Bostock NZ challenges others to clean Karamū stream

Bostock New Zealand Karamū Restoration Project manager Lisa Arnold in front of the 1km stretch of Bostock fencing along the Karamū Stream.

Bostock New Zealand owner John Bostock is challenging other growers and landowners along the Karamū Stream to help clean it up.

John, who operates four orchards running along the Karamū stream, says it's time for landowners and community groups to take action and help clean up the stream, so he has started the Bostock New Zealand Karamū Restoration Project.

"We have committed to fencing and voluntary planting almost 1km of the stream. We need to take ownership of different areas of the Karamū stream and work together to restore this beautiful waterway. If we are all paddling in the right direction we can achieve a clean, freshwater stream which we are all proud of.

We need to take ownership of different areas of the Karamū stream and work together to restore this beautiful waterway.

John Bostock.

John is working with Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and is paying for all the fencing costs along the stretch of land owned by the council. HBRC is paying for some of the native plants.

"With our Karamū Restoration Project, we are focusing on planting native species that will shade the stream and lower the water temperature for the habitat. It will also keep stock away," John says.

Bostock New Zealand is planting a variety of natives including kahikatea, tōtara, mānuka, cabbage trees and miro.

"The team is also working to do this sustainably. All the fence posts we are using are recycled from our organic vineyard. We haven't used any chemicals or sprays to prepare the area for planting and we are using hay mulch as fertiliser."

HBRC chair Rex Graham says it's wonderful to see companies like Bostock New Zealand helping to turn the state of the Karamū Stream around.

"It's outstanding to see Hawke's Bay companies and community groups getting in behind us to help clean up our waterways. Restoring the Karamū is doable, but we can't do it alone. It's great to be working in partnership to achieve our goals."

Rex says within the decade he hopes that the entire Karamū Stream will be planted.
The firm has organised its first native planting day along the Karamū Stream on Sunday, June 17.

"Bostock New Zealand staff, families and friends are volunteering to plant the stretch of stream in their own time to show their commitment to making Hawke's Bay a better place," John says. It is also encouraging the public to bring their spades and join the planting fun.