Media release

1 February 2013

Hutt River Gravel Grab returns

Greater Wellington Regional Council is once again holding the Hutt Great Gravel Grab on the banks of the Hutt River on Saturday 9 February, and a large turnout is expected for the popular event.

For the last eight years, hundreds of keen landscapers and DIYers have turned up with their trailers, buckets and shovels, keen to grab some gravel or river stones for their garden projects. Normally permission is needed to remove gravel and stones from the river and it’s usually only granted for hand picking stones, so it’s an extremely popular event.

Extracting gravel helps the regional council with its flood protection work – overall approximately 50,000 cubic metres of gravel was removed from the Hutt River last year. Taking gravel from certain parts of the riverbed is crucial, says regional council Flood Protection manager, Graeme Campbell. “High riverbed levels and gravel banks can be a factor in erosion and flooding. Removing gravel helps reduce erosion, and also increases the river’s capacity to cope with flooding.”

Along with the option to grab some gravel, Hutt River Ranger, Thane Walls, will be at the Gravel Grab to talk to people about what they can do for fun along the river. “Hundreds of people run, cycle, walk their dogs and swim in the river every day over the summer months, so I’m here to help people do that in the best location and as safely as possible,” says Thane. “I’ll be at the gravel grab so if anyone has any questions about what they can and can’t do along the river, just come up to me and have a chat.”

The Hutt Great Gravel Grab will take place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 9 February. To get there, enter off Moonshine Road.

The Hutt Great Gravel Grab, Hutt River Trail, Moonshine Park Date: Saturday 9 February 2013 Bring: Trailer and shovel Getting there: Enter off Moonshine Rd

ENDS

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