Get Together for Seaweek 2019 Events

Two Seaweek events organised by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are a good opportunity for people to get together in the coming week to help improve the environment or learn more about the coastal environment.  Information and registration sign ups for the two events are on Facebook:HBRegionalCouncil.

The annual Seaweek Beach Clean-up is usually very popular and will again be at Waitangi Regional Park (Star Compass entry on SH2) on Saturday 2 March.  The event commences at 9 am and finishes with a BBQ for volunteers.  

“Just giving a helping hand for a couple of hours helps divert waste away from the ocean. This year we have the Environment Centre joining us with the invaluable job of sorting the recycling and removing the rubbish,” says Sally Chandler, Community Engagement Coordinator.   

There are many reasons why rubbish and litter end up on Hawke’s Bay beaches - it may have washed up, been left behind by visitors to the beach, been washed down rivers through the stormwater system or illegally dumped.

“Fortunately we continue to see a downward trend in this area, as the amount of rubbish collected last year was down on the previous year.  The enhancement of this area, to include the Star Compass and wetlands, is having a beneficial effect, especially on the level of illegal dumping.”

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s second event for Seaweek is a Walk & Talk around the Ahuriri Estuary on Wednesday 6 March, commencing at 5.30 pm.  Estuaries are valuable habitats along our coastal margins for native and migratory birds, as fish nurseries and for specially adapted plants.  Local bird experts will talk about the epic flights of the Kuaka (Godwit) and other migratory birds that visit this estuary. 

Fleur Lincoln from Napier City Council will also join the walk to provide an update on the Ahuriri Estuary and Coastal Edge Masterplan.  The meeting point for the walk is at the Embankment Road end of the Estuary opposite the Westshore Beach Inn.

For further information on either event please contact Sally Chandler at HBRC on 833 8036 or enviro@hbrc.govt.nz .  Find out about all events taking place throughout Hawke’s Bay, check the Seaweek website for a full list.

Photo: Join in this year - volunteering last year were Theresa Reddington and mokopuna at Waitangi Regional Park.

26 February 2019

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