neighbours, groups and the wider Porirua community.”
Community organisations including Mountains to Sea Wellington, Predator Free Porirua and Ngahere Korowai will be on site with information stalls. A free sausage sizzle will also be provided.
Members of the Te Awa Taiao Cadets programme will help care for the newly planted trees, replace any that fail to establish and remove pest species. The two-year programme helps young people develop environmental and conservation skills while acting as guardians of Bothamley Park.
People wanting to take part are asked to register by emailing [email protected]. Participants should meet at the Champion Street entrance to Bothamley Park and wear gumboots and suitable outdoor clothing.
A postponement date of Sunday, July 19, has been scheduled if poor weather prevents the event from going ahead.
Other free Matariki events taking place across Porirua include:
- Matariki craft session at the City Centre Library, Thursday, July 9, from 4pm to 5.15pm.
- Ka kā te rama light walk along the Porirua harbourside, starting at Wi Neera Drive from 5pm on Thursday, July 9.
- Matariki light display along the harbourside between Pirate’s Cove and Pak’nSave, July 9-12 from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
- Honouring the remembrance star Pōhutukawa at Pātaka Art + Museum on Friday, July 10.
- Weaving Wall installation at Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, from July 4-19.