RiverCare Group is on a mission to restore the wellbeing of Te Wai o Pareira/Henderson Creek. Since 2019, this group of dedicated volunteers has focused on restoring the Tawa Esplanade Reserve in Te Atatū Peninsula.
‘The area was once used as an unofficial rubbish dump and had become an unsightly urban scrub,’ explains Alan Clist, RiverCare Group Coordinator. However, thanks to RiverCare, the reserve is being transformed into an attractive area of native bush that locals can enjoy. Alan says that real progress has been made. And the focus of the project has shifted to a maintenance phase, with regular weeding to ensure the native plants continue to thrive.
Alan proudly shares that many residents have come up and thanked volunteers they see working on the esplanade for all their hard work.
Another vital part of RiverCare Group’s work is water quality testing. Volunteers regularly collect water samples and monitor for pathogens, pollutants and other nasties. The group raises any concerns with the appropriate authorities. Also, it continues to advocate for the local community in the Council’s planned $30m stormwater upgrade for the Peninsula.
In addition, RiverCare is a crucial partner in a coordinated effort to work towards a pest-free Peninsula. ‘Our goal is to establish community-based trapping lines in the public reserves along one length of the Te Wai o Pareira on the Peninsula,’ advises Alan. He adds that these trapping lines meet up with those provided by other environmental groups working on the opposite side of the Peninsula. ‘Together, these trapping lines will form a ring of protection for Te Atatū Peninsula,’ says Alan.
Educating the next generation on how to look after the environment is also a crucial part of the group’s mission. ‘Human modification of the natural environment is the single most important cause of the degradation we’re trying to restore,’ declares Alan. He says working with tamariki and rangatahi is essential to developing their understanding of the environment and how to care for it. RiverCare Group has long had a strong connection with Matipo Primary School and Te Atatū Sea Scouts. ‘Last year, we stepped up our efforts and have also built relationships with Edmonton Scouts, Te Atatū Intermediate School and Rutherford Primary,’ reports Alan. He said RiverCare had over 1,800 individual interactions with young people last year.
Funding of $18,993 from the Your West Support Fund has helped to ensure the group can continue its vital work. However, you can also make a difference by volunteering your time. The group holds regular planting days, with the next one planned for the Matariki weekend. ‘Last year, we had 80 people show up to help, so we’re hoping to beat that this year,’ says Alan.
Check out the website or Facebook page for all the latest updates.
