Community Effort Boosts Wetland Restoration at Lawrence Oliver Park

More than 25 volunteers and staff came together on Saturday for a planting day at Lawrence Oliver Park, adding 2,400 plants to the 3,000 already established in a 2.7-hectare treatment wetland project. The wetland is being developed to improve water quality, support wildlife, reduce flooding, and enhance the park's recreational and cultural value.

A variety of native plants were installed, including sedges, kahikatea, cabbage trees, and flax. The project is a joint initiative between Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The land was previously leased for livestock grazing and has unique cultural values as it sits adjacent to the pā site Te Aore, a historic battle site at Te Tumu. Local tangata whenua have contributed to the wetland's establishment, along with support from TECT and Fonterra.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.