Ōrākei environmentalists – young and old(er) – had a big day out with the Ōrākei Moth Plant Prizegiving and Local Board Enviro Forum taking place recently.
The Moth Plant Competition is supported annually by the Ōrākei Local Board, educating children and young people about this invasive weed that poses a significant threat to our native plants.
The aim of the competition is to create a team, and together try to remove and collect the most moth plant vines and pods, removing them from our ecosystem.
This year’s winners were the Newmarket Playcentre Warriors in the early childhood category - collecting 4,111 vines, and the Ōrākei School Moth Busters in the open category with a whopping 4,972 vines.
Following the prizegiving, the biannual Ōrākei Local Board Enviro Forum 2024 once again brought together community members with the environment at heart.
‘Sea Water – Our Blue Horizon’ was the theme this time around. Eventgoers were treated to presentations by Kingi Makoare, from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, as well as Nigel Ironside and colleagues from Ports of Auckland about various projects happening in the Hauraki Gulf.
Common themes were research and restoration of our moana.
The board also took the opportunity to recognise the dedication and efforts of local resident Pat Northey, who was honoured with the Eco Award for her contribution to environmental work.
Pat Northey (left) being presented with a pounamu by Margaret Voyce.
