Community planting day at Lawrence Oliver Park set for July 19

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is inviting residents to participate in a community planting day at Lawrence Oliver Park on Saturday, July 19, to help establish a thriving wetland. More than 2,000 native plants are ready to go in the ground as part of an important restoration project.

The restoration project, at the southern end of the reserve, will see 2,775 square metres of the park transformed into a treatment wetland to improve water quality, support wildlife, reduce flooding, and add to the park's recreational and cultural value. Located adjacent to the pā site Te Aore, which was a camp for forces during battle at Te Tumu, the area has unique cultural values with mana whenua providing guidance to ensure those values are acknowledged and upheld. The project is a joint initiative between the council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway Society. The planting day starts at 10am at the northern end of Lawrence Oliver Park, with helpers encouraged to bring spades and gloves.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.