Members of a local scout group, neighbours and other volunteers recently helped plant native trees along a stretch of the Kaipara River near the Kiwitahi Road Bridge.
Local farmer Johnny Hildreth wanted to reduce the impact of his stock on the banks of the river and improve water quality.
With help from his son Jordan he built fences, but was unable to fund the planting required to complete the project.
However, with assistance from the Lower Kaipara River Landowners Collective, a project supported by Rodney Local Board, costs were shared with Auckland Council.
Johnny and other landowners received 2143m of fencing material and 3651 trees. With help from volunteers, this is being placed along the banks of the Kaipara River.
“It was a no-brainer to fill up the area with native planting, as it looks great and will help improve water quality."
“During the process, I also realised that this will leave a positive mark on the landscape, something which gives me a great deal of satisfaction,” says Johnny.
For the Motutara Waimauku Scout group, helping out is their way to thank Johnny for letting them use his land for their scouting activities.
