Get involved in September

Ōhope Spit Care Group and Halo Whakatāne planting day.

For anyone who has not yet planted a tree this winter there is still an opportunity. Either in your own backyard or with the Ōhope Spit Care Group and Halo Whakatāne who are hosting a planting day on 6 September 2025, for Conservation Week.

Wild rabbits present a significant challenge in sensitive environments such as the Ōhope Spit due to their rapid reproduction rates and extensive consumption of vegetation. At a national level, it is estimated that only little more than 10 per cent of the original extent of sand dunes remain.

Ohope Spit dunes blowout. Image: BOPRC

Last year's control operation successfully brought the population of then about 500 down to around 50 rabbits, significantly decreasing browsing pressure on young plants. However, rabbit numbers literally bounced back by the rabbits doing what they are best known for. In mid-August 2025 the Ōhope Spit Environmental Programme completed another broadcast pindone application (involving three rounds) which came of the back of last years' successful programme. As a result, this year's rabbit population has been estimated to have dropped from 100 to 20.

Since September 2023, over 2,500 native seedlings have been planted to help improve a backdune forest which is a nationally rare ecosystem. This August 19 students and 10 adults planted 1,000 plants and a further 1,500 plants are ready to go in the ground in September.

The planting day is scheduled for Saturday, 6 September 2025, 9:30am - 1:00pm, at Ōhope Spit (end of Harbour Rd, past the Golf Course). Please bring sturdy shoes or gumboots, gardening gloves, water and sunhat & sunscreen. Plants, spades and a sausage sizzle to refuel afterwards are provided.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to planting, this is a fun, hands-on way to connect with the whenua, give back to nature, and be a part of Conservation Week 2025. Please RSVP to bridget@halowhakatane.org.nz (or via DM) so the organisers know how many people to expect. Or check out the event on the HALO Facebook page.

Another thousand plants in the ground. Image: BOPRC

Steep Slope Solutions - September event

Landowners in the Waiōtahe Water Care and Ōhiwa Nukuhou Catchment Groups

are keen to keep abreast of best practice advice for farming and managing the

landscapes of the Waiotahe and Nukuhou hill country. Landowners

from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty are invited to join the catchment groups for a steep slopes solutions-focused event. Representatives of leading agencies will share their advice on managing 30-40 degree slopes, ranging from retiring land to

environmentally sustainable options to continue farming.

The date is tentatively set for the second week of September. Please contact the Bay of Plenty Catchments Groups Coordinator (NZ Landcare Trust/Ngā Matapopore Whenua) Frances van Alphen at frances.vanalphen@landcare.org.nz for more information or to register for the event.

A common sight. Steep hill country here at the eastern Ōhiwa Harbour