Too true! As the days get longer and warmer our attention turns outwards once more – to the garden, the beach, the forest, the community.

POLITICAL PROJECTS

Local Government Elections are held every three years, on Saturday 8th October 2016 you have the opportunity to choose who makes decisions on your behalf.

For Thames-Coromandel District Council elections, the electors vote for the Mayor, the councillor(s) in their Ward and Community Board members in their Community Board area.

In the Thames-Coromandel District, we operate a first-past-the-post electoral system, which means that a local government candidate needs to get the majority of the votes to win a place at the Council or Community Board.

Follow this link to the TCDC website to find out who the candidates are.

Follow this link to find out if you are eligible to vote.

Any burning questions about the elections? Call the Electoral Office, phone 0800 922 822.

BIRDY PROJECTS – The Great Kereru Count 2016

kereru / NZ wood pigeon / kukupa

The Great Kereru Count is an annual citizen science project and the more people who participate, the better the understanding we will get on how kererū are doing across the country. Over a number of years, scientists from Victoria University of Wellington and Lincoln University will use data from the Great Kererū Count and build a more accurate picture of kererū numbers, distribution as well as key kererū behaviors. This will help us understand how best to protect kererū. 

The humble kererū is one of New Zealand’s most valuable assets when it comes to our native forests. Long before humans came to this country, kererū have been undertaking the largest plant restoration project the country has ever seen. Kererū are the only bird left in New Zealand that are able to swallow and disperse the seeds from our largest native trees such as tawa, taraire, pūriri and matai. Kererū can live for 21+ years and are essential for native bush regeneration. Their disappearance would be a disaster for our native forests.

The 2016 count is coming up on the 16th of September, for 10 days let’s note down our beautiful Opoutere kereru and get the population on the map. Follow this link for details and how to get involved.

WEEDY PROJECTS

Keep your eyes peeled for details of a Labour Weekend working bee in the elaeagnus patch behind the Youth Hostel, Chris Woudenberg reports huge progress made at the last working bee in June. Thanks to everyone who came along and thrashed about happily in the forest, especially to the tough types who appear at every single working bee, ehara koe i a ia!

Once finalised details will be emailed, posted on notices and will be updated here on the website.

RUBBISHY PROJECTS

Please note that the Whangamata Refuse Transfer Station has changed its opening hours to reflect the need for earlier opening hours rather than later closing hours on Sundays.

Not sure what you’re allowed to take to the RTS? Follow this link to get all the info you need.