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Published: 5 August 2021
Last Updated: 20 July 2023
Spades in hand, digging, mulching and more, well over 100 people volunteered their time last Saturday to do their bit to beautify a little part of Napier.
The inaugural Pirimai Planting Day went off without a hitch, and nearly 2000 donated native plants now have a new home, alongside a section of the Cross Country Drain.
The Pirimai Residents’ Association organised the event, and was very pleased with the turnout, says chairman Richard Catley. “We want to make it an annual thing. Until then we will make sure to maintain the plants we have, stay on top of the weeding and so on, and start to have a think about what we can do next.”
Besides adding to the biodiversity of the area, once these plants are established and flourishing, it will only enhance the area surround the popular pathway, he adds.
The enhanced habitat and dramatic increase in plantings is expected to make it a popular spot for birds and insects.
Hinewai and her husband Cameron donated the bulk of the plants, which include flaxes, cabbage trees, Akeake, Karamu and Kowhai. The couple grow native plants from seed, to donate to various worthy projects.
By giving away these plants, they feel that they are contributing to the greater community good, says Hinewai. “It may not seem like we can do much as individuals, but everything we plant is adding to a positive environmental legacy for future generations.”
Ravensdown Fertiliser Ltd also donated 300 Oioi (rushes), and NCC 270 plants, including Kakabeak, Manuka, Kanuka and grasses. All Saints Church in Taradale also provided an unexpected but very welcome donation of 400 plants. The Ormsbys had worked with the church to propagate the plants, and had suggested this would be the perfect project for them.
The association has undertaken significant work alongside the Cross Country Drain, which runs through the suburb, in partnership with the Napier City and Hawke’s Bay Regional Councils.
The pathway was constructed using funds from NCC’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. NCC’s Te Puawaitanga – Green Communities Together Fund also paid for three park benches along the Harold Holt Ave part of the pathway.
To find out more about the Pirimai Residents’ Association & activities, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pirimaicommunity
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