Our vision with the Pukahu Project is to have the Karamu stream in a fit state to support aquatic and terrestrial life thus enabling birds to travel across our region from the Kaweka Ranges to the coast.
Our 7ha section of the stream banks is located at the confluence of the Awanui and Irongate Streams which are the origin of the Karamu in an area near Havelock North known as Pukahu. The area is large enough to be a “core sanctuary” for the Te Karamu Strategy. This strategy contributes to the Biodiversity Strategy that our branch has signed up to with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The area will also provide good aesthetics to people who use the park when it is eventually opened to the public for recreational purposes.
To achieve our vision, we will be planting native plants and caring for them. In the first year following planting the area planted will require monthly weeding, mulching and/or watering to ensure the plants are well established. In subsequent years new areas will be planted and care for the previously planted areas will be handed over to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.