Stand at Waikato Show

Hi Everyone
Firstly my apologies for not adding to our blog site for such a long time.  Working bees have been happening at Waiwkakareke, Barrretts Bush, Maungakawa and the Potting group at Tamahere.  A very successful open afternoon was held at Waiwhakareke with 70 people attending.  Many were from the neighbourhood. We have also had students from the School of Ed helping out as well.
. It has been a full on few days for Tui 2000 and its affiliated groups. We all pulled together in different ways - what with Waiwhakareke planting and using plants from the potting group, being at the Waikato show, helping with setting up the stand and dismantling, dressing up as a tui - thanks Allan, signing the papers for the Ministry for the Environment grant for Waiwhakareke, thanks to Warren and Andrew C for preparing the application and Moira for collecting our new seal. and Katherine H for organising us all for the stand and keeping us supported secretarial wise.
There was an immense amount of networking happening between the groups at the Show and we were all able to help each other and assist the people to get answers to their queries.  I think the only one I couldn't help with was a chap trying to buy house plants.
Last night (Monday 30th)  we also had an event at Te Awamutu as the Friends of Maungakawa were nominated for an Environment award with Trustpower and Waipa District Council.  They missed this year but look out 2013!  It is amazing when you go to an event such as that to see how many diverse groups there are in the community spending hours working for each other.  I think it is time to return that question onto the Census.  Dale and the group have made an enormous difference at the Gudex Reserve - a must visit place.  Plantings and plans are still developing for more work up there and a new DOC walkway is to open soon.  We are not all 'talk-fests' as Nick Smith said of volunteer groups in 1999-2000.
Hope some of you can make it to Arbour Day on 1st June plantings at Waiwhakareke.  You are asked to register with the Hamilton City Council  Parks and Gardens if you are going.   Free buses will be leaving from various points around town.

Guess who - and not a duck!

We will be supporting our submissions made on the current HCC and WRC plans.
Thanks again for all your support,
Lynne