With the support of Ambury Farm Rangers, more than 25
community volunteers of all ages turned out to weed the harbour. Seeking to
maintain existing bird roosts and the beautiful harbour vista enjoyed by so
many residents, walkers and cyclists along the Esplanade, these hardworking
volunteers gathered 65 bags of seedlings – a record number – within two hours.
“Usually we do the mangrove pulls in May but this year the
climate and tides produced the perfect storm that swept in thousands of seed
pods into our little bay. If you wait too long the job becomes overwhelming,”
said Meredith, a long-time community volunteer and local resident who organised
the event. “For Friends of the Farm, it’s all about looking after our patch and
creating opportunities for local residents to do the same.”
Most volunteers worked by the old bridge and in the first
bay, but others worked further along the Esplanade, near where they live.
For new resident Luisa and her family, taking part in the
working bee was a way to connect and give back. “We’re new to the community and
I’m currently at home looking after our baby. Our family wanted to do something
in the community to help out and meet other local people. The working bee only
takes two hours, so it’s doable, and it’s environmentally friendly.”
Corinne came with her two daughters, Emily and Charlotte.
“We swim a bit further along the Esplanade, so for our family the harbour is an
extension of our home. The girls try hard to show manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga
in what they do, so a working bee is a great opportunity. And, it’s fun to get
muddy! People walking by stop to ask what we’re doing, so there’s a chance to also
educate them.”
Long-time resident Karen has been helping out at Mangrove
working bees for years. “I came today because I’ve never seen such an intense
lot of seedlings. Before we began, it looked like a green carpet on the seabed.”
Karen sees an opportunity to harness the interest and commitment of others to
help look after the harbour. “Having more of a media spotlight could help
attract other residents, community groups, school students and companies who
want to be helpful and do some good in the community.”
Don is a member the Mangere Bridge Residents and Ratepayers
Association, which has been a long supporter of the working bees and in earlier
times organised them. “I enjoy my involvement in the community and do other
things such as removing the invasive moth vine plant,” he said. “We’ve lived
here for five years and I want to see our bird habitats protected from mangrove
encroachment. I like the idea of community getting together to do something
good for the benefit of the community and others who visit this beautiful place
in which we live.”
Ben brought his two sons, who enjoyed playing in the mud and
searching for crabs. Ben is also a member of Mangere Bridge Residents and
Ratepayers meetings and is keen to do further mangrove maintenance and get
others involved.
There are so many ways to contribute. A resident on Kiwi
Esplanade got out his hose so muddy volunteers could wash down. Darren, another
long-time community volunteer, helped out at the welcome table where volunteers
received gloves, buckets, bags, sunscreen, advice, and health and safety
instructions. He recognised a Cook Island family who are regular walkers along
the Esplanade. They stopped to ask what we were doing and offered their
encouragement before continuing on their way. They later returned with a few
dozen bottles of water for the volunteers. “We would have got in the mud with
you, had we known about the working bee,” they said. “Keep up the good work!”
Ambury Farm Rangers brought heaps of moral support, worked alongside
volunteers pulling mangroves and collected all the bags of seedlings for composting. All up, it was a very satisfying morning, looking
after our patch. Two further mangrove pulls are planned for May 2020 – and
details will be posted on the Friends of the Farm Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheFarmMangereBridge)
or interested residents or groups can email FoF at: friends@fof.nz to find out how to join in.
