A spring clean for Onoke Spit

A spring clean for Onoke Spit

Volunteers are invited to help “spring clean” Wairarapa’s prized Onoke Spit, a nesting site of Caspian terns, home to the rare red katipo spider and a threatened moth, and a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.

Following last year’s successful Seaweek beach clean-up at the spit, Department of Conservation in association with Wharekauhau Estate are running an annual event to ensure the nationally-valuable coastal environment remains pristine, for locals and visitors alike.

This year’s event is planned for 21 August.

“We’ve decided to follow-on from our success last year and work in partnership with Wharekauhau estate to help conserve this local gem on the south coast,” DOC’s Wairarapa Area manager Chris Lester said..

“Last year we managed to collect more than two tonnes of rubbish with a keen group of more than 40 volunteers. This year we hope the beach is cleaner but in case its not we hope to clear the whole Onoke Spit in time for nesting season in September.”

Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate manager Kristy De Lange is keen for her staff to get out and be involved.

“The estate is lucky enough to have Onoke Spit and its surrounds on its doorstep and we want to ensure it stays free from rubbish for us and our visiting guests to enjoy.

It’s the perfect opportunity to give the beach a spring clean in time for the good weather.”

Events details:

Date: Friday 21 August
Time: 9.30am (BBQ to follow)
Meet: By the DOC sign at Onoke Spit. Follow Western Lake Road from Featherston. Turn onto Beach Road and park in car park.
Please bring water bottles, sunscreen and warm clothes.

ENDS

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