Award Nominee

The Mangaonua Gully Group is a group of local residents that at present are concentrating on restoring the small gully area at Humaire Park, Hillcrest Hamilton. The area was planted about 35 years ago with native trees by local residents. Unfortunately many weeds have invaded since, mostly sub canopy species such as privet, ivy and honeysuckle. The group championed by local student Josh Nachowitz have been consistently chipping away at these weeds, mostly removing by hand with some assistance from Hamilton City Council contractors to spot spray ivy and honeysuckle. The groups efforts have involved a small video to promote the project. They have coerced locals with letterbox leaflet handouts, approaching individuals and generally promoting the park through their networks e.g. scouts and adventurers. The work continues with this year following up with planting during autumn. The group have also helped construct tracks which have allowed better access to the gully areas so that weeds can be removed more efficiently and checked for re-growth and subsequent control. The group are a good example of a small community initiative to bring together the local community and promote the removal of invasive weeds while promoting the planting of native plants to bring back native birds and other fauna such as brown skinks now seen in the gully.