Bushy Point 25th Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday 18th October 2025, the Otatara Landcare Group celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Group and its flagship project the Bushy Point Restoration Project.

The spring weather provided its challenges for organisation but we managed to fit the planting and tree releasing morning between days of southerly winds, rain and hail. The planting morning itself was amazingly beautiful. However, as a contingency we had organised the BBQ to be in the Education Centre at the Rances Southland Community Nursery, just a short walk through from the Bushy Point project.

The Friday before, all the plants and combi-guards had been put out on site from the Southland Community Nursery by volunteers of the Landcare Group and the Nursery. The BBQ, supplied by GWD Russel was brought to the Nursery and the portaloo delivered to the planting site by ICC. The Otatara School had also come that day to plant 100 kahikatea and pokaka plants under Bronwyn’s supervision. These plants were put into gaps within the shelter of the established plantings near the pond.

The new entrance interpretation sign was put in place that week by Creation Signs. The Entrance sign has been redesigned by Helen Stewart and Cathy MacFie to reflect the 25 year journey, recognise Barry Smiths contribution and show some stunning “before” and “after” drone photos by Jason Hosking.

On the Planting Day, Chris and Cathy met over 60 people at the gate, Geoff Dembo gave an introduction (Chair Richard had broken his leg the week before!) and Barry Smith gave the H&S talk and the plan for the day. Then we were off - planting, tree releasing, starting up the monster bbq (womened by Linda Jackson, Cathy MacFie and Sally Duston) and in quick time it was done followed by a walk over to the pond – renamed “Barrys Pond” in recognition of the work Barry Smith has done over the 25 years. Brian gave a talk on the restoration and Barry a demonstration of how the mulcher mower cuts through the gorse between the plants in the “plantation” area. They also recognised the Laidlaw family who had come for the day, at the Barrys Pond sign and seat for Maymee and Kevin Laidlaw - our All Black Legend from the 2011 Living Legends Project.

The BBQ was cranking, eventually, and sausages were ready when we all walked through to the Nursery. John McCarroll from DOC gave a short speech acknowledging the Landcare Group and the 25 year project and Brian acknowledged funders, in particular Environment Southland’s EEF Fund and support. Then the cakes – beautifully decorated by Linda (OLG) and Dani (DOC) were cut by the “originals” – the five members of the committee who have been there since the beginning – Barry Smith, Lloyd Esler, Cathy MacFie, Brian and Chris Rance.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it a very memorable occasion and to Barry for the lions share of the organising.

Chris Rance