Papakura Local Board is taking a six-pronged approach to protecting the local environment, investing $68,000 in projects in the 2019/2020 year.
The board wants Papakura to be "treasured for its environment and heritage", and will fund projects involved in weed control, waste reduction and that involve children in taking a role as guardians of the town.
The six projects are:
- Dominion Road weed control $15,000
- Wai Care Schools $15,000
- Community Waste Minimisation $10,000
- Papakura Stream planting $15,000
- Be a Tidy Kiwi litter prevention $5000
- Manukau Harbour Forum $8000.
The Dominion Road project is designed to improve the environment in and around the harbour and streams so more people use the area. Weed control will allow natives to establish and the work will help to connect the area of native forest with Red Hill Scenic Reserve.
Wai Care Schools provides education sessions around water quality monitoring of local streams and supports planting and maintenance of existing and new stream restorations.
Community waste minimisation funding will support awareness programmes designed to help Papakura residents reduce their waste and live sustainably.
The Papakura Stream restoration is in its second year of board support and the latest funding will pay for weed control and planting initiatives.
Be a Tidy Kiwi is a litter prevention project aimed at reducing littering, and the funds will see signs at litter hotspots installed, help with school engagement and setting up a pledge booth at a local event so people can take a Be a Tidy Kiwi pledge.
And the board is one of nine on the Manukau Harbour Forum, the group that works to improve and protect the harbour.
