Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, June 21, 2024
Hamilton’s Mangakotukutuku Gully is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in native wildlife, thanks to the relentless efforts of a committed group of volunteers. Reports of rare native bird sightings, including the kererū and korimako (bellbirds), are providing a clear testament to their hard work.
Exciting Sightings Highlight Restoration Success
In recent weeks, multiple sightings of native birds have been documented in the gully. Among these were the majestic kererū and several sightings of up to three korimako. Hamilton City Council’s Community Restoration Advisor, Aimee Nooyen, emphasised the significance of these sightings and highlighted the crucial role volunteer groups play in ecological restoration efforts across Hamilton.
“With National Volunteer Week being celebrated this week, it is wonderful to spotlight the impactful work of our volunteers, especially here in Hamilton,” said Ms Nooyen.
“The sightings of kererū and bellbirds in Mangakotukutuku are thrilling for the volunteers who have been diligently planting and cleaning up the gully. Their dedication, along with the support of local residents, is truly commendable. This work has been ongoing for many years, and it’s heartening to see such positive outcomes.”
Emily Chan, a local resident, shared her observations of the volunteers’ work. “I have seen these volunteers in action countless times,” she said. “They are out there rain or shine, planting native plants, picking up rubbish, and doing whatever it takes to make the gully a beautiful and thriving habitat. Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring.”
Community Efforts and Future Prospects
The Mangakotukutuku Gully, stretching through the Glenview and Melville areas, is one of Kirikiriroa’s six major gully systems. As part of the Nature in the City programme, substantial efforts in predator control have been focused on this gully to protect native species, including long tailed bats and birds. These efforts are now bearing fruit with the recent encouraging sightings.
Last year, two bellbirds were spotted in the same area, sparking hopes that these birds might establish a breeding population in the gully. “It is very likely that the bellbirds we saw last year have remained in Mangakotukutuku Gully, potentially leading to a sustainable population here,” Ms Nooyen explained.
The Mangakotukutuku Gully volunteers, a group that formed two years ago, have taken over the restoration work initially started by a streamcare group active since 2006. These volunteers meet monthly for planting, weeding, and rubbish clean ups, sometimes attracting up to 40 community members.
Local schools, including Glenview Primary School, St Pius Primary School, and Mangakotukutuku College, also participate in the gully’s restoration through the Hamilton Council’s Kids in Nature programme.
“The local community’s involvement in restoring Mangakotukutuku Gully is inspiring and ensures a promising future for the area. We anticipate more native birds will soon call this gully their home,” Ms Nooyen stated.
Last year, volunteers dedicated an impressive 12,000 hours to restoring Hamilton’s gullies and natural areas as part of the Nature in the City programme. So far this year, approximately 8,800 hours have been contributed, underscoring the community’s unwavering commitment to preserving and enhancing their natural environment.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
