How can I get involved?
- Tell us what you know! If you’ve had a great success, or failure with planting native plants in the Karamu area let us know what went right or wrong. Also let us know of any cultural or heritage features that could be included in the project. Email us or call and tell us on (06) 835 9200.
- Join a Community Group – or start your own - and adopt a section of the Karamu Stream or one of its tributaries to look after.
- Keep an eye out for planting days advertised in your local paper and join in (don’t forget to bring your spade!) Find out when the planting days are scheduled here.
- Help keep the stream and berms clean by picking up rubbish and litter.
- Remember that stormwater drains are only for rain – don’t let any chemicals or other pollutants flow down the road drains or stormwater gutters, etc.
- Help prevent pollution and damage by phoning the Regional Council 24hr hotline 0800-108-838 if you see any pollution in the stream or any livestock in planted areas.
- If you own a property adjacent to the Karamu Stream you could:
- Plant your boundary with natives.
- Use see-through fences to improve your view and linkage with the stream.
- Keep any rubbish or garden waste within your property and off stream berm areas.
- Ensure weeds are controlled within your property to prevent them spreading.
- Let us know if there are weeds needing control on Council land.
For further information on the Karamu Stream Project and how you can get involved email us at Restoration@hbrc.govt.nz or phone on (06) 835 9200.
There are several community and interest groups doing great work in the Karamu catchment. For further information on starting your own group or contacting one of the existing groups email us.
Karamu Enhancement Group (KEG)
This group has recently been initiated to work with Council on implementation of the Karamu Project. This group is run by members of the Havelock and Hastings communities and all are welcome to join. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Havelock North Community Centre starting at 5.00pm. Please come along if you are interested in joining the group or being involved in planting and looking after the Karamu Stream. Please contact the Hawke's Bay Regional Council for contact details. The Karamu Enhancement Group works closely with SCHNEHG.
Saint Columba's Havelock North Environmental House Group (SCHNEHG)
The Saint Columba’s Havelock North Environmental House Group have enhanced a section of the true right bank of the Karamu Stream between the Havelock Road Bridge and Crosses Road Bridge. This section (Park's Reach) is just over a 1 km long and forms the Karamu Stream Walkway Heritage Trail.
“In 1997, following an example set by Henry Person, the Saint Columba's Havelock North Environmental House Group initiated a restoration project to mark the new millennium. Hawke's Bay Regional Council cleared the vegetative tangle and clogged waterway, reformed a floodway, and encouraged the Group to restore the sloping sides to a native cover. Over the next 5 years the Group, aided by local schools and an enthusiastic public, planted native species that might once have been in the area. With 'tender loving care' by the Group (in-fill planting, strategic watering, and labelling), together with weed and grass control by the Periodic Detention Centre and mowing services of Hastings District Council, the area has been turned around. It is now a much-loved recreation and re-creation area. It is also known as Parks' Reach after the project instigators, Hetty and Cyril Park.” (Source: Hastings District Heritage Trail Society Inc 2003).
Karituwhenua Stream Landcare Group
The Karituwhenua Stream Landcare Group was formed in 1992 and was the first urban Landcare group in New Zealand. The group has enhanced a section of the Karituwhenua Stream from Te Mata Road through to the Havelock North urban boundary just south of Fulford Place.The group’s initial efforts focused on reducing erosion, but in 1996 it decided to do planting of mainly native trees and shrubs and create walking tracks with the objectives of encouraging bird life and making a pleasant place to visit.
About 100 families have donated money or time to buy and plant trees or to assist in clearing away rubbish, control blackberry, old man’s beard, periwinkle etc. A core of volunteers helps maintain the reserve and make improvements. The group has also received assistance from Forest and Bird, Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. (Source: Karituwhenua Stream Landcare Group Walkway Pamphlet).
Operation Patiki
This group has recently been formed to progress enhancement of the Karamu Stream around Whakatu and Kohupatiki Marae. The group is run by members of the local community who are keen to see the Stream returned to health, including a return of patiki (flounder) to the stream. If you are interested in joining the group or being involved in planting and looking after the Karamu Stream, please contact the Hawke's Bay Regional Council for contact details.
If you know of another stream care group doing great work looking after part of the Karamu or one of its tributaries and would like them mentioned on this page, please send their details to Restoration@hbrc.govt.nz.