Barry’s love for nature runs deep. With an academic background in molecular genetics, he’s spent much of his life immersed in understanding and protecting the natural world. When he needed a break from research, he found solace in the bush — tramping through native forests, listening to birdsong, and reconnecting with the land.

Since settling in Aokautere in 1994, Barry has become the heart and soul of restoration efforts in Moonshine Valley and Tutukiwi Reserve — two precious remnants of podocarp forest once dominant in the Manawatū. These reserves are home to towering rimu, kahikatea, totara, hīnau, and tawa trees, as well as the special native orchid, Tutukiwi/greenhood which Barry discovered and PNCC then chose to use for the name of the biggest reserve in the valley.

Barry’s work has been transformative. Through persistent weed control and predator trapping, he’s helped eliminate several invasive species like old man’s beard and blackberry, allowing native flora to regenerate naturally. His efforts have also helped protect native wildlife — from kākahi and kōkopu in the stream to increased birdlife thanks to community trapping initiatives.

He’s not just working alone. Barry has a group of volunteers who help with a monthly working bee. He has also collaborated with private landowners, PNCC,  welcomed support from the Massey Conservation Group, and created an iNaturalist project to track the rich biodiversity of the area — from plants and fungi to birds and freshwater species.

But the journey hasn’t been easy. Floods in 2024 caused major slips and erosion, making access difficult. And like many community projects, finding volunteers is a challenge. “People often say, ‘It’s great what you’re doing,’ but not everyone wants to get stuck into the weeding,” Barry says with a smile. Still, he believes in the power of connection — to nature and to each other.

“It’s a great social environment,” he says. “Getting out into the bush helps keep life in balance. It’s good for your mental health — getting away from your phone and into the forest. You only really get to know the land when you’re out there.”

Barry’s message to others is simple: “Get your gummies on and get out and do it.” Whether it’s pulling weeds, planting trees, or simply appreciating the beauty of native bush, every little bit helps.

So here’s to Barry — a true kaitiaki of the land, whose quiet persistence is restoring the forest, one step at a time. May his story inspire others to join the journey and help protect the natural treasures in our own backyard.

Observations documented on iNaturalist NZ

Report on forest restoration and predator control volunteer work in PNCC Moonshine Valley and Tutukiwi reserves 2023 and 2024

Get Involved 

Working bee Tutukiwi Reserve

A working bee is held the first Friday of every month at Tutukiwi Reserve. Volunteers meet in the reserve carpark in Moonshine Valley at 9 am. Work is varied but mostly involves weed pest control within the reserve. Anyone is welcome to join. The next working bee will be held on Friday 5th September. If you are interested contact Barry Scott on 021 070 4848 or email barryscott10@icloud.com

The post Volunteer of the Month - Barry Scott first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Labour believes that high quality data is essential for effective environmental management, including of freshwater. Decision-makers need robust and consistent data sets to make informed decisions about managing and allocating water, and that data should be available to the public.

Greater monitoring of freshwater quality is required by our new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020. Greater real-time reporting of water use by water permit holders is also required.

Labour intends to improve New Zealand’s environmental reporting system, informed by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s 2019 report, Focusing Aotearoa New Zealand’s environmental reporting system.

Yes. From the maunga to moana, water is a taonga which must be protected, but too many rivers, lakes, and wetlands have been polluted over the years, and river flows have fallen below healthy levels. At the same time, climate change disrupts rainfall patterns, putting rivers at risk from both drought and flooding. Accurate, publicly available data about water quality is an essential part of the solution to cleaning up our waterways.

Work has already begun to more accurately and frequently monitor the health of our waterways. Stats NZ’s new Indicators Aotearoa New Zealand programme, initiated by the Green Party in government, includes water as a key element of environmental reporting, with work underway to ensure the collection of this information is useful and widespread and results are publicly available.

The post Q4. Monitoring water health, including oceans, rivers, streams and underground tributaries first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

National will take a balanced, long term and pragmatic approach to conservation TO ENSURE THAT ALL New Zealanders – both here today and future generations – will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy our incredible natural environment.

Labour will support initiatives to protect, preserve, and restore our natural heritage and biodiversity, and to reverse years of decline. This will provide a range of benefits to not only essential and valuable ecosystems, but for all New Zealanders. Our work will include implementing the Predator Free 2050 Strategy and promoting mainland islands.

We’ve launched Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, providing a framework for the protection, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity in New Zealand, and setting specific goals for 2025, 2030, and 2050. We’ve also substantially boosted DOC funding.

We’re also supporting councils to restore biodiversity, including through a National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity, which we expect to gazette in 2021.

Labour will commit to sustained funding for a kauri dieback National Pest Management Plan, to protect this taonga from extinction. This funding will provide a co-ordinated, long-term approach to the management of kauri dieback disease.

Everyone should be able to enjoy the dawn chorus in Aotearoa’s forests and have rivers safe for fishing, swimming, and gathering kai. In Government, the Green Party has secured the largest investment in conservation ever. This funding will better protect kiwi, kākāpō, takahē, and other wildlife from the predator crisis. We’ve added 64,000 hectares to Kahurangi National Park – the largest ever addition to a national park in Aotearoa. We are responding to the job losses COVID-19 has created by investing $1.3 billion to create thousands of jobs for nature over the next four years, including 6,000 jobs in conservation. But there is still much to do to protect and enhance nature, especially as the climate changes. The Green Party will:

The post Q9. Protecting Aotearoa's natural flora and fauna as the climate changes first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

This strong community voice led to a consultation process, and the outcome was clear: the area should be transformed into a green space for everyone to enjoy. The vision was to create a peaceful place where people could connect with nature, walk their dogs, and escape the urban environment.

Although the idea was embraced in the late 1990s, it wasn’t until 2004 that the council officially approved the planting project. Since then, a dedicated committee has overseen the transformation of the site. They signed a memorandum of agreement with the council. The partnership allowed Pit Park People to plant natives while the Council provided lawnmowing and some weed control

To date, more than 50,000 native trees have been planted, representing 23 different species. The area has become a haven for native birds and a thriving example of urban biodiversity.

Thirteen years ago, Jaspreet and his team from Green S Welfare joined the effort. They would travel from Auckland on weekends to take part in planting days, contributing thousands of trees to the project. Their dedication helped shape Pit Park into the natural sanctuary it is today—a true escape in the heart of the city.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. The team has faced discouragement, fires, stolen plants, and bureaucratic hurdles. But through persistence and community spirit, they have created a beautiful space where people can reconnect with nature.

For the past four years, Pit Park has also hosted an annual Religious Diversity Day, bringing together people from different faiths and cultures. These events promote biodiversity, climate action, and unity—demonstrating that despite differing worldviews, communities can come together to support the environment.

In a world where it’s easy to feel powerless, Pit Park stands as a powerful reminder that small groups of committed people can make a real difference. What was once a wasteland is now a flourishing green space, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, community groups, service clubs, businesses, and students.

The team is deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed. Without their help, this transformation would not have been possible.

Visitors are always welcome. Join the team on the third Sunday of each month and be part of this inspiring journey.

The post From Rubbish Pit to Urban Oasis: The Story of Pit Park first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Aotearoa New Zealand, like most countries, is a signatory to the United Nations Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.   Of the seven designated internationally important wetlands in this country, the Manawatu Estuary Ramsar site is the most accessible.

The Manawatū Estuary Trust, Foxton Wildlife Trust and other community groups work together with DOC, Horizons Regional Council, and Horowhenua District Council to care for the estuary. The community have led the development of the new 10-year management plan, which has just been finalised and will be released in 2025. This Ramsar site is arguably the best run Ramsar site in the country.

Photo Above: Craig, Derek and Neil resurrecting a vandalised sign.

The Wednesday Group, aka Dr. Bob’s Coastal Wattle Team

Dr Bob Hoskins is a geophysicist. Although it has taken the councils some time to recognise his expertise, he has been able to influence their actions, such as assisting with the writing of the resource consent for Horizons, which was used for the upgrade of part of the Manawatū River loop at Foxton and the adjacent reserve.

Bob moved to Foxton 35 years ago, and from the very beginning, he started picking up litter. Over time, Bob began noticing children getting thorns in their feet and inflatable toys being punctured—thanks to the invasive boxthorn plant. Recognising this as a serious problem, Bob decided to take action. He started chopping down boxthorn and coastal wattle, another invasive species that was rapidly spreading.

As Bob worked, passers-by saw what he was doing and wanted to join in. Fast forward to today, and although volunteers come and go, Bob, Derek Prior, and Craig Dunlop have remained the core group for the past three years. Every Wednesday, they work together, along with a small crew, to remove weeds, and tackle the spread of coastal wattle, euphorbia, tree lupin, fleabane, and other invasive species. The group starts at the bird lookout and works their way down to the Surf Life Saving Club car park before starting over again.

Craig jokes that he’s “one of the slaves” in the group, but despite the hard work, the team remains committed. Bob, now nearing 80, isn’t planning on stopping anytime soon. "It’s an obsession, not a passion," he says, reflecting on his decades of work to improve the estuary’s health.

Success requires more volunteers to lighten the load and make a bigger impact. With the team all in their retirement years, they are urgently calling for the next generation to step up.

​​​​

Photo Above: Arnim and Lorraine conferring on weeds

The Sunday Fortnight Group – Te Wharangi Dune Garden Wilderness

Arnim Littek, an amateur ecologist, joined the Manawatū Estuary Trust after moving to Foxton almost 9 years ago. After developing a passion for biodiversity through Cape Kidnappers and Ocean Beach Sanctuary, which opened channels to some of New Zealand’s best scientists, providing a global perspective on conservation.

For Arnim, the key to preserving biodiversity in the dunes is tackling invasive weeds, which threaten the survival of native flora and fauna.  Arnim and the Dune Garden team work alongside 4WD club members to encourage disciplined vehicle access and educate off-road vehicle drivers about why and where their vehicles cause damage.

The Dune Garden team is focused on the western end of the estuary Ramsar site.  “The plants are thriving with the removal of weeds,” he says. The Te Wharangi Dune Garden is easily the most native dunes and dune wetland ecosystem on this coast, where we can see and learn what our dune wilderness should look like.

Arnim encourages others to get involved on their own, eg. by using iNaturalist to capture and share nature, even in their own backyards. “Citizen science is a great way to connect with others and develop your new obsession!” he says.

Photo above: Dr. Bob with Chris and Lorraine on Dune Garden rounds

A Call for New Volunteers

Despite the tireless work of volunteers like Bob, Derek, Craig, and Arnim, the team needs more hands. With the average age of volunteers increasing, there is an urgent need for younger generations to get involved. Their work is a testament to the power of community effort, and with more support, they can continue to make a lasting difference in preserving the Manawatū Estuary for generations to come.

If you’d like to help, whether by volunteering or simply spreading the word, now is the time to get involved. Together, we can ensure the future health of this remarkable estuary.

The post Volunteers of the month November 2024 first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Ralph is perhaps better known as Professor Emeritus, Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation and for his 53-year stint at Massey University. Ralph has lived in the Turitea Valley with his wife Cathy for 38 years and notes that they ‘had frequently walked the trails that Green Corridors has since developed’ such as the walk through the wonderful Adderstone Reserve. For someone so professionally invested in mitigating climate change, planting and maintaining native trees as part of the Green Corridor project and joining the committee was an obvious step. Ralph notes that ‘carbon sequestration is close to my heart, although native regeneration and maintenance is not a permanent solution, but it’s helping us buy some time in the need to urgently reduce our domestic emissions’.

Green Corridors Range to River aims to plant corridors of eco-sourced native vegetation along stream banks and walkways connecting the Tararua Range to the Manawatū River. This provides habitat for wildlife including birds, insects and lizards but also improves the water quality of the streams and thus helps the aquatic life. In 1998 PNCC approached community members to discuss the possibility of creating a green corridor of native plants from the Tararua Range to the Manawatū River. The first planting was in 2001. This group initially focused on the Turitea Valley but has now extended to many of the gullies in the Summerhill and Aokautere areas. The group has evolved into a successful collaboration between the community, PNCC and Horizons Regional Council.

Ralph focuses his efforts on a tract of the Turitea Valley following the Te Araroa- New Zealand Trail down ‘the steps’ from Turitea road to the valley below and along the stream to Ngahere Park Road. With help from grandchildren and Totara Glen Nursery staff, he has recently planted hundreds of natives on both sides of the steps so that birds and insects can thrive in this diverse, beautiful space. There is also an element of eradication; old man’s beard, blackberry and gorse being a constant issue, as are predator pests which are being successfully trapped.

Ralph is incredibly passionate about this work and is particularly enthused by the increase in native birds, citing a recent study which recorded ‘over 600 tui flying every evening back from the city through the Turitea Valley to roost in the ranges’. Such a success is the result of the major efforts of the many Green Corridor volunteers – though there is always room for more!

The post Celebrating Volunteering: Ralph Sims- Green Corridors Range to River first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

KCC is a national initiative that works to connect Kiwi kids to New Zealand’s amazing wildlife and wild places. KCC has over 5,000 members throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and offers an engaging quarterly magazine and locally based opportunities for kids and families to get outside and engage with nature.

Anna’s father was a KCC coordinator when she was young, and as a teenager she herself helped out with the local Kapiti coast KCC. Anna notes, ‘ my main motivator for taking on the Manawatū based role is wanting my kids to go on the adventures I did... I love showing kids about nature and seeing the excitement that they show, and I learn a huge amount as well’. Anna has been in the role for about a year after 6 years of the position being vacant and feels that its ‘so great to have it back’. Over the last 12 months she has run various popular excursions including a stream study, a night walk to look for glow worms, a project building rat traps, an excursion to Foxton to look for godwits at the Manawatū Estuary, plus visits to Wildbase, Ngā Manu and Bushy Park. Events planned for this year include a walk through Te Apiti, camping at Totara Reserve, and a local beach clean up

Anna encourages families to join KCC which entitles them to go on these trips.’ For families who want to get their kids outdoors and into nature and learning stuff- please join’ she notes, ‘ Excursions can be for any age- they are geared for ages 5-10, but we take preschoolers or older children too – there is something for everyone’ .

To find out more about and join KCC go to kcc.org.nz or email Anna on manawatu@kcc.org.nz

KCC is a member group of Environment Network Manawatū. Find out more on www.enm.org.nz .

The post Celebrating Volunteering: Anna Regtien. Manawatū Forest and Bird Kiwi Conservation Club. first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Te Araroa is a single, continuous walking trail the length of New Zealand and runs from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The Manawatū section travels from Bulls south to Levin including cultural and environmental highlights such as the Feilding sale yards, the century-old Burttons Track through regrown bush along the Tokomaru River, views of Kapiti Island and the South Island, native bush around the Makahika stream crossings, and more.

The couple started what Anthony, with humour, calls ‘walker stalking’; inviting trail walkers to stay in their home, but understanding that they had limited infrastructure in place for those doing the full walk. Fast forward to 2017, after many tents in the back garden and sleeping bodies on the living room floor, the couple decided to build a for purpose hut. The talented Fiona crafted this from a rotting shed and packing materials from a massive crate. Whiowhio Hut now stands proud as New Zealand's only urban tramping hut and runs off koha which is donated to Ruahine Whio Protectors - a group of volunteers who the couple are involved with who trap extensively in the Ruahine Ranges to help Whio flourish. The hut houses three bunks and there is a facility for campers to pitch tents outside as well.

As of 2022 the popularity of the trail has increased exponentially with about 4000 through walkers last season and thousands of other day/section hikers. Anthony, who is part of the Te AraRoa Manawatū Trust, notes how ecologically and logistically, the trail was not designed to withstand this kind of traffic. There is a strong move to encourage walkers to give back in some way, whether through koha or volunteer time so that the trail is better at the end of their experience. The future of the trail and the hut could be around conservation and increased volunteer action to ensure the unique rohe it passes through can be maintained and improved for future generations.

Te Araroa Manawatu Trust and Whiowhio Hut are both members of Environment Network Manawatu. You can find more information about their work on www.whiowhio.nz.

The post Celebrating Volunteering. Anthony Behrens and Fiona Burleigh- Whiowhio Hut. first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Forest and Bird is a national organisation with the focus of ‘giving nature a voice’ through championing and defending the conservation of our native flora and fauna, in our forests, our rivers and our oceans. This year the organisation is celebrating its centennial year, and the Manawatū Branch its 65th birthday. There are 45 branches around our rohe and thousands of active members.

22 years on Anthea is as passionate about the work as when she began and enjoys continued learning and the opportunity to connect the community through F&B branch monthly meetings, which take place the second Tuesday of every month from 7.30pm at the City Library. The meetings always have a fascinating guest speaker and the range of topics covered is vast ‘ There is so much interesting fauna in New Zealand’ Anthea notes, ‘ everyone thinks of birds, but there are so many incredible insects and fish that we need to educate people about’. Some of the topics have included the Powelliphanta (gigantic NZ snail) and NZ Carnivorous plants/ Sex lives of stick insects.

Despite the challenges of climate disruption and constant threats to our endemic species Anthea remains positive and notes, ‘since I arrived in New Zealand people have become more aware of what there is in their own backgarden’. This gives hope that our endemic taonga will be respected, honored and preserved.

Forest and Bird Manawatū is a member group of Environment Network Manawatū. You can find out more about what is happening locally by following the branch on its Facebook page @forestandbirdmanawatu or via the website

www.forestandbird.org.nz or www.naturesvoicemanawatu.org.nz

The post Celebrating Volunteering. Anthea McClelland, Forest and Bird Manawatū first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

The Trust, initiated by the late Gill Absolon, was incorporated in August 2016. It oversees the orchard, wetland and bush in conjunction with Manawatū District Council.

The orchard is largely pip fruit (crab apples, apples and pears) and it was a volunteer turning the crab apples into jelly that instigated the making of other delicious jams and jellies as a fundraiser for the Trust.

The regeneration of the wetland and native bush has seen bird and insect life increase as the native tree plantings have increased and grown. Chairperson Barbara Robson says, “We tend to see tui and pīwakawaka (fantail) year round. A kārearea (NZ falcon) stayed for a couple of weeks one spring and was responsible for decimating the population of ducklings. The frogs in the wetland provide a wonderful chorus in the summer months as they go about their breeding”.

A group of volunteers meet most Sunday mornings, weather permitting, and not on public holidays, to maintain the area. “Currently there are about six of us actively involved with the upkeep of the wetland, bush and orchard. They are a great bunch of dedicated and loyal volunteers who work well together and look after each other. However we do need more volunteers to help with the upkeep of the area and in particular the management of the orchard. If people only have an hour to spare that’s OK. Help with enhancing our Facebook page would be great too. Every volunteer’s contribution counts”, says Trustee Kathleen Duff.

You can support TPOT by buying their jams and Jellies which are available at the Environment Network Manawatū Offices on 145 Cuba Street for a donation of $5 a jar; otherwise refer to contact details below.

If you are keen to get involved with the Sunday morning working parties or discuss other ways you may be able to help please contact Chairperson Barbara Robson 0274448355 or email timonaparkorchardtrust@gmail.com

The post Celebrating Volunteering: Timona Park Orchard Trust (TPOT) first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.