Rotary New Zealand successfully applied for funding via Te Uru Rākau — New Zealand Forest Service.
The funding was given to Kāpiti Rotary which enabled Groundtruth and the Whareroa Guardians to get stuck into some major planting.
Some of the species included mānuka, kānuka, lemonwood, five fingers and flax.
Kāpiti Rotary president Vic Hewson said planting was a good example of the reach of Rotary.
“I’m really chuffed that our international Rotary has provided money for this, but the most important thing is to have people in our community who have a passion for doing this sort of stuff.
“They are the people who deserve the credit.”
Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow thanked Rotary and Whareroa Guardians.
“It has been incredible to see Whareroa Farm change and grow over the years.
“There’s a huge amount of work that goes on here.”
She also acknowledged the efforts of people like Leon Kiel, Jenny Rowan, Carol Reihana, and others “who worked hard to keep it [Whareroa Farm] in community ownership for everyone to enjoy”.
“Without that determination, we wouldn’t have any of this here today.”
Groundtruth’s Peter Handford praised the Guardians, noting their continued work “wasn’t a minor task”.
“They do incredibly well in terms of what they’ve done and achieved.”
