Rationale and Te Kākano take on the Wetlands

The Autumn sunshine in Otago was turned up to ‘High’ for the Southern team that got out for a day of hands-on maintenance and planting at the Glendhu Wetlands (DOC) in Wānaka . Our mission was to soak up all the information on offer about the habitat challenges and learn some clever plant propagation and cultivation techniques to practice in real time. Think proper ‘hands-on participation at the ground level’ from our team – digging dirt, weeding, planting and protecting native plants.

Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust is a Wānaka community-based native plant nursery that specialises in propagating plants of local origin (Upper Clutha region) and uses these plants for localised native habitat restoration. Their nursery is on the doorstep of Rippon Vineyard, Wānaka . The Wetlands that we worked on are right next door to Glendhu – so soaking up the stunning visual feast of views in the area, became a distracting sideline project.

After a few hours of weeding, maintenance and planting; the team called 'time' for some kai and refreshments. Making our way over to Ruby Island, by SUP board and boat, for a BBQ.

The local wetlands, waterways and natural habitat thrive on restoration efforts from organised groups like Te Kākano, Wai Wānaka and Arrowtown Choppers and the volunteer assistance they can muster.  It’s no lie that the Rationale team love a good project, and an outdoors’ project is one close to our hearts and an easy-sell to get involved with. In our own way - the team volunteering and getting together to weed and plant at the ground level, sends a message of acknowledgement and appreciation to organisations that are committed to habitat restoration, like Te Kākano and the work they do. A cause close to us all.

BACK