The signing of a Biodiversity Management Plan is seeing the Whakatane Harbour Care Group reach a new milestone in its aim to improve and protect the Eastern Bay harbour.

The Biodiversity Management Plan is signed by the harbour care group along with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Whakatane District Council, Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.

The Whakatane Harbour Care Group aims to improve and protect the Eastern Bay harbour.

It sets the work programme for the next five years, formalises the relationships between the organisations and outlines priorities and responsibilities for the groups, says Gaye Payze, of Whakatane Harbour Care, who is pleased with the signing.

The harbour – from the Landing Road Bridge to the Heads on both sides of the river – is recognised as containing ‘high value ecological sites' under the Regional Coastal Environment Plan and Proposed Whakatane District Plan and is funded under the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Biodiversity Programme.

'Our group has been around for a number of years now and we have made some great progress improving the harbour and restoring the natural ecosystem,' says Gaye.

'This document marks a significant milestone for us and formalises and recognises the work we do and allows our different organisations to work together even more effectively.”

The group – made up of dedicated volunteers who work to protect and enhance the salt marshes and other natural habitats that are home to the 56 species of birds found in Whakatane Harbour – is extending itself even further this year and is always looking for more volunteers to get involved.

'Working alongside Apanui Salt Marsh Care Group, we have focused on the Salt Marshes where we have extensive predator and weed control works underway.

'By controlling weeds, we are allowing the natural regeneration of native plants and we are re-planting in some areas as well,” says Gaye.

'It is great to see the difference our work has already made and to look forward to all the great things we can do next.

'We have a working bee each month, usually on the third Saturday, although our next working bee will be on March 22. We'd love any willing volunteers to come along and get involved in keeping our local area beautiful.”

If you would like to know more, get in touch with the Whakatane Harbour Care contact person, Gaye Payze on 07 312 3844 or email [email protected]