Nau mae haere mai from the rangers at Te Kōhaka o

Tūhaitara Trust

Going into Autumn is the perfect time for our rangers to be planting native trees at the wetlands. This year, as a part of the Trees that Count movement, we have been generously donated 10,000 native trees for wetland restoration and rehabilitation. Planting them as soon as possible is a major priority for our team as Autumn is the season that provides optimal conditions for planting due to higher levels of rainfall and it is not too hot or cold. This will give our plants the best chance to establish and survive. Keep a close lookout for upcoming volunteer planting days as we have some exciting events on the horizon. Our team of rangers would love a helping hand, not to mention it is a wonderful way to come together as a community and give back to nature.

Our newest plantings can be found near our pā harakeke on the Tūtaepatu trail. When these plantings grow up, the public will be able to access a koru shaped hideaway surrounded by native trees which will attract native birds and wildlife. Having shapes in landscapes helps to promote health and wellbeing by adding different aspects of dimension and diversification. In Māori tradition the koru represents new life, growth, and movement.

At Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust we document our projects by taking photographs so that over time we can look at sites to monitor and compare. These photos show our most recent biota node project which was funded by Driving Miss Daisy and established only last year. The first photo was taken immediately after our ranger team had finished planting and mulching. The second photo is from this month. It is truly incredible to see such a difference between the two photos and how fast our native plants are growing in their new wetland environment!

Lastly, we would like to bring to your attention an invasive plant species that poses a significant threat to our biodiversity and native ecosystems. It is called yellow bristle grass. Yellow bristle grass is an invasive annual grass that spreads rapidly, is unpalatable to stock and when it dies off in the summer it causes the reinfestation of other weed species. While it can grow in pasture, it has been found along roadsides in Mid and North Canterbury but can be easily spread by vehicles, machinery or on clothing. Our best chance to try and manage these types of invasive species is with the help of our community. If you see this plant, please report your sighting using the Find-APest app or email biosecurity@ecan.govt.nz with photos and location details.

Facebook: Friends of Tūhaitara Coastal Park

Instagram: tuhaitara_coastal_park

Kaiapoi Community Garden

On Wednesday 3 May, 10.45am–12pm the Kaiapoi Community Garden will be having a morning tea for the public in celebration of organic week NZ. Come along for an organic based morning tea made with produce from the garden and take a look at a great example of an organic community garden.

Saturday 27 May – Fermenting workshop. Come along to the KCG and learn how to make kombucha, sauerkraut and simple vege ferments.

Citizens 10

Advice Bureau

St John Health Shuttle service is available to your community to provide transport for health related appointments in Christchurch. The service operates Monday to Friday, with stops at:

• Amberley

• Leithfield

• Pegasus Town

• Woodend

• Rangiora

• Kaiapoi

Medical appointments need to be made after 10am and be completed by 3pm. Bookings are required 24 hours prior to transport. For more information or to make a booking please call St John: 0800 103 046.

Call For Members For A Neurological Choir In North Canterbury

In 2023 we are piloting a weekly choir in sunny Rangiora, for those too far away to attend our central city choir.

What is a neurological choir?

It is a therapeutic choir for people with neurological conditions such as (but not limited to) Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and brain injury. The choir is led by a registered music therapist and a speech language therapist.

The choir aims to improve and maintain communication through the physical act of singing, the social interaction and connection that comes with singing in a group.

Interested?

For more information or to register your interest please contact Charlotte: charlotte@therapychoirs.org.nz or 020 405 84425 www.volcan.org.nz