Credit: Craig Mckenzie
The Central Hawkes Bay branch encompasses the area between Otane and Dannevirke.
As a group of committed locals, our focus is to support our environment in a practical way (see Projects) and also actively advocate on behalf of our community and whanau for the betterment of our natural environment.
Branch meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month, where current environmental matters and projects are discussed. Often these meetings host guest speakers on a range of topics.
Meetings commence at 7.30pm in the staffroom of Waipukurau School on St. Marys Road. All are welcome so if you would like join us send us an email.
Projects
The Central Hawke’s Bay branch is responsible for maintaining and enhancing Ōtaia Bush, a small reserve at the end of Lindsay Road, on the outskirts of Waipukurau. Ōtaia Bush is one of the few remaining examples of lowland Podocarp Forest in Hawke’s Bay.
Ōtaia bush is home to many species of native flora and fauna. On the last Sunday of every month branch volunteers work to control weeds and maintain tracks. A small group maintain the network of pest traps. At least once a year there is a community planting day. Ōtaia is also significant because of its accessibility and is well used by schools, pre-schools, and other groups.
The Central Hawke’s Bay branch also maintains a small section of traps in the Ruahine Range for the protection of Whio.
The Central Hawke’s Bay branch also advocates on behalf of our environment in other areas including our rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas.
If you’re committed to a better future for our environment here in Central Hawkes Bay, our community, our whanau, then you’d be most welcome!