“Weeding for Wildlife: Help Restore Kotukutuku Gully!”

Join the Kotukutuku Gully Weeding Bee and Make a Difference

Nature needs a helping hand, and you can be part of the solution! The Maketū Wetland Society (MOWS), in collaboration with the Kotukutuku Gully group, invites you to a hands-on conservation event to tackle pesky pest plants and restore the beauty of Kotukutuku Gully.

Invasive weeds threaten the delicate balance of native ecosystems, outcompeting indigenous plants and reducing habitat quality for local wildlife. By coming together as a community, we can clear these invaders, support native regeneration, and learn valuable skills in weed management.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Check the Event Here
📍 Location: Bottom of Kotukutuku Gully, Little Waihi Road, Maketū
🕘 Time: Morning session, details in event link

Why Join?

✅ Learn how to identify and control invasive weeds
✅ Contribute to local conservation efforts
✅ Enjoy a fun, active day outdoors with like-minded people
✅ Help protect the biodiversity of Maketū

What to Bring:

• Sturdy covered shoes

• Long-sleeve shirt

• Gloves (if you have them)

• Water bottle

What’s Provided:

✅ Gloves and equipment
✅ Morning tea and refreshments
✅ Expert guidance on weed control

🌿 No experience needed—just enthusiasm and a love for nature! Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or new to environmental restoration, this event is a fantastic way to connect with your local ecosystem and make a real impact.

Get Involved!

📧 Contact: Janie@maketuwetlands.org.nz for more info.

Join us for a rewarding day of weeding, learning, and connecting with nature! Let’s work together to ensure Kotukutuku Gully remains a thriving habitat for native plants and wildlife.

Be Part of the Maketū Ōngātoro Wetland Society’s Mission

The Maketū Ōngātoro Wetland Society (MOWS), established in 2008, began with a small group of villagers aiming to protect the New Zealand dotterel (Charadrius obscurus) colony on Maketū Spit. Over time, MOWS has expanded its mission to conserve, protect, and restore the native biodiversity of coastal and wetland areas surrounding the Maketū and Waihi Estuaries. ​Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society+2Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society+2Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society+2Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society

Our Conservation Focus

Our focal area extends from the lower Kaituna River to the Waihi Estuary Wildlife Management Reserve, encompassing:​Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society

• Maketū Spit – A 3.5 km long, 45-hectare coastal duneland at the Kaituna River mouth, recognized as the most intact coastal dune ecosystem in the Tauranga Ecological District. ​Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society

• Newdick’s Beach & Dotterel Point (Pukehina) – Coastal habitats supporting native wildlife.​

• Te Huauri o Te Kawa Wetland – A high-priority biodiversity site providing vital spawning habitat for inanga and other fish species. ​Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society

• Waihī Wetland – Rich in biodiversity, vital for water quality and habitat restoration.​

Our efforts are continually expanding to new sites and initiatives, reflecting our commitment to ongoing ecological restoration.​

What We Do

• Habitat Restoration – Replanting native vegetation and enhancing ecosystems.​

• Pest Control – Managing invasive animal and plant species to protect native wildlife. Since 2010, we’ve maintained a network of 120 traps, successfully removing over 1,300 pest animals, including 582 rats and 212 mustelids. ​Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society

• Biodiversity Monitoring – Tracking species recovery and ecosystem health.​

• Education & Community Engagement – Running hands-on environmental education programs in local schools, inspiring the next generation of conservationists.