The group is a voluntary community group who love Otaki and work together to care for a special part of it - the Waitohu Stream. Their focus is on the beach end of the stream and nearby dunes and wetlands. The estuary is home to lots of local wildlife including birds, plants and whitebait. It’s also a place for people to enjoy.

Waitohu is one of the most polluted streams in the Wellington region. By doing their bit the group hopes to help restore it to good health. Waitohu Stream Care Group members range in age from 7 to 86 years. Some are locals and some are bach owners from Wellington or Palmerston North.

Contact Greater Wellingtons Care Group Facilitator on 04 384 5708 or 0800 496 734.

Waitohu estuary

	Waitohu Community planting day

Since being established in 1999 Waitohu Stream Care Group has:

• Planted protective riparian strips both sides of the stream
• Built the Reeves Nursery to grow the native plants we use
• Fenced off the fragile wetlands bordering the stream
• Put in protective tape barriers to protect the dune system
• Planted native grasses to anchor the dunes
• Organised signs to be put up explaining that vehicles and horses should keep off the dunes
• Planted along the walkway that provides beach access from Moana Street
• Installed a memorial seat at the walkway entrance overlooking the Waitohu and Tararuas
• Put up an information board explaining the special nature of the Waitohu estuary and what the Waitohu Stream Care Group do
• Carried out water quality monitoring
• Produced a regular newsletter to keep members and friends informed
• Had fun!

In 2002 Waitohu Stream Care Group achievements were recognised with a Wellington Region Conservation Award and a National Green Ribbon Award in 2004.

The group also have potting, planting or weeding days every week, regular barbecues, celebrations for significant events and an annual polar plunge.

There are lots of opportunities for people to work with or help the group. Opportunities include:

• Attending the regular workdays – planting and weeding the new plantings
• Helping in the nursery pricking out seedlings and potting plants
• Talking to people about the groups activities- along the river or on the beach
• Coming to the regular meetings and social gatherings.