More trees for Haumoana

As a small settlement facing the ocean and surrounded by productive orchards and vineyards, you’re never far away from nature when you’re at Haumoana. Indeed, the community seems to have an abundance of people whose empathy with nature sees them taking action to protect and enhance the environment. Over the last few years, some of these people have joined forces as the Haumoana Tree Trust (HTT), and their collective efforts to increase native biodiversity in Haumoana is now clearly visible as planted areas expand and the trees and shrubs grow.

Last Sunday, HTT progressed its key project to plant along the riparian margins of Grange Creek that runs beside Haumoana Road. This small tidal creek feeds into the Tukituki River estuary and is a major spawning habitat for inunga (whitebait). It is also an important nesting and feeding habitat for native birds including both bush and wetland species.

Led by HTT’s Steve Wheeler and Levi Walford-Smith, the event focused on adding another 400 trees, shrubs and grasses to fill in gaps from within the previous years’ plantings. Planting holes were pre-dug with an auger and plant guards were placed around the species more vulnerable to grazing by rabbits.

As with previous planting days, this event benefitted from HTT’s links with the wine grape growing sector (HTT’s Steve Wheeler (Chair) and Fraser Hope (Treasurer) both work at Mission Estate). A keen team of staff from Indevin NZ augmented the number of local community volunteers, as part of the company’s commitment to environmental action. “Giving back to the community is one of our core values” says Indevin’s Mick Thornton during a break from placing plant guards.

HTT’s long term aim is to establish substantial indigenous biodiversity along Grange Creek and its surrounds to promote native species and the ecosystems that support them. Support for this work includes grants from Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay’s Environmental Enhancement Contestable Fund in 2023 and 2024, and contributions from local businesses such as Espaso Verde and Indevin NZ, Horticentre and GroSafe. A partnership with Hastings District Council enabled the group to plant out an area beside Blackbridge on the bank of the Tukituki River.

Steve says that the Haumoana Tree Trust is very grateful for the funding supplied by Biodiversity Hawkes Bay, the local community and businesses. “It is also very encouraging to have a super group of volunteers giving up their valuable time to be the hands-on part of this exciting project. Already we can see a transformation along the edge of Grange Creek which is going to continue to develop into as amazing environment for our native terrestrial and water life.”

Further planting and weed control work is planned for this year, and the group are keen to encourage community involvement. To learn more about up-coming events, you can stay in touch by becoming a member (see details on their website), and also via their profile on Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay’s Project Portal.

21 August 2024

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