Estuary neighbours need help

12 July 2016

Muddy fun and a healthier harbour are being promoted at the Waimapu Estuary Care Group community open day this Sunday 17 July near Fraser Cove in Tauranga.

The Waimapu Estuary Care Group are looking for new recruits on a casual or regular basis, and are inviting locals to come along to the open day to enjoy a sausage sizzle, spot prizes, and find out what Estuary Care is all about. The event is being held from 10 am to 12 noon at Fraser Street Reserve, on the corner of Lloyd and Fraser Streets, opposite the Fraser Cove Shopping Centre.

“We’re a bunch of ordinary locals that are trying hard to care for our local estuary, but we’re struggling for numbers and we need some help,” said Waimapu Estuary Care Group leader Stuart Greenshields.

The group holds volunteer working bees about twice a year, doing things like removing rubbish and controlling mangrove seedlings, usually near Fraser Cove and College Place.

“Everyone enjoys walking around, boating on, or looking at the harbour. Anyone can help keep their harbour healthy by joining us for a few hours either in the estuary or by assisting with administration work and committee roles. It’s great fun and a nice way to meet some of your neighbours,” said Mr Greenshields.

Mr Greenshields said that since the group started removing rubbish and controlling mangrove spread several years ago, wildlife in the estuary has improved with more diverse bird life being seen including pied stilts, oyster catchers, terns, herons and even a spotless crake.

“The fish life has improved too,” he said.

Anyone that can’t attend the open day but would like to get involved should call the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Estuary Care Officer Katrina Browne on 0800 884 881 extension 8357 or visit www.boprc.govt.nz/estuarycare for more information.

ENDS

© Scoop Media