The Manawatawa Native Restoration Project aims to restore approximately 25 hectares of hill country on the Hokianga Harbour in Motukaraka, Northland. The project benefits from significant voluntary community input and, in turn, supports a local tree nursery as well as whanau nurseries.
While the planted trees are thriving and native regeneration is impressive, the terrain is steep in parts and susceptible to weed infestation.
The Jenkins Foundation responded to a funding request to support an ongoing weed control programme. The members visited the project site in March 2023. Subsequently, The Jenkins Foundation offered funding of $10,000 per year for three years, subject to annual review based on demonstrated effective use of funds and several conditions. The funding was intended to focus on weed control work, provide 400 hours of employment, and facilitate engagement with the local school and community.
Image of Te Kura Taumata o Panguru: Planting day.
Image of weed control kaimahi.
Image of area prepped for waste water dripper field.
Progress since 2023:
1. Completed 800 hours of weed control work.
2. Enrolled weed control workforce in a rural skills training programme.
3. Secured additional funding:
WWF: $12,500 (2024)
Department of Internal Affairs: $15,000 each for 2025 and 2026
Trust resources: $10,000 set aside for the project
Northland Regional Council: Estimated $5,000 for equipment and chemicals
4. Prepared 4,300 m² site for dripper lines and planting.
5. Maintained ongoing engagement with Te Kura Taumata o Panguru.
6. Continued collaboration with local volunteers and nurseries.
Image of aerial spray of pampas to allow native trees to come through.
Image of Manuka trees planted in 2021, now standing 2.4m tall in 2024.