Call to community to replant at Waikanae Stream

Twelve Phoenix Palms are set to be removed from Alfred Cox Park tomorrow to make way for new native plantings and landscaping by school and community groups happening next week.

Children from Te kura kaupapa o Ngā Uri-a-Māui will complete a day of re-planting native trees and plants beside Waikanae Stream on Friday 17 June;

and a community planting day will be open to volunteers wanting to muck in on Sunday 19 June.

The work is part of a project to improve the water quality of the Waikanae Stream and a plan for developing the park.

“We’re working with community groups to improve habitat conditions, water quality, and the mauri (life) of the stream,” says planning and development group manager Nedine Thatcher-Swann.

With support from the Waikanae Stream Care Group, Council is providing over 2000 native grasses and shrubs as the first step to revegetating the length of streamside along Alfred Cox Park.

“With regular working bees, volunteers have been transforming the most high profile area of the stream near the Grey Street Bridge, providing an example of how the whole awa could look with consistent effort.”

Contractors will remove the Palms starting this Friday (10 June).

“The Phoenix palms are considered to be an invasive tree species and would make it difficult for native plants to thrive,” says Ms Thatcher-Swann.

“They spread easily and are havens for vermin. Removing them will give the new plants the best chance to bed-in and grow.”

Consultation with stakeholders have been supportive of the removal and replanting with natives.

The management plan for the reserve allows for the removal of trees that inhibit the growth of vegetation that is better suited to the environment and supported by the community.

Further improvements to the park will be considered later on this year and the community will be invited to provide input into plans for landscaping, activities and amenities.

People wanting in the community planting day can meet organisers at the Alfred Cox Skate Park on Grey Street from 12 noon on Sunday 19 June. Tools and a free sausage sizzle will be provided.

ENDS

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