Beautifying the Piriharakeke Walkway
At SORT (Save Our River Trust), we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing our local environment, and our latest project at the Piriharakeke Walkway is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community. Over the past few months, we've led a planting initiative that has seen 525 native plants take root along the walkway, revitalising this vital part of our natural landscape.
The walkway after pines were removed and before 525 natives were planted by a community of volunteers led by SORT.
This effort has been made possible thanks to the support of the Solid Waste Team at Horowhenua District Council, who generously funded the plants. We are also grateful to Mia from Little Island Home and Garden for her expertise and help in sourcing the perfect native plants. Partnering with local businesses like Mia's has been key to our success, and we're proud to work alongside them to create lasting benefits for our community.
Our volunteers have been incredible, and their dedication has been fuelled by the kind support of Jason Davy from New World Foxton, who supplied the snacks that kept everyone energised throughout the planting sessions. It's local support like this that truly drives our community initiatives forward.
Peter Hammond shows one of the tamariki how to carefully remove the plant from it's pot and dig it into the soil with care.
Our working bees bring volunteers from all corners of our community, including Foxton Beach, Te Awahou, Poroutawhao School, Te Pa Harakeke o Te Awahou Puna Reo, Te Awahou Waka Ama, as well as Huia, Matau, Motuiti, Paranui, and Kereru Marae. Representatives from Horizons Regional Council and Horowhenua District Council also joined in. It was especially heartwarming to see our tamariki participating, speaking te reo Māori, and working alongside our older generation to complete the planting successful. This intergenerational effort underscores the strong connection we all share with our awa and the commitment we have to preserving it for the future.
In addition to the native plants, we've also planted 224 Lusitanicas to form a fast-growing hedge that will help protect our native species. But we're not stopping there. We have more plans in the works, including additional planting, laying limestone, and extending the pathway to create a loop that will bring walkers back to the starting point, making it a beautiful and accessible journey through our community's natural surroundings.
This project is helping to rebuild the connection between our people and the awa, ensuring that the Piriharakeke Walkway remains a valued part of our community.
Would you like to join or support us?
We're inviting everyone to get involved in this ongoing project. Whether you want to volunteer your time at future planting events or support us with the donation of much-needed supplies, your contribution will make a big difference. To continue our work efficiently, we welcome donations of wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, gardening gloves, and other gardening tools. These community events are made possible through collaboration, but having our own equipment will help us work faster and more effectively.
If you'd like to join us in our beautification efforts or support SORT in any way, please sign up to volunteer or reach out with your offer of support. Together, we can continue to make Piriharakeke Walkway a beautiful, thriving space that strengthens our connection to the awa and community.
