More than 20 volunteers from the community joined forces on Saturday to plant for the Hokitika Riverbank. With support from Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu and Air New Zealand, volunteers from as far as Reefton met to transform Wadeson Island's eroding riverbank into a richer and more stable habitat for wading birds.

Wadeson Island, a key Īnanga and wading bird habitat, has seen significant enhancement in the 20th century, and though development has waxed and waned, it recently received significant enhancements under the Doc Community Fund and Jobs For Nature schemes, with local councils, CVNZ, DOC and local businesses coming together to add almost a kilometre of new Īnanga habitat and transform the island from wasteland to a wonderland treasured by locals and visitors.

Now under the Every Corner Project and with the assistance of Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu, volunteers from around the district have gathered together to increase the resilience and utility of the riverine environment, continuing and enhancing that existing work. Delivery contractor Chris Watson indicated that 28 people were recorded contributing on the day, adding 217 plants to the site and consuming 30 sausages.

"This was such a great turnout", Chris said, "the Ngāti Waewae presence today has been overwhelming, and it was heartwarming to have the expertise of past and present CVNZ staff for the duration. I am so proud that the group managed to put over two hundred plants in, and the community spirit was inspiring."

The day featured planting, impromptu barbecue assembly, a site tour and very warm reception from whitebaiters. Organisers say that while this was an outstanding result, there is plenty more work to be done. "We've scheduled another four events like this, on the first weekend of each month", Chris said, "and as we head into warmer months and now have a fully assembled barbecue, I expect each one will be more fun than the last".

Large scale planting events like this are seen as a cost-effective way to reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion, drive community engagement and enhance habitat for native fauna and for future generations of island enjoyers. It is reported that after several years of absence, Pūkeko have been spotted again on Wadeson Island following recent revegetation programmes. "This is so exciting", said a participant, "The island is looking better all the time and I love seeing the result from all the hard work".

Persons interested in getting involved in future events, including sponsors and anyone interested in contributing mahi or attending a sausage sizzle, are encouraged to contact the group by email at wadeson@chris-nz.com or by phone at 022 092 0043.

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