Whareroa Guardians Community Trust 3.06

The Trust is established to protect and develop Whareroa Farm Reserve as a reserve for environmental and heritage conservation and public enjoyment, by working with the Management Authority to:

a) maintain Whareroa Farm Reserve as a publicly-owned and sustainable coastal hill country farm as meets the overall aims of the Trust

b) restore the catchments of the Whareroa Stream and protect and enhance the indigenous flora and fauna;

c) recognise and respect the bond that tangata whenua have with the land;

d) preserve and strengthen the historical and cultural heritage of Whareroa Farm Reserve with emphasis on the link with Queen Elizabeth Park;

e) ensure Whareroa Farm Reserve is widely accessible for any public recreation activities that do not unduly damage the environment or disturb the enjoyment of others;

f) promote Whareroa Farm Reserve as a recreational hub and a resource to be used and valued by the local Kapiti and wider community;

g) value and develop this land as an educational resource for “best practice” catchment, conservation, environmental, recreational, and farming management.

The “Farm Plan” has been finalised by the Trust and DOC and can be viewed under "Restoration Plans" http://www.naturespace.org.nz/documents/54/96

The park is a 438 hectare block.

It connects Queen Elizabeth Park to the Akatarawa Forest Park. “Hills to Sea”

It is very accessible to the public from SH 1 at Mackays Crossing.

There are a variety of recreational opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, running, picnics and just “being” in bush, by streams, on open pasture and high up on the hills. There is already high usage since it was opened to the public in April 2011.



VOLUNTEERS

A small but active group of volunteers have planted over 30,000 plants along streams and in various locations throughout the Whareroa Farm Reserve since 2007. They have also cleared gorse in key areas, constructed new tracks and undertaken a myriad of small and large projects to improve Whareroa. More volunteers are always welcome as the planting continues as do the many and varied projects to enhance Whareroa. Working Bees are held on the 1st Sunday of each month (except January) from 9am to 12pm throughout the year (morning tea provided). You don't have to be a member to be a volunteer.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER: http://www.naturespace.org.nz/documents/whareroa-guardians-how-become-member

Volunteers and group members formed a small team to commence systematic pest control from April 2013 supported with advice and assistance from DOC and Friends of QE Park. We report on it regularly here: www.naturespace.org.nz/documents/whareroa-pest-control-results

Regular bird monitoring commenced in July 2011 and it is also reported on reguarly here: www.naturespace.org.nz/documents/whareroa-bird-counts



If you would like to be on our no-obligation free email list for monthly updates about Whareroa activities and planting /working bees, send us an email: whareroa.guardians@gmail.com



DONATIONS can be made to:

(1) Our Bank Account: 03-0732-0429996-00, or

(2) At www.givealittle.co.nz/org/WhareroaG (you can use your credit card). You will receive an automatic email confirmation immediately

As WGCT is a registered charitable trust, donations are tax deductible.