The Friends of the Otaki River is a community group made up of committed members of the community, riparian landowners and representatives from local bodies, iwi, environmental and recreational groups.

Greater Wellington contact John Bissell.

The new nursery at Chrystalls Bend

	Spreading mulch at Chrystalls Bend

 The Friends' purpose is to represent the community in the management and development of the Otaki River and its environment. The group has been instrumental in the ongoing restoration of the Otaki River mouth lagoon and the Chrystalls Bend lagoon further up river.  

The Friends of the Otaki River are actively doing restoration work on the Otaki River and at the river mouth Lagoon. They are also involved in the development of other areas along the river corridor. The group also monitors the management of the Otaki River for flood protection and liases regularly with Greater Wellington's flood protection group.

On Saturday the 26th of November 2005 the Friends held an Open Day at Chrystalls Bend and invited the public to bring a picnic and come along to see that great work they are doing. Contact the Chairman Max Lutz on 06 364 5569 to find out how to get involved.

	All hands on deck

The Friends of the Otaki River have recently finished building a very impressive nursery to grow native plants for river restoration projects. They are encouraging members of the public to come along and help them pot up and grow on plants that will be planted out over the winter planting season. Many of these plants will be destined for their major planting areas at both the Otaki River Mouth Lagoon and at Chrystalls Bend.