Friends of Maara Roa (Inc)
www.MaaraRoa.org.nz. P.O. Box 53-029 Porirua City 5243
Newsletter
July-August
2012
The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
 WORKING BEE DATES FOR WINTER MONTHS OF 2012. MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR!
 TREE PLANTING : Saturdays at 9.30am : August 4 and 18, September 1, 15. 29 (fortnightly)
 CARTON PREPARATION WORKING BEE AT GLENVIEW SCHOOL : Second Saturday of each month,
August 11, September 8, meeting at 10am
 TREE NURSERY AT AOTEA COLLEGE , meet at 10am: Every Thursday.
 WORKING BEE AT NURSERY : Sat 11 August from 9.30 am. Help re-erect the Plant Growing Unit –
Barbecue at lunchtime.
NOTE THAT THE MEETING PLACE FOR ALL TREE PLANTING DAYS IS CANNONS CREEK ENTRANCE TO
BELMONT REGIONAL PARK
PLANTING SUCCESSFULLY UNDER WAY FOR THE YEAR.
Fortnightly planting days have helped plant about 1 000 trees , one third of the 3 000 FMR intends to plant this
year. Having holes pre-dug by John Hodges and his group from the Porirua Canoe and Kayak Club makes a
huge difference to the number of trees planted each working bee.
‘Matariki at Maara Roa’ was a Community Planting Day supported by Greater Wellington Regional Council –
thanks Ross and Jeremy! At least 500 trees were planted that day and some new planters were welcomed. We
are delighted with help from new volunteers who have come on regular planting days – extra hands make a
big difference! Thanks so much, we hope to see you again.
Our mid-week planters had a fabulous day recently with a group from the South African High Commission.
Two special totara were planted to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday. Deputy High Commissioner Mr
Madoda Ntshinga explained that we were the first to celebrate Mr Mandela’s birthday as the new day starts
here in New Zealand. Our enthusiastic volunteers planted 100 trees as well. We are very thankful for your
help! Everyone’s help contributes to the trees we get safely into the ground!
POSSUM LINES REORGANISED AND CLEARED.
The value of the Possum Control Team is obvious to us all, seen particularly in the increase in bird life in the
valley and the seedlings appearing among the growing trees everywhere. Contractors sent by GWRC have
done an excellent job of clearing the bait lines where practical, and repositioning some bait stations to avoid
overgrown areas. This reorganization will make the work of our team much more straightforward and
successful– we are grateful for GW Regional Council’s support and help with this important part of our ongoing conservation work. Without pest control, much of our planting might be wasted, and natural
revegetation impossible.
SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
A well-attended meeting in July was notable for FMR’s recognition of the work done by Sylvia Jenkin who first
recognised the need for restoring the bush to the Cannons Creek Valley. She drew the original group together
in 1999 and has been a stalwart driver and coordinator ever since. She was presented with flowers to mark
the work she has done and her stepping down from the Committee. Also stepping down was Neil Bellingham
who has overseen the planting programme from the beginning, We salute them both.
Speaker Dr Mike Joy from Massey University received an attentive hearing for his description of the
deteriorating condition of NZ’s rivers and streams. He was eloquent and persuasive, illustrating his concerns
with clear scientific evidence. He noted that the status of several endangered aquatic species is under threat.
Our iconic whitebait and long-finned eels are not adequately protected and need our advocacy. Mike urged us
to continue pressure on MPs and Councils to give greater priority to controlling the major impacts of farming
intensity and inappropriate land use, such as nutrient pollution and sedimentation. The poor condition of
lowland streams is mainly due to the intensity of farming within their catchments and vegetation clearance in
steep country.
SUBS DUE FOR THE COMING YEAR.
Members, FMR Treasurer will be happy to receive your subscription for 2012-2013 year.
Family
$30
Earner
$25
Non-earner $20
Subs give FMR a modest sum for administration etc.
Please post your subscription to The Treasurer, Friends of Maara Roa
110 Conclusion Street, Ascot Park
Porirua 5024
Should you prefer to pay directly, FMR Bank Account no. is :
Friends of Maara Roa Inc.
03 0547 0381 329 00.
Please remember to put your name in the ‘Payer’ line for the Treasurer’s information. He will post you a
receipt.
WORKING BEE AT NURSERY – HELP PUT OUR PLANT GROWING UNIT BACK TOGETHER!
The Nursery is back in action and we have more than 200 trees in the growing on area mature enough to be
planted this year. But we need some muscle to re-erect the Trees for Survival Plant Growing Unit at Aotea.
Come along on Saturday 11 August to help. A sausage sizzle is planned for lunchtime!
Phone Juliet 235 5501 if you need directions.
Trees are your best antiques – Alexander Smith