Couple happy to struggle through native bush

Kotemaori farmers Ross and Margaret Haliburton couldn't be happier when they struggle to make their way through native bush on their farm.
What was bare ground 10 years ago is now dense undergrowth where they can pause to listen to tui, bellbird, kereru and grey warbler.
The Haliburtons have planted around 500 native plants each year to revegetate a 20ha area around an existing 19ha of native bush.
They get enormous satisfaction from seeing the change to the bush since refencing it in 1988 after Cyclone Bola to keep stock out.
Last night they received the Norsewear Conservation Award for 2005.
The Friends of Woodville Cemetery also won for their work on the long-neglected Woodville Gorge cemetery.
They appreciate the aesthetic value of the bush and relish the challenge of revegetating such a large area.
"The fact that we are able to save that remnant (of native bush), the personal satisfaction is amazing," Mr Haliburton said.
Discovering new species making the bush their home was another highlight.
But they are far from finished.
Mrs Haliburton has started growing pingao and will work with local people and the Department of Conservation to re-establish pingao at Mohaka.