News & Events

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

It’s the 25th Birthday for the Otatara Landcare Group and Bushy Point this year and we will be celebrating this milestone on Saturday 18th October 2025. There will be planting, tree releasing and a bbq and much more. Details Below:

Where: Entrance off No: 5 Bryson Road (Estuary end)

When: Arrive 9.45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start

FREE BBQ from 12 noon

500 plants are ready and waiting

Tree Releasing and maintenance

Celebrating those who have made a difference

Give us a hand to grow Bushy Point’s forest-in-the-making!

What we need you to bring:

• Gardening gloves
• Spade (narrow ones are best to dig planting holes)
• Appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions
• Drink Bottle
• Attitude!!

The Winter Otatara Pigeon Post 2025 is here - Celebrating 25 Years of the Otatara Landcare Group

Otatara Landcare Group and Jesse Bythell, our QEII Regional Rep will welcome all pullers of Chilean Flame Creeper to Bowman Bush on Monday 27 January 25.

Help us reduce this colourful weed from one of Otatara’s treasured reserves.

Where – Bowman Bush - meet at entrance off Spence Avenue

When - Monday 27 January 2025 – 6.30-8pm

What – hand pulling Chilean flame creeper

Suitable for all ages and fitnesses, bring gloves and wear gumboots or good shoes, a coat or warm clothing if necessary.

EXCEPTIONAL grass growth this year is putting real pressure on many of the young trees (from Tree Planting Day September 2023) which now urgently need releasing from encroaching grass and fresh seed etc if they are to survive and prosper.

So Otatara Landcare Group is organising tree releasing sessions at Bushy Point each Wednesday from 15 January, earlier than usual, through February, and possibly extending into March, from 6.30-
7.30pm, weather permitting.

There will also be a working bee from 2 – 4pm on Saturday 1 February. Various methods can be used to release the trees and suppress competing grass etc growth, as will be demonstrated at the time. If you can help, please meet at the lookout seat, accessed from the Bryson Rd entrance to Bushy Point. Kids can help too, finding and marking the seedlings hidden in the tall grass!

If possible, please bring:
Ø shoes or gumboots suitable for working in long grass
Ø gardening gloves
Ø clothing suitable for the expected weather conditions
Ø a face mask if you are allergic to dust or grass seeds
Ø safety (or other) glasses to protect eyes when weeding amid tall grass
Ø secateurs and/or a small pruning saw for working in bracken/lupins
Ø ideally, a pair of sharp garden shears suitable for cutting grass
Ø something to drink, especially in hot conditions.

Please contact Douglas Black on 022 104 8661 for more information or to find out where we are working on the night.