Whareroa Guardians’ Update from Ann Evans
The wall is growing at a great rate, built by masons Sascha Wassong and Simon Fern with coordination by Rachel Kiel-Taylor (who donated the totara gate posts and about 20 tons of stones).
Before work started, kaumatua Tuki Takiwa (Tuwharetoa) and Taku Parai (Ngatitoarangatira) blessed the site and rocks, in the rain. Volunteers joined in this ceremony.
Two groups went with Sascha to select and help load about 30 tons of river boulders originating from the Ohau and Ōtaki Rivers. A gang of volunteers are supporting them each weekend day by mixing and wheelbarrowing cement, collecting water, rolling stones and providing food and drink.
Many, many thanks to you all. We will assemble a list of names at the end for the record. Some are there for long hours, others come for a bit but it all helps.
The farm gates are now hung on the totara posts (from the old Odlin’s building in Petone).
If you can help, please come along between 8.30am and 4pm Saturday and Sunday, March 19/20, 26/27 and possibly the 1st weekend in April; wear boots and leather gloves.
Opening Day planning is progressing put Saturday 30th April in your calendars now! The ceremony will start at 9.30 with a karakia at the entrance gates. The farm will be open to the public after the ceremony ends, at about 11.30am, with a procession on to the farm.
We will need helpers for ushering and looking after visitors and guiding them to the walks and places like the Dell. Parking will be offsite until after opening so helpers for car parking will also be needed.
Whareroa Guardians AGM will be held on Thursday April 14th, 7.30pm at St Peter’s Hall, Paekākāariki. The guest speaker will be Rob Stone, new area manager for DOC, to discuss the future of the farm and how the community can be involved.
Working Bees on February 6th some good releasing of Ramaroa plants, and clearing in the Dell took place. Many thanks to Fred & June Rowland, Ian & Penny Redward, Theo Barsanti, Mary Beggs, Julie Lines, Dawn Bush, Peter Kentish, Dave Allen, Grant Wilson and Ann Evans.
Next working bee will be Sunday April 3rd, 9am to noon. Possibly the wall will still be proceeding but others can still come in to release or work in the Dell.
See you on the farm!
